Chinese telecommunications company Huawei plans to produce a new AI chip capable of competing with NVIDIA's artificial intelligence (AI) graphics processing units (GPUs) starting from the first quarter of next year, according to multiple anonymous sources cited by major foreign media on the 21st (local time).
According to reports, Huawei has sent samples of the Ascend 910c (Chinese name: Shengteng 910c) to some IT companies and has begun receiving related orders.
Huawei reportedly explained that the performance of the 910c is comparable to NVIDIA's H100, which is currently the latest commercialized AI chip.
The 910c is said to be produced by SMIC, China's largest foundry company. However, due to U.S. sanctions against China, there is a shortage of lithography equipment, resulting in a yield rate of about 20%, which is a significant obstacle. Generally, a yield rate of over 70% is required for commercial viability, according to the foreign media.
The previous model of the 910c, the 910b, is also struggling with low yield issues. According to sources cited by foreign media, the yield rate of the 910b produced by SMIC remains at around 50%. As a result, Huawei has reduced its production targets and is experiencing delays in product delivery.
The source stated, "Huawei is aware that there is no short-term solution due to the lack of EUV lithography," and added, "(Huawei) will prioritize important government and corporate orders."
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