SK Hynix and NVIDIA Collaborate on Revolutionary AI NAND Solutions
Summary
- SK Hynix partners with NVIDIA to develop next-generation AI NAND solutions aimed at enhancing AI computing and storage.
- The initial samples are projected to be released by late 2026, boasting performance improvements of up to 10 times current standards.
- New product line “AIN Family” targets optimized performance, bandwidth, and capacity for diverse data center and edge computing needs.
In a significant advancement for artificial intelligence technology, SK Hynix has forged an in-depth partnership with NVIDIA to co-develop next-generation AI NAND solutions. This collaboration seeks to address long-standing challenges in the integration of AI computing and memory storage.
The first samples of this groundbreaking technology are anticipated to launch by the end of 2026, promising a performance boost nearly ten times greater than available products today. This innovation was highlighted at the recent “2025 Artificial Intelligence Semiconductor Future Technology Conference (AISFC)” by SK Hynix Vice President Kim Cheon-seong, emphasizing the company’s commitment to creating high-value AI memory solutions tailored to the unique requirements of data centers and edge computing scenarios.
At the heart of these developments is the “AIN Family,” a new product line consisting of three distinct NAND solutions designed to optimize performance metrics across various applications. These solutions cater specifically to performance (AI-NP), bandwidth (AI-NB), and capacity (AI-ND), ensuring tailored functionality for diverse needs.
The **AI-NP** solution stands out as a vital offering for large-scale AI inference environments. It aims to eliminate data bottlenecks between AI computing and storage through an innovative NAND and controller architecture, facilitating significant improvements in processing speed and energy efficiency. Kim Cheon-seong noted that this collaboration with NVIDIA is accelerating the proof-of-concept process for AI-NP, with an expected launch of a version utilizing the PCIe Gen 6 interface by the end of 2026. This solution is poised to achieve an impressive 25 million IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second).
Currently, the leading enterprise-class SSDs in data centers reach around 3 million IOPS. Consequently, the initial iterations of AI-NP technology will exhibit performance levels that are 8 to 10 times superior to existing offerings. Furthermore, by late 2027, SK Hynix plans to initiate mass production of a second-generation AI-NP product designed to support 100 million IOPS, projecting a performance surplus of over 30 times compared to current enterprise SSDs.
In addition to the AI-NP, SK Hynix is also making strides in optimizing the **AI-NB** products. This includes the development of a High Bandwidth Flash (HBF), a solution inspired by High Bandwidth Memory (HBM). Unlike HBM, which is constructed by stacking DRAM, the HBF is an innovative approach that involves stacking NAND flash memory, further enhancing storage potential and efficiency for AI applications.
Implications for the Future of AI Technology
The collaboration between SK Hynix and NVIDIA represents a pivotal development in the realm of AI technology. By proactively addressing existing limitations in computing and storage, these advancements in NAND technology may set a new standard for efficiency and performance in data-center environments and edge computing applications.
As the demand for AI-driven solutions continues to surge, the introduction of high-performing NAND solutions could reshape the landscape of data management and processing. This partnership not only aims to deliver immediate enhancements but also sets the stage for a future where AI applications can thrive unencumbered by the constraints of existing technologies.
Looking ahead, stakeholders in the tech industry should closely monitor the developments arising from this collaboration, as the implications of these advancements could extend far beyond traditional data storage solutions. The evolution of AI-NAND technology stands to influence various sectors, ultimately paving the way for more efficient and powerful AI innovations.
