Samsung's Texas fab enters production for Tesla's AI5 chip on 2nm (electrek.co)

Samsung has announced the commencement of production for Tesla's AI5 self-driving chip at its foundry in Taylor, Texas, utilizing its cutting-edge 2-nanometer process. This move is significant as it shifts expectations within the industry, previously anticipating the 2nm node for Tesla's next-generation AI6 chip instead. According to James Kim, a principal engineer at Samsung Foundry, the AI5 chip has reached the tape-out stage—marking the finalization of its design—and is set for manufacturing, with plans for volume production expected in 2027. This development implies a potential improvement in Samsung's 2nm yield rates, which had been a significant concern given delays reported for the AI6 chip. With indications that yields may have surpassed 60%, the process could now meet the demands of high-volume clients like Tesla. For Samsung, this marks a critical achievement as it seeks to bolster its position against TSMC in advanced-node manufacturing. Meanwhile, Tesla faces a long road ahead, requiring hundreds of thousands of completed AI5 chips for vehicle production, as it continues to navigate delays in its self-driving technology innovations.