TSMC refuses to manufacture Samsung Exynos processors due to fear of leaks

 Samsung Electronics’ semiconductor business is in trouble due to the low yield of its cutting-edge process. The Exynos flagship chip developed by Samsung’s System LSI department cannot be mass-produced and commercialized on time. In order to solve this problem, Samsung is considering outsourcing the production of Exynos processors.

According to previous media reports, Samsung’s System LSI department is considering forming an alliance with an external foundry partner. Currently, only TSMC, Samsung and Intel have the ability to manufacture cutting-edge process technology. For Samsung, the only optional partner for the System LSI department is TSMC.

The latest news shows that TSMC refused to manufacture Samsung’s Exynos processors because it was afraid of leaks.

It is understood that TSMC’s 3nm process yield has exceeded 80%, and the 2nm yield has reached 60%. If Samsung allows TSMC to manufacture Exynos processors, it may obtain TSMC’s trade secrets and understand how TSMC achieves such a high yield in cutting-edge process technology.

At present, TSMC is ahead of Samsung in advanced process and yield. According to TSMC’s plan, the 2nm process will be mass-produced in the second half of this year.