The first wave of 2nm chipsets is scheduled to launch this year, with the majority of companies sticking with TSMC’s N2 and N2P node, but this is just the start of these intricate manufacturing processes because the Taiwanese semiconductor giant has reportedly laid out plans to go beyond the sub-2nm ceiling as it begins groundwork for 1nm production. In short, Samsung and its own cutting-edge nodes are going to feel the pressure.
With 12 plants said to be under construction, including preparations for 1nm technology, TSMC is preparing for the long haul as it expects overwhelming demand
Despite the wafer manufacturer struggling with a supply crunch, TSMC is making adjustments to its capacities so that it manages to keep up with orders from a bevy of customers while keeping its rival Samsung at bay. According to DigiTimes, 12 plants are currently under construction and will serve as hubs for a variety of advanced nodes, including 2nm and A14 (1.4nm), but the subject of interest is TSMC’s expansion plans towards 1nm production
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Unfortunately, don’t expect mass production to commence earlier because the process to acquire the land through TSMC’s Longtan Phase III expansion project is expected to start in 2029, hinting that mass production may not happen before 2030 or 2031. However, it should be noted that Samsung’s push towards advanced nodes may have also encouraged TSMC to formulate preparations ahead of schedule to obtain an upper hand.
For instance, the Korean giant is also focused on beginning 1nm wafer production in 2029, and it has beaten TSMC is setting up a 2nm production plant in the U.S. Still, the biggest hurdle that plagues Samsung isn’t its advancement in next-generation manufacturing processes, but stabilizing yields. A previous report mentioned that despite jumping into 2nm production, Samsung continues to be viewed as a backup option for customers rather than a viable alternative to TSMC.
Unfortunately, this perspective won’t change if Samsung doesn’t make efforts to improve its yields, which is also the reason why the semiconductor manufacturer is reportedly sticking with 2nm technology for a longer period as it hopes to stabilize this lithography and capture more customers to at least put a dent in TSMC’s dominance. Looking at current progress, it seems Samsung has a lot of ground to cover, especially given that TSMC could begin 1nm mass production in a few years.
TSMC Goes Full Throttle On Ultra-Advanced Nodes, Leaving Samsung In The Dust As It Begins Plans For 1nm Production
As the chip production race rages on, TSMC wants to become the dominant company in this space as it initiates plans for 1nm production
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