TSMC is advancing its compact optical engine technology, branded as COUPE, a top priority among its emerging innovations. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, during a recent visit to Taiwan, highlighted collaboration with TSMC on silicon photonics, though the results will take years to materialize.
Tianfeng Securities analysts noted heightened visibility for TSMC's COUPE development, with Himax confirmed as the sole micro-lens array supplier for COUPE's first and second generations. FOCI will exclusively supply FAUs (ReLFACon) for both generations.
The first-generation COUPE is set for mass production in the second half of 2026, with AMD poised as the initial adopter. If Nvidia's Rubin and Rubin Ultra chips enter mass production by late 2026 and 2027, the Rubin Ultra is likely to debut TSMC's COUPE technology.
Analysts report that TSMC has completed first-generation COUPE development and initiated production validation, with second-generation validation planned for early 2026. Performance upgrades, better light coupling, and manufacturability distinguish the second-generation COUPE.
Specifications for the first generation will be finalized by the fourth quarter of 2024, with sample delivery and mass production validation spanning 2025-2026. Second-generation COUPE specs and samples are slated for early 2026, with production validation running through 2027 and mass production starting between late 2027 and early 2028.
Himax remains the exclusive micro-lens supplier for COUPE FAUs, with a potential second supplier unlikely until the third generation.