Memory is an important classification of semiconductors. The global market share of semiconductor memory will reach $155.458 billion in 2022, accounting for 25.34% of the global semiconductor market. The total demand for global data storage in 2019 will increase from 41ZB in 2019 to 175ZB in 2025, with a growth rate exceeding four times during this period.

Memory is the most widely used in 3C (computer, communication, consumer electronics) products and can be divided into five major markets.

Firstly, the Internet of Things. In recent years, there has been a great demand for small capacity storage in the Internet of Things. In addition to IoT MCUs, with the rise of the wearable market, Bluetooth earphones and smart bracelets/watches need to store data, which has promoted the development of NOR Flash and NAND FLASH for data storage.

Secondly, big data centers. Big data centers will use large capacity storage to store large amounts of data

Thirdly, automotive electronics. The vehicle dashboard, ADAS, charging station, and V2X require small capacity storage devices to store data for systems or components. At present, some storage providers have applied their data in the automotive market, including NorFlash and NAND Flash.

Fourthly, artificial intelligence. Large capacity memory is commonly used in artificial intelligence and can promote the development of advanced memory.

Fifth, 5G base stations. In the field of communication, 5G has a poor working environment and requires all-weather operation. For example, the BBU (baseband processing unit) and AAU (active antenna unit) of 5G base stations both import high-performance and high reliability SLC NAND Flash.

Compared to foreign memory suppliers, such as Samsung, SK Hynix, Micron and other large factories, they all use IDM as a method, which is related to their enterprise evolution. In certain sealing and testing stages, they may choose OEM, but the main production and manufacturing are in their own hands. Due to the relatively short development time of the domestic storage industry, many storage companies are still developing Fabrics at this stage, covering areas such as Zhaoyi Innovation and Dongxin Semiconductor.