Previous Tensor chips melded certain Google designs with one of Samsung’s Exynos processors used as the foundation of the component. These chips were built by Samsung Foundry, the second-largest foundry on the planet. This year, the Google-designed AP will be built by the world’s largest foundry, TSMC, using its second-generation 3nm process node (N3E).
A silicon wafer is checked for defects by robots. | Image credit-Unknown
According to TrendForce, Samsung Foundry’s global market share is still declining as it hit 7.7% during the first quarter of this year compared to 8.1% during Q4. During the same quarters, TSMC’s market share rose from 67.1% to 67.6%.
Qualcomm redesigned the chip calling it the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and had it built by TSMC. Despite rumors every now and then stating that Qualcomm will return to Samsung Foundry, TSMC has continued to produce the important flagship AP for the San Diego-based fabless chip designer.
If it fails this test, the top brass at Samsung might be forced to consider spinning off or selling Samsung Foundry.
Source: Phone Arena
