In July of 2023, Google’s swap from Samsung to TSMC for the Tensor G5 was definitively reported, and extra affirmation immediately reveals that work in direction of the Pixel 10 is continuous.
The Data final yr reported about how Google was initially attempting to get its “first absolutely custom-made chip” out in 2024. Deadlines for that “Redondo” chip have been missed even after options have been lower, with focus shifting to 2025 and “Laguna” — the chip codenames are beach-themed.
What is going to presumably be known as the “Tensor G5” was mentioned to be based mostly on TSMC’s 3-nanometer manufacturing course of and use Built-in Fan-Out to cut back thickness and enhance energy effectivity.
Android Authority immediately shared a declaration/description from a commerce database that confirms the TSMC and InFO_PoP nature:
G313-09488-00 IC, SOC, LGA, A0, OTP,V1, InFO POP, NPI-OPEN,CP1/2/3 & FT1/2 & SLT TEST, TSMC, 16GB SEC, BGA-1573,1.16MM
Beneath is AA’s annotated breakdown of what that each one means:
Of word is how this early chip revision has 16GB of RAM from Samsung, just like the Pixel 9 Professional. Extra RAM is required to assist on-device generative AI, like Gemini Nano and its upcoming multimodal capabilities.
Additionally attention-grabbing is how Google in Taiwan was the exporter and Tessolve Semiconductor (a supplier of chip verification and testing) in India the importer. Like TSMC, Google has a big {hardware} engineering presence in Taiwan, whereas final yr’s report famous how nearly all of Tensor silicon engineers are based mostly in India.
InFO_PoP, the trade’s 1st 3D wafer degree fan-out bundle, options excessive density RDL and TIV to combine cell AP w/ DRAM bundle stacking for cell utility. Evaluating to FC_PoP, InFO_PoP has a thinner profile and higher electrical and thermal performances due to no natural substrate and C4 bump.
TSMC
If growth went in keeping with plan, the brand new chips would have coincided with the Pixel 9’s new design language to actually hammer dwelling the purpose that Google has a brand new era of telephones.
As an alternative, the Tensor G4 is claimed to be a minor improve that is still manufactured by Samsung. This delay places an asterisk on this yr’s telephone lineup. The brand new design and options could be compelling, however ready one other yr for what must be a greater chip can be on individuals’s minds.
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