Tag: TSMC

  • TSMC Uncovers Huawei’s Kirin 9006C Mystery Amid Global Chip Issues

    TSMC Uncovers Huawei’s Kirin 9006C Mystery Amid Global Chip Issues

    TSMC Manufactures Huawei’s Kirin 9006C Processor Instead of SMIC

    A recent disassembly analysis by TechInsights unveiled that Huawei’s Kirin 9006C processor in the Qingyun L540 notebook was produced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), contrary to initial speculations about China’s advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.

    TSMC’s Role in Huawei’s Semiconductor Progress

    Past semiconductor advancements by Huawei, such as the 7nm system-on-chip in the Mate 60 Pro smartphone reportedly manufactured by China’s Semiconductor Manufacturing International Co. (SMIC), are now overshadowed by the confirmation of TSMC as the manufacturer of the Kirin 9006C processor.

    Huawei’s Confrontation with Geopolitical Realities

    The geopolitical backdrop complicates Huawei’s semiconductor journey, notably with US export controls in 2020 cutting off Huawei’s access to TSMC during the Kirin 9006C’s production. Sanctions against Chinese GPU vendors Biren and Moore Threads further escalated challenges for Chinese semiconductor designers.

    Huawei’s Technological Achievements

    Despite obstacles, Huawei’s technological successes have solidified its reputation as a pioneer in Chinese initiatives to develop local alternatives to Western technologies. The triumph of the Mate 60 smartphone in 2023 propelled Huawei beyond the $100 billion revenue mark, challenging iPhone dominance in the Chinese market.

    Huawei’s Drive to Lead in Innovation

    The Kirin 9006C processor marks a significant advancement for Huawei into the 5nm realm, underscoring the company’s commitment to leading in technological progress. The mystery surrounding Huawei’s acquisition of a three-year-old processor showcases the company’s proactive stance in stockpiling semiconductors amid global restrictions.

    Huawei’s Adaptability in Trade Confrontations

    Through strategic investments in chip research and stockpiling, alongside partnerships with domestic suppliers and manufacturers, Huawei exhibits resilience in navigating the intricate landscape of international trade limitations. The L540 laptop, introduced circa 2016, aligns with Huawei’s expansion into mobile and computing devices, in line with Beijing’s efforts to substitute foreign technologies in sensitive sectors with local options.

    Huawei’s Compliance with Regulations

    Reports from online vendors suggest that the L540 laptop complies with stringent data security standards in China for sensitive government agencies, highlighting Huawei’s dedication to meeting evolving regulatory demands. As the global semiconductor scene evolves, Huawei’s capacity to adjust and innovate remains pivotal to its triumphs in the fiercely competitive tech sector.

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  • Controversy over Overseas Investments Forces TSMC to Withdraw from Election Debates

    Controversy over Overseas Investments Forces TSMC to Withdraw from Election Debates

    In the lead-up to Taiwan’s presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13, TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co) finds itself at the center of a heated vice presidential debate. The world’s largest contract chipmaker has withdrawn from the election campaign discussions amidst clashes between candidates regarding the company’s overseas investments and concerns about the safety of investing in Taiwan.

    Tensions between Taiwan and China

    The withdrawal comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Taiwan and China, which claims Taiwan as its territory. The presidential campaigns have seen increased focus on issues affecting the semiconductor industry, such as power grid stability and water shortages, with occasional mentions of TSMC’s role in Taiwan.

    Concerns raised by opposition party

    Jaw Shaw-kong, the vice presidential candidate for Taiwan’s largest opposition party, Kuomintang (KMT), took center stage by expressing concerns raised by Wall Street financiers about the potential impact of a war on investment in Taiwan. He placed blame on the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for the tensions with China, accusing them of creating an unfavorable investment climate.

    Jaw Shaw-kong proposed the “Taiwan plus one” strategy, advocating for one factory in Taiwan and another overseas. He specifically targeted TSMC, suggesting the company’s desire to relocate overseas, potentially undermining Taiwan’s economic stability.

    Defense from the ruling party

    In response, Hsiao Bi-khim, the DPP’s vice presidential candidate and former de facto ambassador to the United States, refuted Jaw’s claims. She highlighted that foreign investment in Taiwan has reached record levels under the DPP administration and emphasized TSMC’s significance as a cornerstone of Taiwan’s economy. Hsiao urged against using the company for political competition and described TSMC as a “sacred mountain protecting the country.”

    TSMC’s stance and future trajectory

    TSMC, currently expanding its global footprint with factories in Japan, the U.S. state of Arizona, and plans for another in Germany, remained silent in response to the debate. However, both the company and the government consistently asserted their commitment to keeping the majority of manufacturing, especially advanced chip production, in Taiwan.

    As the election date draws near, the withdrawal of TSMC from the campaign discussions adds a new layer of complexity to the political landscape, raising questions about the company’s future trajectory and its impact on Taiwan’s economic resilience in the face of external pressures.

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  • Tesla’s Revenue Prospects to be Boosted as it Plans to Incorporate TSMC’s 3nm Chips by 2024

    Tesla’s Revenue Prospects to be Boosted as it Plans to Incorporate TSMC’s 3nm Chips by 2024

    Tesla has announced that it will be participating in TSMC’s 3nm NTO chip design finals in the coming year. This move aligns with TSMC’s plans to ramp up its 3nm chip production in 2024 to meet the increasing demand for advanced semiconductor solutions. The inclusion of Tesla as an N3P customer indicates the company’s intention to utilize TSMC’s cutting-edge technology for the production of next-generation Full Self-Driving (FSD) smart driving chips.

    TSMC’s N3P Process

    TSMC has ambitious plans for its N3P process, which is set to begin production in 2024. Compared to the N3E process, N3P aims to achieve a 5% improvement in performance, a 5% to 10% reduction in power consumption, and a significant 1.04 times increase in chip density. TSMC has highlighted that N3P’s performance, power, and area (PPA) metrics, along with its technological maturity, surpass Intel’s 18A process.

    Tesla’s Ongoing Collaboration with TSMC

    This collaboration between Tesla and TSMC is not new, as the electric vehicle manufacturer has previously placed multiple orders with the semiconductor company. These past ventures include the Dojo D1 chip, which utilized the 7nm process, and the HW 4.0 chip, featuring the 5nm process. The addition of Tesla to the N3P customer list signifies a strategic move for both companies.

    Impact on Tesla and TSMC

    Industry analysts predict that this partnership will elevate Tesla to become TSMC’s seventh-largest customer, injecting fresh momentum into TSMC’s revenue growth trajectory. As Tesla continues to lead the automotive industry in innovative technologies, its collaboration with TSMC underscores the crucial role that semiconductor advancements play in shaping the future of electric and autonomous vehicles.

    In conclusion, Tesla’s confirmation of its participation in TSMC’s 3nm NTO chip design finals for the upcoming year highlights the growing demand for advanced semiconductor solutions. The collaboration between the two companies signifies Tesla’s intent to leverage TSMC’s cutting-edge technology for the production of next-generation FSD smart driving chips. This partnership is expected to propel Tesla to become one of TSMC’s top customers, further solidifying its position as a leader in the automotive industry.

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  • TSMC CEO Mark Liu Reveals Retirement Intentions for 2024

    TSMC CEO Mark Liu Reveals Retirement Intentions for 2024

    Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) Prepares for Transition as Chairman Announces Retirement

    Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), the titan of the global chip industry, is poised for a significant transition with its chairman, Mark Liu, announcing his retirement next year. Stepping into Liu’s shoes will be the current CEO, C.C. Wei, a move that symbolizes continuity and stability for this tech giant.

    Continuity and Stability with C.C. Wei

    C.C. Wei, a Yale alumnus with a doctorate in electrical engineering, isn’t new to the game. With his board membership since 2017 and a long tenure at TSMC starting in 1998, Wei represents both experience and innovation. His leadership will be crucial as TSMC navigates a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

    TSMC's Role in the Tech World

    TSMC’s role is central in the tech world. It’s not just a major supplier for behemoths like Apple and Nvidia; its influence extends across the globe. The company’s stock has seen impressive growth, reflecting its critical role in the burgeoning sectors of AI, high-performance computing, and 5G technology.

    Ambitious Future Plans

    The company’s future plans are as ambitious as its past achievements. With most of its manufacturing rooted in Taiwan, TSMC is branching out. New facilities in Germany, Japan, and Arizona signify a strategic move to diversify its manufacturing base. This is not just about meeting global demand; it’s a smart play in a world where supply chain risks are more apparent than ever.

    TSMC's legacy remains strong as it prepares for a transition in leadership. With C.C. Wei taking the reins, the company is set to continue its success and innovation in the global chip industry.

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  • Qualcomm, MediaTek Choose TSMC Over Samsung for 3nm Tech

    Qualcomm, MediaTek Choose TSMC Over Samsung for 3nm Tech

    TSMC Preferred by Leading Chip Manufacturers

    Prominent chip manufacturers including Nvidia, Qualcomm, MediaTek, and various others have opted for TSMC to produce their upcoming top-tier chipsets. These cutting-edge chipsets will be developed using TSMC’s sophisticated 3nm process technology.

    TSMC Chosen Over Samsung by Qualcomm and MediaTek

    Initially, Qualcomm was rumored to be considering 3nm chip supplies from both Samsung and TSMC for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC. However, according to a new report from China Times, industry behemoths MediaTek and Qualcomm have opted to partner with TSMC for its second-generation 3nm process (N3E). This process is slated for the production of the Dimensity 9400 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipsets.

    Apple’s Dependence on TSMC

    Apple, a key client for TSMC, is set to leverage its 3nm process line for the forthcoming M series and A series chipsets. Presently, Apple is utilizing TSMC’s first-generation 3nm process (N3B) in the A17 Pro processor, which energizes the iPhone 15 Pro series. However, Samsung Foundry is still seeking significant clients for its 3nm chip manufacturing technology.

    Shifting Landscape of Chipset Manufacture

    Historically, companies like Qualcomm, MediaTek, Apple, and Nvidia have turned to Samsung Foundry for their chipset requirements, albeit not always for flagship processors. With Samsung’s introduction of advanced 3nm process technology, it aimed to attract orders from these companies. Nonetheless, the transition to TSMC appears to be progressing slower than expected.

    In essence, leading chip manufacturers such as Nvidia, Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Apple are choosing TSMC for the production of their upcoming top-tier chipsets. While Samsung Foundry was initially anticipated to be a strong contender, it has not yet secured major clients for its 3nm chip manufacturing capabilities. TSMC’s advanced 3nm process technology is emerging as the preferred option among these industry giants.

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