TSMC and Samsung’s 3nm chips have a yield rate of only 50%
TSMC and Samsung’s 3nm chips have a yield rate of only 50%
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TSMC and Samsung’s 3nm chips have a yield rate of only 50%. Could Apple Be in Trouble with them?
According to recent reports from South Korean media outlet Chosun Biz, TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) and Samsung, two major players in advanced semiconductor manufacturing, are facing significant hurdles with their 3nm process technology, but this issue has remained under wraps.
It is suggested that the actual yield for both companies’ 3nm nodes may struggle to exceed 60%, falling far short of what chip designers require.
To successfully attract heavyweight clients like Qualcomm and Nvidia, a yield of at least 70% is deemed necessary.
The reports indicate that both TSMC and Samsung are currently maintaining yields in the 50% range for their 3nm processes.
Earlier reports had briefly suggested that Samsung had achieved a 60% yield for chips designed for Chinese clients, but it was later discovered that this figure didn’t include the SRAM (Static Random-Access Memory) for logic chips, essentially representing an incomplete 3nm process.
Simultaneously, TSMC, which manufactures the 3nm A17 Pro processor for Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro series, still relies on a FinFET process for its 3nm technology.
While some experts had previously estimated that its yield could reach well above 70%, the latest information reveals that the actual yield for the A17 Pro is only around 55%, equivalent to discarding one wafer for every two produced. This development has added uncertainty to its second-half performance outlook.
According to TSMC’s latest September revenue figures, its third-quarter revenue is projected to reach 546.6 billion NTD (New Taiwan Dollars), representing a 13.6% sequential increase and marking the third-highest record for the same period, surpassing financial estimates.
Both TSMC and Samsung are gearing up to produce more advanced and efficient upgraded versions of their 3nm nodes in 2024 and 2025, while Intel is planning to launch its 3nm Sierra Forest and Granite Rapids chips and commence production for the Intel 20A and Intel 18A processes in 2024, with related products expected to hit the market in 2025.
Intel had previously stated in July of this year that it had achieved its production and performance targets but did not provide specific numbers.
