(Bloomberg) — ByteDance and Broadcom have mentioned a possible collaboration on an AI processor to assist bolster the TikTok mother or father’s improvement of that expertise.
The US chip designer and Beijing-based ByteDance have talked a couple of 5-nanometer purpose-built chip, in response to an individual acquainted with the discussions. No deal has but been reached between the 2 corporations, and Broadcom already provides an older-generation 7nm AI processor to be used in ByteDance’s information facilities, the particular person stated, asking to not be named as the data is non-public.
The proposed chip would adjust to US commerce restrictions on China, Reuters stated in an earlier report citing nameless sources. The 2 corporations’ present enterprise relationship largely revolves round server and networking gear, and Broadcom has cited ByteDance as a buyer in its press releases.
In March, Broadcom instructed traders that it added a brand new buyer for its shopper AI accelerator enterprise and it will likely be transport merchandise to that firm within the subsequent few months, with out offering a reputation.
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Ought to the pair attain a deal, the personalized chip could be made by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Firm, Reuters reported. The tie-up between the proprietor of TikTok and two international semiconductor corporations is uncommon given Washington is actively attempting to curtail Chinese language chipmaking ambitions by means of a collection of broad manufacturing and export curbs.
The association is meant to make sure a gradual provide of chips to ByteDance, which operates the world’s greatest quick video platform in addition to Chinese language providers Douyin and Toutiao. ByteDance’s Doubao turned China’s hottest AI chatbot this yr.
ByteDance’s international opponents, from Meta Platforms Inc. and Microsoft Corp. to Alphabet Inc.’s Google, are all creating or already utilizing their very own bespoke chips for AI duties. The TikTok mother or father will probably be attempting to maintain tempo with these US rivals, having made AI a precedence this yr.
Representatives for ByteDance, Broadcom and TSMC didn’t reply to requests for remark.
