Google to Shift 2028 v9 TPU Design to MediaTek, Eyes Samsung Dies
Google plans to move design work for its 2028 v9 Tensor Processing Unit (codenamed Triggerfish) to MediaTek, abandoning an initial collaboration with Broadcom that featured its 448G SERDES technology due to development delays. The company is also evaluating Samsung for memory I/O die production amid Taiwan Semiconductor’s capacity constraints.
1. Initial Broadcom Partnership
Google initially partnered with Broadcom to develop its next-generation TPU v9 chip, codenamed Triggerfish, leveraging Broadcom’s 448G SERDES technology for high-speed data connectivity.
2. Pivot to MediaTek for Design Work
Development delays in the 448G SERDES component prompted Google to plan a shift of design work to MediaTek for the 2028 TPU v9, marking a strategic supplier realignment in its AI hardware roadmap.
3. Samsung for Memory I/O Dies
To address production capacity limits at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Google is evaluating Samsung to manufacture memory input-output dies for current and future TPU generations.
4. Strategic and Financial Implications
This supply-chain reshuffle could impact Google’s AI chip cost structure, performance targets, and partner dynamics, potentially weakening Broadcom’s role while enhancing collaborations with MediaTek and Samsung.
