Samsung is facing significant challenges as it strives to attract customers for its state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. These hurdles have led to the postponement of its Taylor plant opening until 2026 and a delay in the rollout of its 1.4nm process. The company is now laser-focused on improving the yields of its 2nm GAA technology. Recent reports suggest that Samsung has initiated a ‘selection and concentration’ strategy, engaging in discussions with various sectors with the primary goal of boosting 2nm GAA yields to between 60-70 percent. Achieving this target could make mass production feasible and showcase the technology’s potential to clients.
With quarterly losses in the billions from its foundry business, Samsung is betting heavily on perfecting its 2nm GAA process. The company aims to stabilize yields and begin accepting orders by the end of 2025.
The Business Support Task Force at Samsung Electronics, along with Samsung Global Research, has reportedly been strategizing to enhance 2nm GAA yields. According to insider information shared by @Jukanlosreve, Samsung’s emphasis on this lithography is driven by anticipated semiconductor demand from clients likely to favor this technology for the coming years. While venturing into sub-2nm processes is fraught with risk, Samsung has made significant progress with its 2nm GAA node, positioning itself as a competitor to TSMC.
However, the road hasn’t been easy. Although Samsung was set to fulfill orders for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 using its advanced lithography, those plans were reportedly dropped. Nevertheless, Samsung remains undeterred, having completed the basic design of its second-generation 2nm process. The company also plans to roll out the third iteration, known as ‘SF2P+,’ within the next two years.
Wafer production yields need to reach the 70 percent mark to become commercially viable. Samsung’s executives have set a six-month target to meet this goal. The company’s ability to overcome these challenges and regain its position at the top remains to be seen, so keep an eye out for developments.
