Samsung Foundry Producing 2nm Prototypes for Qualcomm

In recent developments, Samsung Foundry has unveiled its cutting-edge SF2 GAAFET process, positioning itself to outperform key industry competitors in the competitive 2-nanometer node arena. Reports emerging this Tuesday indicate a strategic development collaboration, wherein Samsung Foundry is set to deliver a state-of-the-art ARM Cortex-X CPU optimized on its latest Gate-All-Around (GAA) process technology.

Observers within the electronic components industry suggest that Samsung's previous 3-nanometer GAA process faced challenges meeting customer expectations due to reported yield issues, while TSMC appears to have achieved success in this field. Recent reports outline a production target for the upcoming 3-nanometer node, aiming to achieve a monthly output of 100,000 wafers by the close of 2024.

A feature from Sedaily highlights the industry-wide interest generated by Samsung's advanced manufacturing technology. "Samsung Electronics strategically leverages these technological advantages to secure orders for 2-nanometer projects, securing contracts with major players such as Japan's Preferred Networks (PFN) for the production of cutting-edge 2-nanometer AI accelerators, marking a significant milestone. In addition, Qualcomm, a global leader in system semiconductor design, is actively engaging in discussions with Samsung Electronics' System LSI division for the production of 2-nanometer prototypes catering to high-performance chip designs."

Reports from December 2023 reveal that Samsung's leadership is contemplating discounted pricing for 2-nanometer wafer manufacturing to maintain a competitive edge against industry counterparts. Qualcomm is speculated to be evaluating the 2-nanometer SF2 GAAFET process for potential integration into future Snapdragon 8 "Gen 5" chipsets, while Samsung LSI is purportedly developing the 2-nanometer "Exynos 2600" SoC design.

Providing expert insights, Kim Dong-won, a researcher at KB Securities, underscores the significance of recent trends: "Despite a decline in operating rates, Samsung's foundry business has experienced a resurgence in performance since the latter half of last year (2023)… The recent uptick in orders for advanced processes, including 2 nanometers, presents a strategic opportunity for Samsung's foundry business to transition from losses to profitability, enabling it to engage in meaningful competition with industry stalwart TSMC in the foreseeable future."