Link CopyTwitterLinkedinWhatsappSamsung Finalises Design for 2nm Production as Tesla’s AI5 Chip Clears Key Manufacturing MilestoneSamsung has achieved tape-out for Tesla's AI5 chip, preparing it for manufacturing. This chip will utilize Samsung's advanced 2nm SF2T process technology. Tesla continues its dual-foundry strategy with both Samsung and TSMC producing the AI5. Engineering samples are expected by late 2026, with mass production later. This new hardware is crucial for Tesla's autonomous driving and robotics initiatives.Tesla has taken another step forward towards the production of its latest AI5 chip, as Samsung revealed that it has achieved the tape-out at the foundry stage of the chip. It means that the chipmaker has finalized the production design of the Tesla chip and is now readying it for manufacture through its 2nm manufacturing process.The news came following the declaration by Tesla chief executive officer Elon Musk in April that the AI5 chip had achieved its design tape-out. But that was just the end of the chip design process. As the AI5 chip will be manufactured by Samsung and TSMC, each chipmaker needs to optimize the design for its own manufacturing process.About The AuthorJournalist and a writer with a strong interest in news, culture, technology, and human-interest stories. Passionate about making complex topics accessible and engaging.Samsung confirms AI5 chip is ready for fabricationAs per Samsung Foundry, the tape-out process has been successfully carried out for the AI5 chip by the company. This information was given by James Kim, a Principal Engineer at Samsung Foundry, who added that Samsung's AI5 chip has already made it to the tape-out stage and is now ready for fabrication.In the semiconductor industry, tape-out refers to the moment when the chip has gone through design and is ready to be manufactured. Although the chip has already gone through the design process and Tesla has successfully completed this process earlier in the year, Samsung Foundry has achieved the tape-out stage.The AI5 chip will be manufactured in Samsung Foundry's Taylor, Texas plant.AI5 to use Samsung's 2nm SF2T processOne of the biggest takeaways from the latest update is confirmation that Samsung will manufacture Tesla's AI5 chip using its 2nm-class SF2T process.More articles by AuthorTrending StoriesThe manufacturing node had previously been the subject of conflicting reports, with some leaks suggesting Samsung would use a 3nm process. The latest confirmation indicates the AI5 chip will instead be built on Samsung's latest 2nm technology, which is also expected to be used for Tesla's future AI6 chip.The report also notes that Samsung's implementation of the AI5 chip is expected to work with LPDDR5X memory supplied by SK hynix and Samsung.Tesla continues dual-foundry strategyTesla is now making AI5 processors in both Samsung and TSMC, where each of the two companies makes their version of the AI chip according to their manufacturing process.As per some previous comments made by Elon Musk, there will be differences in the actual chips, since each of the foundries implements the design in its way, but Tesla hopes that both versions of the chip will work equally well with the AI software of Tesla.It is believed to be a supply chain mitigation strategy for Tesla, which uses two of the largest foundries in the world to decrease any production risks and uncertainties.This setup is also considered to be a part of a $16.5 billion deal between Tesla and Samsung in 2025, in which the latter will be responsible for making Tesla's AI6 chip.Mass production still some time awayThough tape-out is an important manufacturing step, the AI5 chip has yet to reach Tesla cars.According to the report by Scoop, the delivery of the engineering samples will come by the end of 2026, and the launch of the mass production is not expected earlier than the second part of 2027.Also, according to the report, Tesla will be creating a huge stockpile of AI5 boards prior to their use in production vehicles. It suggests that the massive rollout of the new boards won’t happen until 2028.Tesla's AI chips are used for the company's advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and are expected to play a key role in its future robotaxi and Optimus humanoid robot ambitions.Though tape-out by Samsung doesn’t mean the chip’s immediate mass production, it is an important step towards manufacturing of Tesla's new AI hardware. FAQsWhat has Samsung confirmed about the AI5 chip developed by Tesla?Samsung has confirmed that the AI5 chip from Tesla will see a complete foundry side tape-out, which is the final step before going into fabrication.Which manufacturing process will Samsung employ for the AI5 chip?Samsung has revealed that the AI5 chip will be made on its SF2T 2nm-class process at its manufacturing plant located in Taylor, Texas.When does Tesla plan to start mass-producing the AI5 chip?Based on the report, samples of this chip should be available in late 2026; however, volume production should not occur until mid or late 2027.Why does Tesla rely on two fabs in order to produce the AI5 chip?Tesla is employing a dual-fab strategy to hedge against manufacturing risks.end of article