TSMC is pushing compact optical engine technology, branded as Coupe, as a top priority among new innovations. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang highlighted collaboration with TSMC on silicon photonics during a recent visit to Taiwan, but results will take years to materialize.
Tianfeng Securities analysts pointed out that TSMC’s coupe development visibility has increased, and Himax has been confirmed as the sole microlens array supplier for the coupe’s first and second generations. Foci only supplies Faus (Relfacon) for both generations.
The first generation coupe is set for mass production in late 2026, with AMD poised to be the first adopter. When Nvidia’s Rubin and Rubin Ultra chips enter mass production by late 2026 or 2027, Rubin Ultra could debut TSMC’s coupe technology.
Analysts report that TSMC has completed first-generation Coupe development and has begun production validation, with second-generation validation planned for early 2026. Performance upgrades, better light coupling and manufacturability distinguish the second generation coupe.
First-generation specifications will be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024, with sample delivery and mass production validation occurring in 2025-2026. Specifications and samples for the second-generation coupe are expected in early 2026, with production validation by 2027 and mass production starting in late 2027 or early 2028.
Himax remains the exclusive microlens supplier for Coupe Faus, making a potential second supplier unlikely until the third generation.
