Samsung Accelerates AI Chip Production with Integrated Services
Samsung Electronics has unveiled a groundbreaking plan to accelerate the production of artificial intelligence (AI) chips by offering a one-stop shop that integrates its global leading memory chip, foundry, and chip packaging services. This innovative approach aims to harness the booming demand for AI technology and significantly reduce the time it takes to bring AI chips to market.
“We are truly living in the age of AI—the emergence of generative AI is completely changing the technology landscape,” said Siyoung Choi, President and General Manager of Samsung’s Foundry Business, at an event in San Jose, California.
By streamlining communication and coordination across its memory chip, foundry, and chip packaging teams, Samsung has managed to cut the production time for AI chips by approximately 20 percent. Traditionally, coordinating these processes could take weeks, but clients can now work through a single channel to expedite development.
Samsung expects the global chip industry revenue to surge to $778 billion by 2028, fueled by the increasing demand for AI chips. Marco Chisari, Executive Vice President of Foundry Sales and Marketing, expressed confidence in industry projections, stating that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s estimations of soaring AI chip demand are realistic.
In previous reports, Altman has indicated a desire to build roughly three dozen new chip factories, highlighting the escalating need for advanced semiconductors.
Leveraging Integrated Expertise
As one of the few companies that designs chips, sells memory chips, and offers foundry services under one roof, Samsung is uniquely positioned in the semiconductor industry. While this comprehensive approach has sometimes raised concerns among clients wary of competition, the skyrocketing demand for AI chips has turned this integration into a significant advantage.
The need for highly integrated chip components is critical for training and processing vast amounts of data efficiently while minimizing power consumption. Samsung believes that its turnkey solution will meet these demands effectively.
Advancing Chip Architecture with GAA Technology
Samsung is also at the forefront of advancing chip architecture with its cutting-edge gate-all-around (GAA) technology. GAA is a type of transistor architecture that enhances chip performance and reduces power usage, essential for developing more powerful AI chips as they reach the physical limits of miniaturization.
Although competitors like TSMC are also developing chips using GAA, Samsung has been an early adopter and plans to mass-produce its second-generation 3-nanometer chips using this technology in the second half of the year.
Additionally, Samsung announced its latest 2-nanometer chipmaking process for high-performance computing chips, which features power rails on the backside of the wafer to improve power delivery. Mass production of these chips is slated for 2027.
A Vision for the Future of AI
Samsung’s integrated approach and commitment to advancing chip technology position the company to play a pivotal role in the future of AI. As the demand for AI capabilities continues to grow across industries, Samsung’s efforts to streamline production and innovate in chip design will be crucial in shaping the next era of technology.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
