Samsung-Tesla: FSD Chips & 4nm Process
Samsung Electronics has secured a prestigious contract with Tesla, the renowned electric vehicle manufacturer, to produce cutting-edge Fully Self-Driving (FSD) chips for their next-generation Level-5 autonomous driving vehicles. This collaboration will mark a significant milestone in the automotive industry, as Tesla's Hardware 5.0 (HW 5.0) onboard computers are expected to incorporate these advanced chips.
The FSD chips will be manufactured using Samsung's state-of-the-art 4nm process technology, showcasing the company's commitment to innovation and excellence. With an estimated production timeline of 3 to 4 years, Tesla's HW 5.0 will be empowered by the reliability and efficiency of Samsung's semiconductor technology.
This recent development signifies a renewed partnership between Samsung and Tesla. Previously, Samsung had been Tesla's chosen contract manufacturer for earlier versions of FSD chips utilized in various Tesla electric vehicle models. However, in a strategic move, Tesla had opted to collaborate primarily with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) for the production of HW 5.0 FSD chips. Now, with Samsung's impressive enhancements in the 4nm process yield, Tesla has decided to work with both Samsung and TSMC, solidifying Samsung's position in the automotive chip manufacturing sector.
The success of securing Tesla's order can be attributed to Samsung's relentless pursuit of technological excellence. The company's 4nm process yield has reached approximately 75%, making it a formidable contender in the advanced wafer fabrication landscape.
The collaboration between Samsung and Tesla was discussed during a meeting between Samsung's Vice Chairman, Lee Jae-yong, and Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, in May. This meeting laid the groundwork for potential technological cooperation, including joint development efforts aimed at advancing fully autonomous driving capabilities.
Samsung's foray into the automotive chip market has been marked by strategic partnerships with major players in the industry. In February, Samsung inked an agreement with Ambarella, a prominent chip manufacturer, to produce their CV3-AD685 chip for Level 2 to Level 4 autonomous driving processing. Additionally, Samsung secured a significant chip production order from Mobileye, a leader in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) chips, further solidifying its position in the automotive semiconductor landscape.
This collaboration with Tesla serves as a testament to Samsung's commitment to driving innovation and shaping the future of autonomous driving technology. With its cutting-edge semiconductor solutions, Samsung is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in transforming the automotive industry and creating a safer, smarter, and more efficient driving experience for users worldwide.
