Chinese memory manufacturers are steadily making waves in the HBM (High Bandwidth Memory) segment, with another domestic company recently kicking off trial production of the HBM2 process.
China Making Big Strides in HBM Technology as Multiple Manufacturers Enter the Field
China’s push to lead in artificial intelligence is gaining momentum, fueled by a national focus on developing cutting-edge technology as a matter of national interest. Despite U.S. sanctions under the Biden administration, Chinese tech companies, including Huawei, are forging ahead with their AI innovations, underscoring the nation’s resilience in the face of geopolitical challenges. According to a report from Nikkei, Tongfu Microelectronics, a Chinese firm, has begun trial production of HBM2, marking a significant accomplishment for the local tech sector.
Tongfu isn’t the only player in the game. It’s joined by other companies like CXMT and Wuhan Xinxin, both of which have been making considerable progress in the DRAM and HBM industries recently. Although you might not have heard of Tongfu Microelectronics before, it’s a notable entity, especially since it’s partnered with AMD, with AMD also holding shares in the company.
Besides its role in HBM production, Tongfu ranks as the world’s third-largest provider of semiconductor packaging and testing services. However, venturing into the HBM domain is new territory for them. It seems they might be sourcing the memory and semiconductor components from external providers, then leveraging their own expertise to assemble the HBM2 dies.
Interestingly, Tongfu is rumored to supply Huawei’s AI processors, although it’s unclear if their HBM product has been formally incorporated yet. Even though HBM2 is a couple of generations behind the current global leaders, who are working with HBM4, it represents a significant leap for China. Despite sanctions, the country’s internal development is advancing rapidly. It seems inevitable that China will soon challenge global industry standards, as illustrated by the recent DeepSeek AI incident.
