Samsung Electronics has completed the development of its '8-nanometer foundry process' based on its 10-nanometer (nm) second-generation process and is ready for full-scale mass production.

The '8-nanometer foundry process (8LPP, Low Power Plus)' is the process immediately preceding the 7-nanometer process, where Extreme Ultra Violet (EUV) will be introduced for the first time on Samsung Electronics' advanced foundry roadmap. Compared to the '10-nanometer second-generation process,' it offers 10% improved power efficiency and a 10% reduction in area, making it suitable for high-performance processors required for mobile, network, server, and cryptocurrency mining applications.

Samsung Electronics began mass production of 10-nanometer products for the first time in the industry in October 2016, and plans to rapidly stabilize the yield of the 8-nanometer process based on the process know-how accumulated through mass production.

Lee Sang-hyun, Senior Vice President of Samsung Electronics’ Foundry Marketing Team, stated, “Based on our successful experience with 10nm mass production, we have prepared the 8nm process to respond to the demands of various markets,” adding, “Samsung Electronics will rapidly expand its process portfolio to provide customers with processes that possess both productivity and competitiveness.”

Meanwhile, following the 14nm and 10nm processes, Samsung Electronics is continuing its cooperation with Qualcomm for the development of the 8nm process as well.

Qualcomm's Senior VP RK Chunduru stated, "Samsung's 8nm (LPP) process is based on the already proven 10nm process, so fast "Product ramp-up is possible, and it will provide superior performance and size competitiveness," they stated.

Samsung Electronics plans to announce its advanced foundry process roadmap, including the development status of its 8nm process, to global customers and partners at the "Samsung Foundry Forum" to be held in Munich, Germany on October 18 (local time), following the U.S., Korea, and Japan this year.