➀ TSMC is expected to have the best 2nm process by the end of the year, with 60% yields on a GAA process in mass production in Q4 2025. ➁ Samsung is aiming for a Q4 launch for production on 2nm but won't optimize BSPD until 2027. ➃ Intel is also targeting a 2nm process with BSPD and GAA, despite 10% yields reported. ➄ Rapidus, a dark horse, is hoping to have its first 2nm prototype chips out this April with production by the end of the year and mass production in 2027.
Recent #2nm process news in the semiconductor industry
➀ TSMC unveiled details about its N2 (2nm-class) fabrication process at IEDM 2024; ➁ The new process promises a 24 to 35% power reduction or a 15% performance improvement at the same voltage; ➂ Key advancements include GAA nanosheet transistors and N2 NanoFlex design-technology co-optimization.
➀ TSMC is scheduled to start producing 2nm GAA wafers in the fourth quarter of 2025 at its Fab 20 factory in Hsinchu, with a capacity of 30k wpm, followed by the Fab 22 factory in Kaohsiung, also with a capacity of 30k wpm, starting production in the first quarter of 2026.
➁ N2P production will begin at the end of 2026, but without the previously announced backside power delivery.
➂ The N2 and N2P processes will use TSMC's NanoFlex technology, allowing chip designers to mix and match units from different libraries (high-performance, low-power, area-efficient) on the same design.
➀ The yield of TSMC's 4nm process at its first Phoenix, Arizona fab is 4% higher than that of its Taiwan fabs. ➁ Volume production in Arizona is expected to start early next year. ➂ TSMC plans to invest $65 billion in the Arizona site, with a second fab running a 2nm process and a third fab by 2030.
➀ Samsung Electronics has begun developing the next-generation Exynos for the Galaxy S27, aiming to recover its self-respect in the mobile application processor (AP) market.
➁ The new Exynos product, codenamed 'Ulysses,' will be produced using Samsung's second-generation 2nm process, SF2P, which is expected to be mass-produced in 2026.
➂ The development of the chip is crucial for Samsung's foundry competitiveness, as it seeks to regain its position in the advanced 2nm process market after losing the 3nm market to TSMC.
➀ TSMC announced that customer inquiries for its 2nm process are higher than those for its 3nm technology; ➁ The strong demand reflects the industry's confidence in TSMC's technological leadership; ➂ The expansion is driven by the rapidly growing needs of the AI and HPC markets.
1. imec is offering 2nm NanoIC pilot line and P-PDK training sessions. 2. The workshop focuses on making the P-PDK accessible to industry and academia. 3. Participants learn about system-technology co-optimization (STCO) and backside power delivery network (BSPDN) through hands-on training.