LG and Tenstorrent boost AI chip capabilities in expanded partnership

The semiconductor industry is witnessing a significant partnership expansion between LG Electronics and Tenstorrent, aimed at developing advanced AI chips for various consumer applications.

Strategic vision and core objectives; LG and Tenstorrent are deepening their collaboration to enhance AI chip capabilities across home appliances, smart home solutions, and future mobility applications.

• The partnership builds upon an initial chiplet project and seeks to develop advanced System-on-Chips (SoCs) for global markets
• LG is focusing on strengthening its in-house development capabilities while leveraging partnerships with global companies
• The collaboration aims to deliver personalized AI solutions under LG’s “Affectionate Intelligence” initiative

Technical foundation and innovations; Tenstorrent brings its expertise in RISC-V architecture and AI IP technology to enable flexible and efficient chip designs.

• Tenstorrent’s Ascalon (RISC-V IP) and Tensix (AI IP) technologies allow for scalable semiconductor designs ranging from milliwatts to megawatts
• RISC-V, an open-source instruction set architecture, enables customizable processor designs based on reduced instruction set computing principles
• The partnership explores opportunities to create synergies across various business areas, including data center video processing solutions

Research and development focus; LG has established a dedicated SoC R&D center to advance high-performance semiconductor development using chiplet technology.

• The center specializes in system semiconductor design, development, and verification
• LG has already developed AI chips including the “DQ-C” for appliances and the “LG Alpha 11 AI Processor” for OLED TVs
• Chiplet technology, which integrates multiple chips into a single package, is becoming increasingly important for high-performance, low-power AI semiconductors

Leadership perspectives; Key executives from both companies have expressed strong commitment to the partnership’s goals.

• LG CEO William Cho emphasized delivering new customer experiences through Affectionate Intelligence
• Tenstorrent CEO Jim Keller highlighted the importance of customizable solutions and enabling LG to control its silicon future
• The partnership includes plans for a long-term internship program to foster talent development

Future implications; The collaboration signals a significant shift in how consumer electronics companies are approaching AI chip development, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape in the semiconductor industry.

• The partnership could accelerate the adoption of RISC-V architecture in consumer devices
• Success in this venture might establish a new model for how traditional electronics manufacturers can develop in-house AI capabilities
• The focus on chiplet technology suggests a strategic approach to addressing both performance and power efficiency challenges in next-generation AI applications