Wednesday, June 15th 2022
Japan and the US Joins Forces to Produce 2 nm Chips in Japan by 2025
Based on a report by the Nikkei, Japan and the US have joined forces to speed up the development of semiconductor production at 2 nm nodes in Japan by 2025. It's not exactly clear how this is going to happen, but the two nations are said to have signed a bilateral chip technology partnership. The heavy lifting is said to be done by private companies from both nations, but in terms of research and actual chip production. Part of the reason for the move, is that Japan wants to be able to manufacture cutting edge ICs domestically for next-generation chips.
The research is said to be kicking off as soon as this summer, although no decisions have been made with regards to the manufacturing structure, with the Nikkei suggesting two alternatives, based on information from the Japanese Ministry of Economy. There will either be a joint partnership between Japanese and US businesses, or it could be a wholly Japanese owned setup. It appears that one major reason for this project is the production of ICs for the Japanese defence industry, as advanced electronics are needed in a lot of related products, ranging from fighter jets and missiles, to radar systems and communication systems. However, the article also suggests that the 2 nm node is suitable for everything from components for quantum computers to smartphones. Japan already makes advanced silicon wafers and many other parts and components used in semiconductor manufacturing, but the nation has fallen behind in the actual manufacturing of leading edge semiconductors over the past few years.
Source:
The Nikkei
The research is said to be kicking off as soon as this summer, although no decisions have been made with regards to the manufacturing structure, with the Nikkei suggesting two alternatives, based on information from the Japanese Ministry of Economy. There will either be a joint partnership between Japanese and US businesses, or it could be a wholly Japanese owned setup. It appears that one major reason for this project is the production of ICs for the Japanese defence industry, as advanced electronics are needed in a lot of related products, ranging from fighter jets and missiles, to radar systems and communication systems. However, the article also suggests that the 2 nm node is suitable for everything from components for quantum computers to smartphones. Japan already makes advanced silicon wafers and many other parts and components used in semiconductor manufacturing, but the nation has fallen behind in the actual manufacturing of leading edge semiconductors over the past few years.
20 Comments on Japan and the US Joins Forces to Produce 2 nm Chips in Japan by 2025
Having fab options is great, and Gudam county is not a bad choice.
P.S.
Still more than 50% of companies in Japan and more than 50% of their domestic webpages work only in Internet Explorer. :laugh::sleep:
MAKES SENSE.
Priorities ;)
Right? They build for stuff to withstand earthqu...SHIT. Reality happens!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fukushima_nuclear_disaster
On detecting the earthquake, the active reactors automatically shut down their normal power-generating fission reactions. Because of these shutdowns and other electrical grid supply problems, the reactors' electricity supply failed, and their emergency diesel generators automatically started. Critically, these were required to provide electrical power to the pumps that circulated coolant through the reactors' cores. This continued circulation was vital to remove residual decay heat, which continues to be produced after fission has ceased.[12] However, the earthquake had also generated a tsunami 14 metres (46 ft) high that arrived shortly afterwards, swept over the plant's seawall and then flooded the lower parts of reactors 1–4.
Take away: they ignored the (known!) tsunami risk from earthquakes by placing backup generators below calculated potential wave height. It was probably a bit cheaper.
Relax, Japan is the nr 3 country in the world on top Semi-conductor production. Trust me, they know how to build their factories.
This is not offtopic. Humans are rather arrogant and history repeats.
Maybe another one to drive it home:
asia.nikkei.com/Business/Tech/Semiconductors/TSMC-tackles-Taiwan-drought-with-plant-to-reuse-water-for-chips
But hey, relax! All is well in the world!
I posted earlier that the main reason here is a strategic / positioning act on behalf of the US. A big part of the production chain for chips is situated and focused around SEA. Its not because the location is otherwise such a comfortable place. The geopolitical power balance is what determined Japan as a great place to invest - that and the fact that there simply isn't a workforce on tap elsewhere either.
'Trust you'... no. Your perspective is rather limited.
Mind-blowing... :rolleyes: