Nvidia Tapes Out Six New Chips with TSMC, Addresses H20 China Security Concerns

Taipei – Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang visited Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) on Friday, confirming that six new chips, including the next-generation Rubin GPU and a CPU, have been taped out and sent to TSMC for production. Huang's visit, his third to Taiwan this year, underscored the deep reliance of Nvidia's supply chain on the island's semiconductor industry.

During his brief trip, Huang expressed gratitude to TSMC for their "enormous efforts" in bringing these advanced chips to fruition. The Rubin-based chips, utilizing TSMC's 3-nanometer technology, are expected to enter volume production in the coming months, driving significant demand for TSMC's advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Huang also addressed the ongoing situation regarding Nvidia's H20 chip in China. He expressed surprise over China's security backdoor inquiry concerning the H20, stating that Nvidia has "told China emphatically there are no backdoors." Despite these concerns, Huang noted that demand for the H20 in China is "quite great," with Chinese customers having "requested and urged Nvidia to secure licenses for H20 chips for some time."

Regarding the development of a new China-specific chip, a potential successor to the H20, Huang clarified that the decision is not solely Nvidia's. He stated, "We are talking to US government and it is 'too soon to know'" the outcome of these discussions. This highlights the complex geopolitical landscape influencing advanced chip sales to China.

In a strong endorsement of its manufacturing partner, Huang praised TSMC as "one of the greatest companies in the history of humanity." He added, "Anyone who wants to buy TSMC stock is very smart," signaling confidence in the foundry's continued leadership and investment appeal in the global semiconductor market.