Samsung’s Future in the Advanced Foundry Industry Relies on Second-Generation 2nm Process, Insider Claims

Samsung’s transition to its first-generation 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) technology marks a significant milestone, continuing the company’s evolution following its challenges with the 3nm GAA process. The Exynos 2600 System on Chip (SoC) is slated to be the pioneering product mass-produced using this advanced architecture. However, industry experts suggest that while Samsung may overcome initial yield challenges, the true measure of success will hinge upon the performance of its second-generation 2nm process, referred to as SF2P. Currently, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is the only other player poised to initiate bulk wafer production on this new lithographic technology, indicating a thrilling end-of-year scenario for the semiconductor sector.

Excitement Grows as Tesla Integrates Samsung’s SF2P Technology

July marked a turning point for Samsung when the company secured a remarkable $16.5 billion contract with Tesla. This partnership is set to see Samsung provide chips manufactured using the 2nm GAA process, potentially reshaping the landscape of automobile technology. If Samsung can ensure seamless operations, this collaboration may evolve into a substantial long-term relationship.

ZDNet reports that Samsung’s immediate objective centers on mass production of Tesla’s AI6 chip, designed to enhance the next-generation Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, as well as its applications in robotics and data centers. The SF2P process is expected to enter mass production next year, promising a 12% increase in performance and a 25% boost in power efficiency compared to the initial 2nm generation. With the basic design for SF2P already completed, Samsung appears dedicated to positioning its foundry business competitively against TSMC.

Although the latest updates do not provide specific details about yield rates for this second-generation 2nm process, Samsung’s current emphasis needs to remain on stabilizing the first iteration. An unnamed insider highlighted that the prospects of success for SF2P are critical for Samsung’s foundry ambitions, especially as yield levels are still being fine-tuned.

“SF2P is a process that determines the success or failure of Samsung Electronics’ cutting-edge foundry process, and is also closely related to its own mobile AP (application processor), ‘Exynos.’ The yield has not yet stabilized, but through continuous task execution, it will become more sophisticated in earnest in the second half of this year.”

There is substantial optimism around the demand for 2nm wafers, which Samsung believes will sustain for up to four years. This outlook has prompted the company to reportedly embark on the development of a third-generation 2nm process, known as SF2P+, with the ambition of implementing this advanced technology within the next two years.

For more detailed insights, visit ZDNet.

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