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Photo = Yonhap news |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun, Kim Young Taek & Kim Joonhyun] Samsung Electronics has reportedly achieved high scores in its backend audit for HBM3E (5th generation high-bandwidth memory), making it highly likely to pass Nvidia’s quality qualification (QA) as early as late May to early June, industry sources revealed on the 17th.
A semiconductor industry insider told Alpha Economy, “Samsung’s DS division recently received high marks in its backend audit for HBM after design modifications.”
The source further noted, “Samsung is simultaneously conducting qualification tests with multiple suppliers, including Nvidia, and the final qualification approval is expected between late May and early June.”
This progress marks a significant step forward for Samsung in the AI-driven high-performance memory market, as it competes with SK Hynix and Micron to supply HBM3E chips for next-generation AI accelerators. If successfully qualified, Samsung could begin mass production and shipments in the second half of the year.
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Photo = Yonhap news |
Nvidia conducted an on-site audit of Samsung Electronics' Pyeongtaek campus in late September last year to assess its HBM (High Bandwidth Memory) production capabilities.
At the time, Samsung's HBM3E 8-layer and 12-layer products were expected to pass quality (QA) tests, but the process was delayed due to power inefficiencies.
However, recent reports suggest that Vice Chairman Jun Young-hyun personally visited Nvidia’s headquarters to present improved HBM3E products and hold high-level discussions.
During a recent earnings call, Samsung acknowledged delays in HBM3E commercialization but confirmed that it had completed a crucial stage in the qualification process with key clients, making “significant progress.”
Industry experts now expect Samsung to confirm mass production of HBM3E within the first half of this year, with the company targeting QA approval from major customers in Q2 2024.
Following the news that Samsung is nearing HBM supply approval for Nvidia, its stock price has shown an upward trend, reflecting investor optimism about its growing foothold in the AI-driven semiconductor market.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
