Samsung confirms second generation 3nm process to be renamed ‘2nm’

Samsung, a leading semiconductor manufacturer, recently made waves in the technology industry by announcing a significant change to its lineup for the upcoming second generation 3nm process. The move involves renaming the process to “2nm,” a decision that has sparked discussion and curiosity among industry experts and enthusiasts alike. Samsung already had a 3nm process. However, as its manufacturing process progressed, it initially decided to call it the 2nd generation 3nm process. Sometime last year there were reports that the company would change the name of this process. Now there is official confirmation from Samsung that it will call its new manufacturing process “2nm”. According to Samsung, this process should begin mass production before the end of this year.

South Korea’s ZDNet reports that Samsung Electronics has notified customers and partners that it will be renaming the second-generation 3-nanometer process to the 2-nanometer process starting early this year. A fabless industry insider said:

“We received notification from Samsung Electronics that they are changing the second generation 3nm to 2nm. The second-generation 3-nanometer contract we signed with the Samsung Electronics foundry last year was also renamed to 2-nanometer, so we need to rewrite the contract in the near future.”

Order and plans for Samsung’s 2n process

Japanese AI giant Preferred Networks Inc. (PFN) chose Samsung and placed its first order for 2nm process AI chip manufacturing with it. This 2nm order is actually the “second generation 3nm”.

Samsung Electronics became the first company in the world to mass-produce 3-nanometer chips based on the all-gate (GAA) process at the end of June 2022. It plans to mass-produce the second-generation 3-nanometer process this year and 2-nanometer process in 2025

A semiconductor industry insider said:

Samsung Electronics’ second-generation 3nm (2nm) design kit (PDK) has been released, so if Samsung rushes into mass production this year, they’ll be in a good position to do so. As for the specific time for mass production, it largely depends on the customer’s requirements.

According to industry insiders, Samsung Electronics’ process name change could benefit OEM marketing. This is also the latest public relations trend in the foundry industry.

When Samsung Electronics switched from a 7-nanometer process to a 5-nanometer process in 2020, the second-generation 7-nanometer process was renamed the 5-nanometer process. Samsung Electronics’ 7-nanometer process became the world’s first process to use extreme ultraviolet (EUV) technology in 2019. This makes it more stable and allows the company to reduce transistor sizes. That’s why the second generation of 7nm was renamed 5nm.

Industry insiders said:

The second generation of 3nm reduces the size of the transistor, on the one hand for marketing or advertising needs, and on the other hand it can also be seen as one of the results of progress

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The evolution of semiconductor technology

Semiconductor technology is advancing at a rapid pace, driving innovation in sectors as diverse as computing, telecommunications, and consumer electronics. The shift from larger process nodes to smaller ones is a key trend in the industry, allowing manufacturers to pack more transistors into a given area, thereby improving performance and energy efficiency.

Samsung’s technology milestones

Samsung is at the forefront of semiconductor innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in chip manufacturing. The company’s first generation 3nm process marked a significant leap forward in terms of transistor density and energy efficiency. By announcing the renaming of the second generation 3nm process to “2nm”, Samsung is signaling another milestone in its technological journey.

Consequences of the renaming

The decision to rename the second-generation 3nm process to “2nm” has several implications for both Samsung and the semiconductor industry as a whole. One immediate impact is on marketing and branding – by simplifying the nomenclature, Samsung aims to create a clearer and more intuitive naming convention for its products. This could potentially improve user understanding and adoption of the technology.

Technological advances in 2nm process

Aside from the name change, what really matters are the technological advances that Samsung’s 2nm process will bring. With each successive generation of semiconductor technology, manufacturers strive to achieve higher transistor density, lower power consumption and improved performance. The 2nm process is expected to deliver on these fronts, opening up new possibilities for next-generation devices.

Competition in the Semiconductor Industry

Samsung operates in a highly competitive environment alongside other major players such as TSMC and Intel. The renaming of its second-generation 3nm process to “2nm” can be seen as a strategic move to stay ahead in this competitive race. By aligning its naming convention with industry standards and expectations, Samsung aims to maintain its position as a leader in semiconductor manufacturing.

Future prospects and trends in the industry

Looking ahead, the semiconductor industry shows no signs of slowing down. As the demand for more powerful and energy-efficient chips continues to grow, manufacturers like Samsung will play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology. The renaming of the second generation 3nm process to “2nm” is just one example of how companies are adapting to meet these evolving demands.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Samsung’s decision to rename its second-generation 3nm process to “2nm” reflects a change in terminology. It also reflects a deeper commitment to innovation and progress. The need for change may be for marketing purposes. It could also help Samsung be the first company to mass-produce the 2nm process. As we move into the future, advances in semiconductor manufacturing will be a key driver of this transformation. Samsung’s rebranding isn’t just about numbers; it symbolizes a continued journey towards smaller, faster and more efficient chips that will power the devices of tomorrow. Through this strategic move, Samsung cements its position as a pioneer in semiconductor technology and sets the stage for further breakthroughs in the years to come.