| DRAM
With its large DRAM wafer production capacity, ceaseless technological
innovation, and pursuit of the highest in quality, Hynix is now leading
industry efforts to develop and manufacture DDR, Rambus and ultra-high
speed DRAM. Steady R&D investment and leading technology has given
Hynix a head start in the development of these high-speed memory
semiconductors, which are poised to challenge Giga and Tera bit memory
semiconductors, the so-called "dream semiconductors".
Hynix is one of the leaders in developing ADT (Advanced DRAM
Technology), the next generation in DRAM technology. Currently, Hynix
offers a full range of products from 4M to 512M sync, EDO to DDR and
Rambus, and from memory modules for Desktop PCs to low-power/miniaturized
memory products for digital consumers. Hynix also offers memory modules
for high-end servers. Through its global manufacturing network Hynix is
securing a position as a well-respected DRAM supplier to customers
worldwide.
Hynix's strategy of advanced entry into the DDR market means that it
now boasts the highest market share in the graphic area present. It was
the first to develop the 512M DDR for mass production, and it also has
received recognition for the excellent standard of its DDR product from
major DDR chipset suppliers. However the Company is never satisfied or
complacent about its position. Hynix will continue to develop new products
and new technologies required in the 21st century.
SRAM
Following the development and full-scale marketing of a product line-up
of 1.8V-3V SRAM from 1M to 8M targeting Mobile Phone applications, the
Hynix's SRAM business went from achieving a 200% growth rate in 1999, to
achieving more than 300% growth rate in the year 2000. As a result, SRAM
revenue improvement made up 7% of total semiconductor revenue in 2000.
There are a number of key factors behind these successful results.
Adequate investment in R&D, secured a dedicated SRAM dedicated product
on line, rapid growth in the mobile communications market, and stable
demand through long-term supply contracts with major mobile phone
manufacturers resulted in a significant growth in sales.
At present, Hynix offers a full range of SRAMs from 1M to 8M, and
expects to reduce manufacturing costs by migrating from a 0.25um to 0.18um
process. In respond to demands for high-density memory for the next
generation mobile communications technology, the Company is developing
Pseudo SRAM based on DRAM technology, an area where Hynix is taking the
lead. Through continued technological innovation, pursuit of higher
qualification, and concerted cost-reduction efforts Hynix will continue to
satisfy its customers and secure a respected position in the world SRAM
market.
FLASH MEMORY
The Flash memory market has grown dramatically in the past few years as
the number of applications and the usage per application has expanded.
According to industry analysts, the market doubled to more than USD 10
billion during 2000 and the market is expected to show continued growth
for the next several years.
Headquartered in San Jose, California, and with design, technology and
product/test engineering teams in the USA and Korea, Hynix's Flash
Business Unit designs, manufactures and markets Flash memory solutions for
high-volume applications. These applications include cellular phones, DVD
players, personal computers, set-top boxes, Personal Digital
Assistants(PDA), hard disk drives, modems and a variety of
telecommunications and networking equipment. Current product offerings
from Hynix include operating voltage ranges of 4.5-5.5 volts, 2.7-3.6
volts and 1.8-2.2 volts and densities from 2-32M. All products are
compatible with AMD and manufactured at Hynix's world-class DRAM
fabrication facilities in Korea, enabling rapid adjustments in capacity to
meet its customers' volume product needs. Hynix's Flash memory is fully
compliant with the JEDEC Standard for single-supply Flash memory.
Hynix began manufacturing Flash memory in 1999, and sales grew to more
than USD 110 million in 2000. The Company's Flash memory technology
roadmap plans a migration from 0.25um in 2000 to 0.18um in 2001 and 0.13um
in 2002. These developments will help the Company achieve steady, high
revenue growth, cost reduction, and consequently maximum profitability.
Hynix successfully established a foothold in the sector, posting as
high a growth rate as 170% a year in sales. In 2000, the Company focused
on the non-memory business as part of its policy to develop a
well-balanced business portfolio.
Success was a result of concentrating on the Company's core abilities
and foundry, one of its strongest points, as well as on three major
application products (LCD Driver IC, MCU and CMOS Image Sensor). Synergy
effects from merger and integration, timely development of sophisticated
new products, and success in attracting large-scale customers also
contributed to the success. The Company will continue to strengthen its
position as a pure semiconductor business player by building a portfolio
of memory and non-memory products.
SMS(Foundry) Business
Hynix plants to strategically foster the Foundry business and maintain
a high growth rate in the new year by promptly switching over some
memory-producing chip facilities to mass-producing non-memory chips with a
capacity of 8 inch equivalent 82,000 wafers per month. The Company also
seeks higher start volume in the Foundry business through the embedded
memory (DRAM, SRAM, Flash, FeRAM) on a mid-to-long-term basis.
In the New Year, the Company started volume production of 0.25um
foundry products, new core products, having already secured bulk-purchase
customers.
Standard Product Business
In the System IC sector, Hynix expects to enjoy rapid growth by
focusing on increased profitability and added value for three major
strategic items (LCD Driver IC, MCU and CMOS Image Sensor).
Hynix achieved a 350% increase in 2000 for sales of LCD driver IC
through securing TFT-LCD manufacturers as clients. Hynix expects to become
a leader in this sector through is development of micro color STN LCD
driver ICs for cellular phones. PDA, and DSC, which are expected to show a
continued increase in demand in the future. The Company also plans to
selectively develop several major products including CMOS, RF and digital
media applications, as it anticipates they will become future major
sources of revenue in the era of digital home appliances, information and
telecommunications. |
