SK Group artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor fabless Sapeon Korea introduced the next-generation memory semiconductor Compute-in-Memory (CIM) technology trend with enhanced computing functions. CIM is a technology that implements logic and memory semiconductors on a single chip. It is under the spotlight that a technology that can significantly improve data processing performance by loading a spiking neural network (SNN), which serves as the human brain, on a memory semiconductor.
On the 16th, CEO of Sapeon Korea, Soojung Ryu, introduced the direction of next-generation memory semiconductor Compute-in-Memory (CIM) technology at the preview of the world's most prestigious conference in the semiconductor field,’ ISSCC 2023', held at Pangyo Innovalley.
CIM is a next-generation semiconductor that combines a memory and a logic (system) semiconductor that is responsible for calculation. It is a product that will implement a new ICT era centered on domestic memory and logic semiconductor companies in information and communication technology (ICT) devices such as AI and machine learning (ML).
Sapeon revealed neuromorphic semiconductor technology for cooperation between domestic memory companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Neuromorphic means artificial brain. In 2020, Sapeon commercialized the AI semiconductor 'Sapeon X220' that applies to the logic that will be responsible for calculation.
Sapeon X220 operates 1.5 times faster and uses less power by 80% compared to its competitor, Nvidia. SK Hynix developed the next-generation semiconductor 'GDDR6-AiM (Accelerator in Memory)' by combining X220 with graphic memory.
CEO Ryu suggested SNN and convolutional neural network (CNN) technologies as neuromorphic technologies that will significantly improve memory operation processing performance. SNN is a technology that creates spikes, which resembles electrical signals, and transmits the signals to the opposite side. This reduces power consumption compared to existing neuromorphic technologies. SNN performs information processing when a signal is expressed.
CEO Ryu said, “Even though AI semiconductors combined with memory can improve the bottleneck effect of data processing, we focus on CIM memory technology that can process large amounts of data. SNN and CNN technologies should be continuously researched in Korea.”
CEO Ryu explained that Korea, as a memory powerhouse, should take the initiative in semiconductor technology by grafting logic-related technology onto existing memory. This suggested that cooperation with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix should be enhanced, and CIM memory development needs be carried out in Korea in response to the AI semiconductor market.
CEO Ryu said, “Sapeon developed AI semiconductor source technology with 100% in-house technology. We need to enhance our targeting of the data center inference service, which is the largest in AI semiconductors, and the self-driving semiconductor market.”
By Staff Reporter Jiwoong Kim (jw0316@etnews.com)