SK Hynix and Taiwan's TSMC have established an 'AI Semiconductor Alliance'. SK Hynix has emerged as a strong player in the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) market due to the generative artificial intelligence (AI) craze, and TSMC is the world's largest semiconductor foundry (consignment production) company. The strategy is to consolidate the victory of the two companies in the AI semiconductor market by gathering technology in next-generation AI semiconductor packaging.

This AI semiconductor alliance is interpreted as a dimension to establish a united front against Samsung Electronics.

According to the semiconductor industry on the 7th, SK Hynix has established a "one-team strategy" including cooperation with TSMC on development related to HBM4, the sixth-generation HBM. The two companies, along with Nvidia, which dominates the AI semiconductor market, are increasing their influence in their respective markets. TSMC is dominating the market by commissioning Nvidia's graphics processing unit (GPU), while SK Hynix has more than half of its market share in the HBM market that supports GPU operations. Cooperation between the two companies is expected to turn the tide in a way that TSMC is in charge of some of the HBM4 processes, which are considered next-generation HBMs. Based on this, TSMC is expected to pursue a packaging strategy to significantly improve compatibility compared to existing products.

Ahn Ki-hyun, executive director of the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association, said, "The AI semiconductor market will be a driving force in the future." He then explained, "SK Hynix and TSMC cooperation will have a great impact on the semiconductor industry."

It is analyzed that the two companies are working together to keep Samsung Electronics in check. Samsung Electronics, which suffered the worst semiconductor recession last year, was losing ground to the two companies in AI semiconductors due to delayed decision-making on its business. Samsung Electronics is competing with TSMC in the foundry market and SK Hynix in the memory semiconductor market. Samsung Electronics, which is lagging behind HBM3, has established a "turnkey strategy" with the goal of succeeding in reversing the HBM4 market. Meanwhile, SK Hynix said, "We cannot confirm anything related to partner companies."

By: DocMemory
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