China’s ByteDance Collaborating with Broadcom to Develop Advanced AI Processor
In the midst of U.S.-Sino tensions, Chinese tech giant ByteDance is making moves to secure a stable supply of high-end chips for its popular platform TikTok. According to sources familiar with the matter, ByteDance is working with U.S. chip designer Broadcom on developing a 5 nanometre application-specific integrated chip (ASIC) that would comply with U.S. export restrictions.
This innovative collaboration between ByteDance and Broadcom marks a rare occurrence of Chinese and U.S. companies joining forces on cutting-edge semiconductor technology. The partnership aims to reduce procurement costs and ensure a reliable source of higher-end chips for ByteDance’s AI initiatives.
The manufacturing of the new chip is set to be outsourced to Taiwan’s TSMC, a renowned semiconductor foundry. While design work is reportedly progressing, manufacturing is not expected to commence this year. ByteDance’s strategic focus on AI technology underscores the importance of securing advanced chips to enhance the capabilities of its popular apps, including TikTok and Douyin.
ByteDance’s efforts to bolster its AI capabilities don’t stop there. The company has reportedly stockpiled Nvidia chips, including models such as A100, H100, A800, and H800, to support its AI initiatives. Additionally, ByteDance purchased Huawei’s Ascend 910B chips, demonstrating a proactive approach to diversifying its chip sources.
In light of its ambitious AI projects, ByteDance has ramped up its recruitment efforts in the semiconductor field. The company currently has numerous job openings related to ASIC chip design, showcasing its commitment to fostering innovation within its AI ecosystem.
ByteDance’s collaboration with Broadcom and strategic chip acquisitions underscore its commitment to staying at the forefront of AI technology. By leveraging cutting-edge chips and fostering key partnerships, ByteDance is poised to drive innovation and deliver enhanced experiences to its global user base. Stay tuned for more updates on ByteDance’s advancements in the AI landscape.