Why Huawei Chose Samsung Memory for Its New AI Chip

The global race for artificial intelligence supremacy has hit a new bottleneck. China’s tech champions are facing a severe shortage of advanced memory chips. This shortage directly threatens their ability to develop competitive AI systems.

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According to a Bloomberg report, export controls are creating massive production hurdles. Leading firms like Huawei are now resorting to extreme measures to keep their projects alive.

Huawei’s Covert AI Chip Production Hits Major Roadblock

Huawei managed to produce nearly three million Ascend AI chips. This was achieved despite strict international sanctions. The company reportedly used a shell company to acquire critical components.

These components included specialized dies from the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). The discovery led to a significant fine for TSMC. The situation highlights the intense pressure within the global supply chain.

The Ascend chips also require high-bandwidth memory (HBM). This specific type of memory is essential for AI processing. Huawei used previous-generation HBM from Samsung and SK Hynix for its initial production runs.

Desperate Measures as HBM Stockpiles Dwindle

Chinese companies had stockpiled HBM chips before broader sanctions took effect. Those stockpiles are now running dangerously low. This has created a critical shortage for domestic AI development.

The situation is forcing companies to explore unconventional methods. Some are now de-soldering memory chips from other electronic products. These products were often originally manufactured specifically to evade export controls.

This process is inefficient and costly. It cannot realistically support the scale needed for mass AI chip production. The quality and performance of these salvaged components are also a major concern.

The Long-Term Impact on China’s AI Ambitions

These supply chain constraints are expected to significantly slow China’s progress in AI. Huawei’s production capacity for its Ascend chips is projected to fall sharply next year. Estimates suggest output may be limited to around one million units.

This shortage affects not just Huawei but the entire Chinese tech ecosystem. Companies developing AI software and services depend on a stable supply of powerful chips. Without them, innovation and deployment face significant delays.

The global AI landscape is likely to see a widening gap. Companies with unrestricted access to the latest chips, like NVIDIA’s offerings, will continue to advance rapidly. Chinese firms are left scrambling for alternatives.

The scramble for HBM chips underscores a fundamental weakness in China’s tech independence drive. While companies like Huawei show remarkable ingenuity, the Huawei AI chip project’s future remains uncertain. That is the situation right now.

Thought you’d like to know

What is High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) used for?

HBM is a specialized type of memory crucial for AI workloads. It allows for much faster data transfer than traditional memory. This speed is essential for training complex AI models efficiently.

Why can’t Chinese companies make their own HBM?

Producing advanced HBM requires cutting-edge technology and expertise. Currently, South Korean companies like Samsung and SK Hynix dominate this market. Catching up would take Chinese manufacturers years and significant investment.

How many AI chips can Huawei produce now?

Reports indicate Huawei produced close to three million Ascend chips using secured components. However, production for the next year is estimated to drop to around one million units. This is due to the severe shortage of necessary dies and HBM.

What does this mean for the global AI race?

This creates a significant competitive disadvantage for Chinese AI companies. It could slow down their development of large language models and other AI applications. The gap between Western and Chinese AI capabilities may widen in the short to medium term.

Did TSMC face any consequences for this?

Yes, TSMC was fined heavily. Reports from Bloomberg state the fine was approximately one billion dollars. This was for the dies that ended up in Huawei’s hands through a shell company.