- Qualcomm plans to use the manufacturing process for the upcoming 5G smartphones
- TSMC is the competing brand with the ability to manufacture 5nm chipsets
Previously, Samsung Foundry had announced that it had completed the development of EUV-based 5nm chipsets. According to a report, it is now already in the process of setting up manufacturing facilities for the same.
Samsung has reportedly placed orders for machinery from its partners. This would help in setting up the 5nm foundry line. Samsung’s V1 plant at its campus in Hwaseong will handle this production. The setup process usually takes about 2-3 months to reach operational levels. Once the fabrication line is in place, some extra months are spent optimizing the production and improving the yield.
The Benefit
These chips will be about 25% smaller than those fabricated using the 7nm EUV die. It will thus increase the transistor density as well as improve efficiency by about 20%. Qualcomm is one notable customer, which will be using Samsung’s manufacturing process on its upcoming Snapdragon X60 modem for its next generation of 5G smartphones.
Optimistic estimates suggest that Samsung will be able to mass-produce 5nm chips by the end of this year. This will be a crucial step in Samsung’s mission of catching up with TSMC, which is the only other brand with the ability to manufacture 5nm chipsets.
For context, TSMC is ready with its manufacturing lines and is on track to commence production in April, meaning that the company not only achieved its previous target of being production-ready in the first half of 2020 but will have an almost 6-month lead over Samsung. Moreover, it also seems to be completely booked with orders.
