All articles tagged with #samsung foundry
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is expected to feature Snapdragon chips made by Samsung's own foundry using a 2nm process, marking a shift from the usual TSMC manufacturing, which could benefit Samsung's chip production and impact Qualcomm's manufacturing partnerships.
Google is switching from Samsung Foundry to TSMC for the production of its next-generation Tensor G5 chip, which will be used in the Pixel 10 series. The Tensor G5, made using TSMC's 4nm process, is expected to address performance and efficiency issues seen in previous Tensor chips. This move comes after four generations of collaboration with Samsung, whose chips faced overheating and inefficiency problems.
Samsung Foundry is reportedly gaining traction in the semiconductor industry, potentially securing orders for Google's upcoming Tensor G4 chip, thanks to the positive reception of the Galaxy S24 and the Exynos 2400. The new chip for the Pixel 9 series is expected to be manufactured on Samsung Foundry's 4nm process, utilizing FOWLP technology. Despite differences in design, the success of the Galaxy S24, powered by the Exynos 2400, showcases Samsung Foundry's capability to produce high-end mobile chips.
Qualcomm is considering using Samsung Foundry's 2nm process for its future flagship Snapdragon processors, potentially moving away from TSMC. While TSMC currently dominates the semiconductor chip manufacturing segment, Samsung Foundry is aiming to close the gap with its 2nm technology. However, doubts remain about Samsung's ability to produce highly complex chips with a high yield. Intel, Samsung, and TSMC are all targeting mass production of 2nm chips by 2025, but experts suggest that the performance gains from smaller chips may not be as significant as before. Despite concerns about design leaks, Samsung Foundry could benefit from customers' interest in diversifying their supply chain.
Qualcomm and MediaTek are reportedly planning to use TSMC's second-generation 3nm process (N3E) for their flagship chips, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and the Dimensity 9400, instead of Samsung Foundry's 3nm process. TSMC's technology is expected to offer performance and efficiency improvements compared to Samsung's. While TSMC is currently producing 60,000 to 70,000 wafers per month using its 3nm process, Samsung Foundry has yet to secure any major clients for its chip fabrication tech.
Qualcomm has announced that it will utilize both Samsung Foundry and TSMC for the fabrication of its Snapdragon chips. Despite Samsung Foundry's previous setbacks, Qualcomm sees potential in their 3nm and 2nm processes. The decision to work with both foundries is driven by Qualcomm's demand and the need to choose the best process technology for each processor. While TSMC is currently superior up to 4nm, Samsung Foundry's GAA transistor design may give them an edge in 3nm or newer processes. This partnership ensures that Qualcomm can meet the production demands of its various chip clients.
Intel plans to surpass Samsung Foundry and TSMC by 2025 with its 1.8nm semiconductor chips. After struggling with 14nm and 10nm nodes, Intel aims to refocus on improving its processes and is on track to start fabricating 18A chips by 2025. The company is already using its Intel 7 and Intel 4 processes for current chips and plans to introduce Intel 20A and Intel 18A processes in the coming years. However, it remains to be seen if Intel's claims will hold true, as Samsung Foundry and TSMC are also developing their own advanced chip fabrication processes.
Samsung Foundry has unveiled its updated process technology roadmap, revealing that its SF2 (2 nm-class) production node is set for 2025, followed by SF1.4 (1.4 nm-class) in 2027. The SF2 technology is expected to offer higher power efficiency, increased performance, and reduced area compared to the previous SF3 node. Samsung also plans to introduce SF2P for high-performance computing in 2026 and SF2A for automotive applications in 2027. Additionally, the company aims to enhance its radio frequency technologies and expand its manufacturing capacities in South Korea and Texas.
Qualcomm is reportedly considering a dual-sourcing strategy for its future high-end chipsets, starting with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for 2025. TSMC would build the regular version of the SoC using its enhanced N3E 3nm process node, while Samsung Foundry would produce the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy, earmarked for the flagship Galaxy S25 line, using its 3nm process node. This could be a cost-cutting move for Qualcomm, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy chipsets could outperform the regular version due to Samsung's use of Gate All Around (GAA) for its 3nm production.