According to a new report today, Google is indeed working to replace Samsung with TSMC for Tensor G5 development.
The Information details how the plan was originally to unveil its “first fully customized chip” for Pixel phones in 2024. Instead, “Redondo” missed the trial production deadline last year after already cutting features, with a handoff to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company only occurring “earlier this year.” Today’s report says “it won’t be ready in time for mass production by 2024,” with Redondo now being used as a test chip ahead of the next generation.
Top comment by Omega192
Huh, I remember seeing someone claim the G4 would be full custom and made by TSMC but thought that sounded unrealistic so took it with a grain of salt. Bummer that deadline was missed, seems they were trying to follow Apple's path from Samsung collaboration to full custom as that started with the A4. But also seems kinda fitting to have their first full custom chip on the 10th gen Pixel kinda like how the iPhone X was a big change.
I was hoping to go from the P6Pro to the rumored smaller P9Pro but perhaps I'll have to wait a little longer. Definitely curious to see how Tensor improves with this milestone. Also wondering if they'll end up using some of the same ML chip layout tech they've utilized for TPUs as I've yet to see anyone else doing something similar so it could be a unique advantage.
Laguna, with these chips having a beach motif, is targeted for 2025 and likely be branded as the Tensor G5. According to today’s sources, Tensor G5 will be based on TSMC’s 3-nanometer manufacturing process and Integrated Fan-Out for reduced thickness and increased power efficiency.
Google is sticking with Samsung for next year’s Tensor chip design and manufacturing, but has been replacing more and more Samsung components (“everything from communications and audio to image and graphics processing”) with its own IP every generation.
Meanwhile, “multiple Tensor chips” have been canceled over the past two years. That comes as a Tensor-powered Pixelbook was rumored but canceled last year. Notably:
Google’s delay in getting fully custom Tensors to market partly stems from challenges dividing and coordinating work between the U.S. and India, where the majority of its Tensor silicon engineers are based, along with high turnover inside the group, according to a former Google chip executive with direct knowledge of the effort.
Meanwhile, that former executive also told The Information that they were bearish on how much Google is spending on custom chips given that Pixel is not yet selling in volume.
More on Tensor:
- Pixel 8’s Tensor G3 probably won’t outpower other Android phones – that’s fine
- Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 processor appears to be slightly different from the one in Pixel 7
- Google Tensor G3 reportedly brings massive upgrades, UFS 4.0 storage, more to Pixel 8
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