Monday, December 7th 2020
China Develops Tools for 28 nm Silicon Manufacturing
When the US decided to impose sanctions on all US-made technology use in foreign countries (China), the Chinese semiconductor manufacturing industry seemed at the time that it would just completely stop. Without the tools to manufacture silicon, Chinese manufacturers would need to turn to other countries to search for a possible solution. That, however, turned out impossible as the US administration has decided to stop the silicon from going into the hands of Chinese companies, by making a condition that any US-made technology can not get to China. Many of the parts for silicon manufacturing are designed in the US, so they have the power to restrict the use.
Today, in a surprising turn of events, we have information that Shanghai Micro Electronic Equipment (SMEE) has developed a deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography scanner that is set for delivery in 2021. With a plan to deliver it in the fourth quarter of 2021, SMEE has designed this DUV scanner for the production of 28 nm node. While not being the most advanced node available to date, it is a significant start for Chinese technology independence. ASML, the producer of such scanners, used to be one of the few options there, however, it just gained a competitor. China will deliver its new silicon on a 28 nm process at the end of 2021. Pictured below, you can see how the scanner from SMEE looks like.
Source:
Tom's Hardware
Today, in a surprising turn of events, we have information that Shanghai Micro Electronic Equipment (SMEE) has developed a deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography scanner that is set for delivery in 2021. With a plan to deliver it in the fourth quarter of 2021, SMEE has designed this DUV scanner for the production of 28 nm node. While not being the most advanced node available to date, it is a significant start for Chinese technology independence. ASML, the producer of such scanners, used to be one of the few options there, however, it just gained a competitor. China will deliver its new silicon on a 28 nm process at the end of 2021. Pictured below, you can see how the scanner from SMEE looks like.
35 Comments on China Develops Tools for 28 nm Silicon Manufacturing
How?! Is this patently possible?!.
What if, whatever China ends up developing, turns out to actually be BETTER than current tools? Obviously comparing their 28nm VS TSMC's 28nm VS Samsung's 28nm.
Imagine: later on when they are better @ the current top *insert node here*, US would be left out of it ... and the tables would have turned ...
Not that i find it likely: i find it VERY unlikely, but still ... it would be hilarious if it did ... Karma @ work, if you will ...
Yeah, the approach to dealing with tech advancement is to understand the nature of the competitor. China has a massive resource base. It has a very ambitious education programme, better than many Western countries. They're not some 3rd world country that'll crumble under pressure. The nation's endured huge pressure and is now developing things it's own way. It has stolen IP, on a grand scale, but knowing that, and knowing they have ambition, it is akin to shooting yourself in the foot to cut them off and 'force them' to resort to invention. The strict trade embargo has only served to accelerate China's vision. The mistake was to think a country with a space programme and nuclear weapons couldn't push forward with their own advanced tech. Dumb move. But good for competition.
Those are global issues.
China is not unique in that sense, just very good at learning from others. We are to blame for our own leniency in that regard. If we cared so much about our secrets why did we throw so many away? Why do we prioritize financial gain over knowledge and preserving it?
Its a bit of a crybaby loser approach if you ask me. What 'we' need against China is a stance, and the US is taking it. Is it the best one? I think its the only one. China isn't here for our best interests. Yes they will have technology. Okay. So what about that world market and what about production? Can we do with less? Can we look past the horizon to find some way to move forward? If we can't, we might as well subject to Mr. Pooh today.
I'm still hoping the EU is taking steps in the same direction but so far its slow, late, and minor. Takes a while to get started... but its starting. But with that comes a fundamental think about our approach to consumerism. No more el cheapo AliExpress, Amazon, etc. for you. Shit's finite and its time we get the message.
If anything, SMEE is behind the schedule.
It's similar to their space program, with most of the "newly developed" stuff being just rebadged Russian space crafts. I mean, Russians trained the Chinese astronauts how to use the equipment...
But, good luck to China; the western world player this game incorrectly and will pay the price at some point shortly.
Edit - me too @Fourstaff :laugh:
I am awaiting how China can do this without stealing IP.
They said to China that do not repeat their mistakes, Lol......