TikTok owner, ByteDance, is working with US chip designer Broadcom on developing a 5 nanometer application-specific integrated chip (ASIC) in a move to help ByteDance secure sufficient supply of high-end chips amid US-Sino tensions, reports Reuters. The advanced AI processor would be compliant with US export restrictions and manufacturing work would be outsourced to Taiwan’s TSMC, the sources added.
There have been no publicly announced chip development collaborations between Chinese and US companies involving 5 nanometer or more advanced technology since Washington introduced export controls for cutting-edge semiconductors in 2022. US-China deals in the sector generally concern much less sophisticated tech.
ByteDance’s tie-up with Broadcom, an existing business partner, would help slash procurement costs and ensure a stable supply of higher-end chips, said the sources, who declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of semiconductor issues in China.