Google's Custom Tensor Chip Soon Enters Production Stage On TSMC

TSMC is ready to start production of the G5 Tensor for Google (photo: x @BennettBuhner)

JAKARTA - Since Google started making its own chips for smartphones with the Pixel 6 in 2021, the company has been working with Samsung as its manufacturing partner. This situation will continue with the Pixel 9 which will be released later this year, with the Tensor G4 chip as the core.

However, this status quo looks set to change, and in May, evidence was found linking the TSMC chip fabrication giant to the G5 Tensor which is expected to debut with the Pixel 10 by 2025. According to a new report from The China Times, TSMC is almost ready to start production of the G5 Tensor.

Citing supply chain sources, the report is trying to confirm Google's deal with TSMC, marking departure from Tensor's previous work with Samsung, as well as providing interesting details that the initial production of the Tensor G5 chip is almost ready to start, as its design has reached a stage known as tape-out.

Chips that are in the tape-out stage are in the final phase of the initial design before the fabricator can start making samples. Only then can Google test its new chip on real silicon, and make further adjustments to the required design before the chip is bug-free and ready to be used in the Pixel 10.

Google's transition from Samsung to TSMC promises significant impact for several reasons. To date, Google's Tensor efforts rely heavily on Samsung's IP, limiting the extent to which Google can distinguish its chips. By designing more independently or license technology from other companies, Google should be easier to create a Tensor chip that is completely different from the rest.

TSMC also brings its advanced fabrication technique, and although this report claims that Google will take advantage of the latest 3nm process for the G5 Tensor, there's still a slight opacity there. Google may get chips made with the N3E process from TSMC, and although that's going to be fine, the company may be ready for a slightly more advanced N3P process in time for Google needs. For now, these details are still uncertain.

Pixel phones are always about Google's truly Android experience, and with Google really taking control of chip design with the G5 Tensor, Pixel 10 promises to be the purest Google phone so far.