Samsung Revolutionizing Tesla's 5th Gen Self-Driving Chip

In recent developments reported by South Korean media, Samsung Electronics appears strongly positioned to secure an order of significance: Tesla's upcoming 5th generation Hardware 5 self-driving chip. This advanced chip is slated to leverage a state-of-the-art 4-nanometer fabrication process. Notably, Samsung has already played a role in Tesla's supply chain, providing 14-nanometer Fully Self-Driving (FSD) chips.

The swiftly expanding electric vehicle and autonomous driving markets have engendered a substantial demand upswing for cutting-edge, high-performance semiconductor products. Consequently, the landscape of automotive semiconductors is undergoing a transformative shift, pivoting from conventional mature processes toward more sophisticated methodologies. This phenomenon has intensified competition among prominent semiconductor fabrication entities, including Samsung and TSMC, within the domain of automotive electronics innovation.

In addition to vying for the privilege of producing Tesla's 4-nanometer chips, Samsung has recently reached an accord to supply Hyundai Motor with the Exynos Auto V920 infotainment chip. Distinguished by its advanced 5-nanometer process, this chip is slated to be in supply by 2025. Furthermore, Samsung has outlined ambitious plans to achieve a groundbreaking 2-nanometer process for automotive chips by 2027.

Concurrently, TSMC is diligently advancing the establishment of semiconductor fabrication facilities tailored to automotive chip production in both Japan and Germany. Recently unveiled, TSMC's inaugural European fabrication plant in Germany is set to integrate manufacturing processes spanning 12 nanometers and 16 nanometers. A strategic aim underpinning this endeavor is the provisioning of sophisticated automotive semiconductor solutions, ensuring European automakers have access to reliable cutting-edge process-based semiconductor offerings.