SK Hynix Unveils Next-Gen PB-Class SSDs for AI Applications

Highlights:

• SK Hynix is developing new PB-class SSDs optimized for AI workloads.
• The AIN product line features three series focusing on performance, bandwidth, and density.
• The AIN D series aims to increase storage capacity up to PB levels, significantly surpassing current SSD capabilities.

As the demand for artificial intelligence continues to rise, the need for advanced memory technologies is becoming increasingly critical. High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) and large-capacity SSDs are essential components in this evolution. In response, SK Hynix has announced its plans to develop cutting-edge PB-class SSDs designed to meet the growing requirements of AI applications.

The Future of NAND Technology

During the recent OCP 2025 conference, Chun Sung Kim, head of eSSD product development at SK Hynix, outlined the company’s ambitious strategy for next-generation NAND technologies. This includes the launch of a new product line known as the AIN (AI-NAND) series, tailored specifically for the evolving demands of the AI era.

The AIN Product Series

The AIN series will consist of multiple offerings, each distinctly optimized to enhance performance, bandwidth, and storage density:

• AIN P Series: This series is primarily focused on maximizing performance, bridging the operational gap between storage and AI processing. By doing so, it significantly improves speed and energy efficiency.
• AIN B Series: The focus here is on high bandwidth. Leveraging advanced HBF technology, SK Hynix aims to stack multiple flash memory components vertically, thereby increasing overall bandwidth capabilities.
• AIN D Series: Aiming for maximum storage density, this series targets increased capacity at reduced costs and energy consumption. The goal is to elevate QLC flash memory SSD capacities from terabytes (TB) to petabytes (PB).

Revolutionizing SSD Capacity

The AIN D series is particularly noteworthy for consumers and businesses alike. With planned capacities exceeding 1000TB—over 1000 times greater than current SSD offerings—this innovation sets the stage for groundbreaking possibilities in data storage. Users can expect to face no concerns regarding insufficient SSD space, while the endurance of such large capacities promises longevity, even under heavy write operations.

Conclusion: A Leap Forward in Memory Technology

As SK Hynix prepares to release samples of its new flash memory and main control technology by the end of 2026, the industry eagerly anticipates how these innovations will reshape data storage solutions for AI and beyond. With the AIN series, especially the PB-class capacities of the AIN D series, SK Hynix is poised to revolutionize memory technology, offering scalable solutions that not only meet the current demands of AI but also pave the way for future advancements.