Samsung has encountered significant challenges in improving the yields of its cutting-edge 3nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) manufacturing process. The South Korean tech giant initially aimed for a 70 percent yield with its first and second generations of this advanced technology. However, recent reports indicate that the yield has stagnated at a disheartening 20 percent for the revised iteration, especially when compared to TSMC’s recent trial production of its 2nm process, which boasts a competitive yield of 60 percent.
Prospects of a TSMC-Samsung Collaboration
In light of TSMC’s success, discussions surfaced regarding the possibility of TSMC assisting Samsung by taking over some production of the Exynos line. However, sources suggest that those hoping for a shift away from Qualcomm chipsets in future Galaxy S flagships may be disappointed, as no agreement between TSMC and Samsung is forthcoming.
The semiconductor industry buzz reveals that Samsung has been exploring partnerships with various foundries for the production of its Exynos range, seeking to share capabilities across different technologies. Although TSMC’s name was not explicitly mentioned in these discussions, it remains one of the few entities alongside Samsung that possesses the necessary access to cutting-edge semiconductor nodes and manufacturing equipment. Such a partnership could have provided Samsung the leverage to overcome its current yield obstacles, which have led to a loss of key clients, including Qualcomm, which has turned its focus to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2.
Challenges and Risks of Collaboration
However, according to insider reports from @Jukanlosreve on X, TSMC has decided against entering a partnership with Samsung for the mass production of Exynos processors. The reasoning behind TSMC’s rejection appears to be the potential risk of revealing trade secrets that could enable Samsung to enhance its yields and gain a substantial advantage in future semiconductor endeavors.
Future Outlook for Samsung’s Semiconductor Development
Despite the lack of a partnership, it is believed that TSMC would have had no difficulty securing Exynos orders—and could have charged a premium for timely delivery. Now, Samsung must capitalize on its existing technology to elevate its yield rates to more competitive levels. Notably, the company has reportedly begun development on a new System on Chip (SoC) utilizing a 2nm process, referred to as ‘Ulysses.’ Industry observers will be eagerly awaiting updates to gauge Samsung’s progress in the months ahead.
For more detailed insights, read the original source from @Jukanlosreve.
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