Qualcomm Chooses TSMC’s N3E Process, Collaborates with MediaTek for Late 2024 Chipsets

In a recent development, industry insiders have dispelled earlier speculations that Qualcomm would exclusively partner with Samsung for its upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset. Instead, Qualcomm is set to tap into the cutting-edge manufacturing prowess of TSMC’s N3E process, further bolstering the company’s competitive position in the smartphone market. This decision comes on the heels of concerns regarding TSMC’s capacity allocation for Qualcomm’s chipsets on its 3nm node, prompting Qualcomm to explore alternative options.

Reports suggest that Qualcomm’s move to leverage TSMC’s N3E technology is strategic, as the company’s 3nm wafer allocation from Samsung was reportedly constrained to a mere 15 percent. TSMC’s N3E process, on the other hand, presents an improved yield and reduced production cost, marking a favorable proposition for Qualcomm’s chipset manufacturing.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, anticipated to showcase Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 cutting-edge innovations, is set to debut as the company’s flagship product, boasting custom Oryon cores. This innovation can be attributed to Qualcomm’s acquisition of Nuvia and its synergistic collaboration with TSMC’s advanced N3E process. MediaTek, another major player in the semiconductor industry, is poised to join Qualcomm on the N3E production lines, further signifying TSMC’s prowess as a semiconductor foundry leader.

Qualcomm’s decision to forego TSMC’s N3B node this year stems from concerns about escalated wafer costs and diminished yields. The N3E technology, which is known for its enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness, aligns more favorably with Qualcomm’s manufacturing requirements. The upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, slated for mass production using TSMC’s N4P or advanced 4nm architecture, is expected to fill the gap before the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s release.

By opting for TSMC’s N3E process, Qualcomm avoids the potential predicament of passing on astronomically high manufacturing costs to its partners. This decision underscores QQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 commitment to maintaining a competitive pricing structure, ensuring that its smartphone and tablet partners can maintain their margins and offer consumers products with compelling value.

While Apple had secured the lion’s share of TSMC’s 3nm wafer shipments this year, 2024 presents a different landscape. Qualcomm and MediaTek are set to share the N3E production lines as they gear up to introduce their respective next-generation smartphone chipsets. Apple, with its wide-ranging chipset launches, is still expected to command a significant portion of TSMC’s N3E shipments. Alongside Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 4 is anticipated to make its appearance in Windows notebooks.

As the industry witnesses these shifts and collaborations, the dynamic semiconductor market is poised for further advancements. With Qualcomm’s strategic decision to embrace TSMC’s N3E process and collaborate with MediaTek, the stage is set for a new wave of innovation, benefiting not only the manufacturers but also the end consumers with enhanced performance and value-driven offerings.

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