Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced it will provide turnkey semiconductor solutions to Preferred Networks, a leading Japanese AI company. Primarily, it will use its 2-nm foundry process and the advanced 2.5D packaging technology Interposer-Cube S (I-Cube S).

By leveraging Samsung’s leading-edge foundry and advanced packaging products, Preferred Networks aims to develop powerful AI accelerators that meet the ever-growing demand for computing power driven by generative AI.

GAA Technology for 2nm Process

Since starting mass production of the industry’s first 3nm process node applying Gate-All-Around (GAA) transistor architecture, Samsung has strengthened its GAA technology leadership by successfully winning orders for the 2nm process with further upgrades in performance and power efficiency.

The cooperation with Preferred Networks marks the first achievement for Japanese companies in the field of large-sized heterogeneous integrated package technologies.  Accordingly, Samsung plans to accelerate its leading global advanced package market offensive.¹

2.5D Advanced Package I-Cube S Technology

The 2.5D Advanced Package I-Cube S technology included in the turnkey solutions, is a heterogeneous integration package technology, with multiple chips in one package to enhance inter-connection speed and reduce package size. The use of the silicon interposer (Si-interposer) is crucial in achieving ultra-fine redistribution layer (RDL) and stabilizing power integrity for optimal semiconductor performance. GAONCHIPS, a specialized system semiconductor development company, designed the chip.

“We are excited to lead in AI accelerator technology with Samsung Electronics’ 2nm GAA process. This solution will significantly support Preferred Networks’ ongoing efforts to build highly energy-efficient, high-performance computing hardware that meets the ever-growing computing demands from generative AI technologies, especially large language models.,” said Junichiro Makino, VP and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Computing Architecture at Preferred Networks.

“This order is pivotal as it validates Samsung’s 2nm GAA process technology and Advanced Package technology as an ideal solution for next-generation AI accelerators,” said Taejoong Song, Corporate VP and the head of Foundry Business Development Team at Samsung Electronics. “We are committed to closely collaborating with our customers ensuring that the high performance and low power characteristics of our products are fully realized.”

Leading AI Player in Japan

Preferred Networks, headquartered in Tokyo, develops advanced software and hardware technologies by vertically integrating the AI value chain from chips to supercomputers and generative AI foundation models. Additionally, it provides solutions and products for various industries such as manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, entertainment and education.

The company is one of the major players in the global AI market, achieving first place three times in the past five years on the Green500² list of supercomputers.

Based on this collaboration, Samsung and Preferred Networks plan to showcase groundbreaking AI chiplet solutions for the next-generation data center and generative AI computing market in the future.³

Notes:

¹ Heterogeneous integration packaging technology integrates different types of chips – such as memory, logic and sensors – in a single package.

² Green500: the ranking of the TOP500 supercomputers in the world based on their performance-per-watt efficiency

³ Chiplet Solution: A technology of assembling into a single package with other different chips performing different functions through the packaging technologies

-10 July 2024-