One final posting, from Big Blue, adding to the supply side:
A service of Semiconductor Business News, CMP Media Inc.
Story updated 2:15 p.m.EDT/11:15 a.m. PDT, 9/9/98
IBM rolls out 256-Mbit SDRAM
FISHKILL, N.Y.--IBM Corp. here today announced it has shipped its first
samples of 256-Mbit synchronous DRAM devices. The chips use 0.20-micron
process technology, and the die are small enough to use the same packaging as
current generations of 64-Mbit and 128-Mbit memory chips.
"IBM's early shipment of 256-Mbit SDRAMs indicates our ability to supply
leadership DRAM products for customers' high-end memory needs," said Kevin
Carswell, director of memory products development. "Our plan to qualify and to
ramp production of this part in at least two sites during the next six months also
confirms our ability to support the volume requirements of our customers."
IBM's move to launch a high-density memory product comes at a time when the
DRAM industry is facing a potential supplier shakeout, especially in the
lower-density segments. Several companies have announced in recent months
that they will be scaling back, or eliminating, their production of 16-Mbit memory
chips in order to focus on the higher-profit 64-Mbit versions.
IBM is aiming this product at the server and workstation market, and the line will
eventually include a double-data-rate (DDR) SDRAM product. The first
256-Mbit chips are scheduled for volume production early next year, at the same
time the company ramps production for its line of 0.20-micron 64-Mbit devices. |
