Samsung Foundry becomes first to receive a 2nm chip order

Samsung and TSMC, two major players in the semiconductor industry, have been vying for dominance in the race to develop 2nm chips. While Qualcomm requested 2nm samples from Samsung & TSMC for Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, Samsung has secured actual orders (written in Korean) from a Japanese startup, Preferred Networks (PFN). PFN’s decision to partner with Samsung over TSMC for its 2nm technology opens up new possibilities for both entities.

PFN’s expertise in deep learning for IoT applications positions it as a valuable partner for Samsung. With resources and knowledge in developing custom software and supplying supercomputers, PFN stands out as one of Japan’s most advanced firms.

PFN could serve as a bridge for Samsung to collaborate with larger technology companies for 2nm chip orders

The partnership with PFN could serve as a bridge for Samsung to collaborate with larger technology companies for 2nm chip orders. The alliance with PFN not only promises funding for further development of the 2nm process nodes but also opens gates for future collaboration with PFN’s existing partners like Intel and NVIDIA. This strategic move by Samsung reflects its efforts to gain traction in the competitive semiconductor market and close the gap with TSMC.

Samsung’s decision to offer attractive discounts on its 2nm wafers to PFN highlights its commitment to securing its first customer for the next-generation node. By leveraging pricing strategies and forging strategic partnerships, Samsung aims to challenge TSMC’s dominance in advanced chip manufacturing. However, uncertainties remain regarding Samsung’s ability to address yield problems in its 3nm GAA process, which could impact its competitiveness in the long run.

Samsung has no intention of allowing TSMC to dominate

While TSMC is known for pricing its cutting-edge technology at a premium, Samsung’s potential advantage lies in offering competitive pricing for its 2nm chips. As the semiconductor landscape continues to evolve, Samsung’s collaboration with PFN underscores its determination to innovate and capture market share in the fiercely competitive semiconductor industry. More details about Samsung Foundry’s partnership with tech giants and the development of the 2nm process in general are likely to emerge as time goes by.