In 2025, TSMC will begin mass production of its 2nm chips, making them a leader in semiconductor manufacturing. According to reports, the company has reached trial production with an encouraging yield rate of 60% and is poised to ramp up operations.
Though demand for these much-hyped chips is likely to outstrip that for 3nm wafers, one of the primary difficulties is the cost of production. Each of the 2nm wafers was previously estimated to cost around $30,000, even from major customers such as Apple. However, TSMC has come up with a way to bring these costs down via its “CyberShuttle” service.
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TSMC’s CyberShuttle Service Aims to Reduce 2nm Wafer Production Cost
CyberShuttle, or wafer-sharing, lets several customers try out their chips on a single wafer. It drives down the cost of design, masks, and testing, allowing customers to better vet their chips in a more economical manner. With that wafer shared, TSMC can move test production forward and prevent spending money unnecessarily; in a way, allow 2nm chip production to become cheaper. While the exact cost savings aren’t yet clear, the CyberShuttle is anticipated to be a substantial savings.
Other major smartphone chipset manufacturers, including Qualcomm and MediaTek, are projected to look at TSMC for producing 2nm chips. It will enable the Taiwanese company to benefit from the increasing need for high-performance semiconductors for mobile devices and other tech. To help meet booming demand, TSMC has invested heavily in its manufacturing capacity. Once fully operational, the two facilities will produce about 40,000 wafers a month.
While this is the case, TSMC is looking for ways to be more economical with 2nm wafers. Given its, methods such as CyberShuttle, and expanded production capability, the company is maintaining its high level of competitiveness while offering more affordable options for its customers in this changing semiconductor market.
FAQs
What is TSMC’s ‘CyberShuttle’ service?
‘CyberShuttle’ is a wafer-sharing service that allows multiple clients, like Apple and Qualcomm, to evaluate their chips on the same test wafer, reducing production costs.
When will TSMC start its 2nm mass production?
TSMC plans to begin mass production of 2nm chips in 2025, with the CyberShuttle service set to reduce costs for its customers.
