The 2nm GAA process was recently reported to have achieved yields of 50 percent, indicating that while there is room for improvement, Samsung can reach a stage where it can be in the same conversation as TSMC. As the latter faces production problems, the opportunity for the Korean foundry is ripe for the taking, as the latest report states that Samsung is eyeing a 130 percent bump in 2nm GAA orders. Tesla is already a notable customer for this technology, with the EV manufacturer previously said to have signed a $16.5 billion deal.
Analysts predict that Samsung’s precise 130 percent figure increase for 2nm GAA chip orders is a ‘sign of confidence in securing customer support’
While the key to success for the 2nm GAA process continues to be healthy yields and stable mass production, DigiTimes reports that Samsung is making an aggressive move to secure orders for its next-generation lithography. With the Exynos 2600 already proving that yields are somewhat stabilized, the report states that Samsung is now focused on AI chips. South Korean analysts have interpreted the exact 130 percent figure from the company as a sign of confidence in locking in customers.
Another sign is the firm’s Taylor plant located in the U.S., which was originally designed for 4nm production. However, Samsung likely wants to chip away at TSMC’s market share while appeasing the Trump administration by bringing its latest and greatest technology to local shores, which is why the company has been reported to focus on 2nm GAA production at this facility. Test operations of EUV equipment are scheduled to start in March this year, indicating that Samsung is moving at a lightning pace to establish its 2nm footprint.
Interestingly, while the report has mentioned ‘major customers,’ the likes of Qualcomm weren’t mentioned even a single time. Many clients are viewing Samsung as a viable alternative to TSMC, so it is surprising that Samsung’s potential alliance with the San Diego chipset manufacturer was not brought up once. Then again, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 are rumored to exclusively leverage TSMC’s 2nm N2P node this year, indicating that both companies have yet to enter talks.
News Source: DigiTimes
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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