Samsung's 3nm GAA Process: Innovations

In recent developments, renowned Canadian research institution TechInsights has successfully dismantled the cutting-edge domestic MicroBT mining-specific ASIC produced by Samsung Foundry. The Whatsminer M565++ chip, manufactured using the groundbreaking 3nm GAA process by Samsung, has garnered significant attention due to its unique configuration with logic units but no storage units. This version represents a simplified GAA variant aimed at optimizing Samsung's technological prowess.

For over a year, Samsung has been heralding its 3nm GAA process, confidently positioning itself as a leader ahead of TSMC. Yet, despite this advancement, the technology has yet to find major applications among large-scale clients, including Samsung's own smartphone division. The latest revelation of Samsung's 3nm GAA process brings three key aspects into focus.

Firstly, Samsung's path to full-scale commercial production with the 3nm GAA process continues to be a journey of progress. Secondly, the simplified GAA process has yet to demonstrate the desired yield rates. And thirdly, while the mining sector has shown interest, major tech companies have not yet embraced this technology, resulting in a perceived investment challenge with potentially limited returns.

TechInsights' teardown report reveals a collaborative effort between Samsung and domestic mining equipment manufacturer, MicroBT, resulting in the commercialization of the innovative Whatsminer M56S++ after Samsung's announcement of leading 3nm GAA mass production in June 2022.

The decision not to apply GAA process technology to other chips stems from its complexity and lower yield rates, which make it initially well-suited for mining chips. As these chips do not require memory units, the manufacturing process has been streamlined to enhance overall yield rates.

Samsung previously announced plans to commercialize the first generation of 3nm GAA process technology in the second half of 2022, gaining positive feedback from multiple customers. By March 2023, the GAA process demonstrated stable yield rates, and Samsung had already embarked on the development of its second-generation technology, targeting full-scale production by 2024.

Moreover, Samsung's successful 2nm wafer testing using nano-sheet transistors has shown remarkable progress. The company's semiconductor foundry business division has also achieved significant breakthroughs in high-density integrated memory technology, positioning itself to meet the demands of future generative AI applications.

The unveiling of MicroBT's mining machine ASIC marks a milestone for Samsung's 3nm GAA process. This remarkable chip made its official debut at the Bitcoin 2023 conference, exactly one year after Samsung's initial 3nm GAA mass production. It underscores the significant progress that still lies ahead in achieving large-scale production.

Samsung's showcase of its 3nm GAA capabilities offers reassurance to its competitors, such as TSMC, in the fiercely competitive semiconductor market. Moving forward, the adoption of 2nm technology utilizing transistors by TSMC appears to hold tremendous promise in yield and device efficiency. The company's plan to initiate mass production in 2025 has sparked discussions and interest from major players in the chip industry.