Samsung’s 5G chips will power connectivity in Tesla's Robotaxi

Samsung will start supplying 5G modem chips to Tesla for some of its electric cars, according to a report from The Elec. While Samsung Electronics has supplied several components for Tesla's electric cars in the past, this is the first time the South Korean firm is supplying a 5G connectivity chip to the electric carmaker.

System LSI, Samsung's logic chip design division, has reportedly completed the development of the Exynos 5G modem chip and is testing it. It will initially be used in Tesla's Robotaxi cars, which will be debut in Texas, USA. The 5G chip will then be expanded to other Tesla electric cars in the future.

The development of this cellular connectivity chip reportedly started in early 2024 and ended last year. While Samsung has long been making 5G chips for phones and tablets, the requirements for automotive chips are completely different. They must withstand high temperatures and vibrations continuously for a long period of time. Moreover, they must offer a guarantee of lasting at least ten years. So, Samsung used a different process to make this 5G chip.

Tesla has been using Qualcomm's 5G modem chips, but will now switch to Samsung's 5G modems. Apparently, Tesla doesn't want to depend on components made in China and Taiwan. So, it is now switching to suppliers who can make components in South Korea or the USA.

Samsung recently also bagged a $16.5 billion deal to make AI6 chips for Tesla on its 2nm process node. These chips will reportedly be made at its semiconductor chip factory in Taylor, Texas. It is also making some of Tesla's AI5 chips using its 4nm process node in the USA.

Image Credits: Tesla