Samsung’s HBM4 Delivers Record Performance in Google TPU Tests

Samsung has achieved a major breakthrough with its 6th-gen high-bandwidth memory, HBM4. The chip has reportedly delivered record-breaking performance during testing for Google’s next-gen AI accelerator, TPU v8. This could pave the way for the Korean firm to secure a supply deal for HBM4 without any hurdles.

Samsung’s HBM4 outperforms rivals in Broadcom’s SiP testing

According to a report from BusinessKorea, Samsung’s HBM4 achieved operating speeds in the low-to-mid 11Gbps range during System-in-Package (SiP) testing. Broadcom, a key partner in the development of Google’s custom AI chips, conducted the test. This speed result is higher than that of rival memory makers. Moreover, the chip scores highly in heat management and technical challenges associated with integration.

SiP testing plays a key role in the development of advanced AI chips. It integrates HBM and logic chips into a single package and tests them under real-world operating conditions. Achieving solid results in this stage means the memory is ready for deployment in commercial AI accelerators. “This evaluation places Samsung in a highly favorable position for securing orders for Google’s supply chain in the coming year,” said an industry official.

Since 2023, Samsung and Broadcom have worked on the development of high-performance memory and AI chip technologies. This has likely helped Samsung fine-tune its HBM solutions to meet the requirements of next-generation AI accelerators. Now that the Korean firm’s HBM4 has successfully completed Broadcom’s SiP testing, the memory seems suitable for use in TPU v8. The AI accelerator could enter commercial production next year.

Google reportedly plans to use TPU v8 in its own data centers while also selling to its external customers. As a result, demand for AI accelerators is expected to increase, creating opportunities for Samsung to expand its share in this space. Meanwhile, Samsung’s HBM4 also performed well in Nvidia’s recent SiP testing, suggesting that the Korean firm could ink a deal with the GPU maker.