Russia Unveils Domestic 350 nm Lithography System Amid Sanctions

[AleksandarK]

Russian and Belarusian semiconductor manufacturers have achieved a significant milestone in domestic chip production capabilities. In collaboration with Belarus-based Planar, the Zelenograd Nanotechnology Center (ZNTC) has developed a new lithography system supporting 350 nm process technology for 8-inch (200 mm) silicon wafers. This development represents a strategic response to Western sanctions severely restricting Russia's access to advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The system employs solid-state laser technology to project circuit patterns onto photoresist-coated wafers through a photomask that defines the circuitry. After selective exposure, the photoresist undergoes chemical processing to build circuit structures. While the 350 nm node marks a critical capability for domestic semiconductor production, it sits almost three decades behind leading-edge fabrication processes in high-performance computing applications.

This technology is comparable to what powered Intel's Pentium II processors in the late 1990s. Despite this technological gap, the equipment will enable the production of various electronic components suitable for consumer electronics and certain specialized military applications where bleeding-edge performance isn't required. ZNTC has already outlined plans to develop a more advanced 130 nm lithography system by 2026 as part of a government-backed initiative to incrementally enhance domestic semiconductor capabilities. While unable to match the 3-5 nm processes currently deployed by global semiconductor leaders, this lithography system establishes a foundation for domestic chip manufacturing infrastructure, especially in the category of mature nodes. The success of this intermediate solution will likely influence government funding priorities as the country attempts to narrow the technological gap with Western semiconductor capabilities in the coming years.



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[medi01]

"Pentium killer" Эльбрус when?

 

[Deslok]

I'm actually surprised they didn't have any 3xx nm home grown lithography as is, if nothing else a node that big is likely fine for defense hardware (the documented information for the f35 is that it has two computers capable of >2900dmips with 512mb ram each and a display system capable of 2200dmips not sure why l3 picked that as how to state it with how archaic dmips are as a benchmark, something that should be... manageable although likely not energy efficient at 350nm

 

[windwhirl]

"Pentium killer" Эльбрус when?

I was a little surprised this is Pentium-era lithography. Like, I wasn't expecting them to pull out 32 nm class out of nowhere, to name a fairly advanced if dated node, but... 350 nm seems a bit old even for them. I don't know, I guess I was expecting them to have something a little more advanced, like 180 or 130 nm. Maybe 90 nm, even

 

[_roman_]

Good job.

Not everything has to be manufactured at the latest tech.

 

[redeye]

350nm is so old i am not sure even china can make 350nm… because they make 35nm parts!.
remember TTL IC chips? (7400 series (e.g., 7400, 7402, 7404, 7408, 7410, 7411, 7432, 7474, 7486, 74LS00, 74LS02, etc.)
i do back in college (’89) … but you can not buy them any more!… (i believe you use programmable logic arrays… now)
Russian inventiveness to the rescue!

 

[Macro Device]

I was a little surprised this is Pentium-era lithography. Like, I wasn't expecting them to pull out 32 nm class out of nowhere, to name a fairly advanced if dated node, but... 350 nm seems a bit old even for them. I don't know, I guess I was expecting them to have something a little more advanced, like 180 or 130 nm. Maybe 90 nm, even

350 is zactly where the current state of affairs belongs. Since late 70s, we suffered from so-called «утечка мозгов» (lit. "brain leakage", or a process of educated people opting for emigration rather than working for a domestic science facility because being paid long dollars is much neater than being fed crumbs) so it's not really surprising we don't have anything serious going for us in this department. The economy had been rollercoastering for this half century like an absolute mad lad as well so it's not that much the government can invest into this, too.

Managing an ancient lithography is an achievement in itself in this case. Understaffed, undersponsored, undermotivated, and, most importantly, ran under super chaotic management and still producing something that works. Will be real good news if there won't be any downgrade.

 

[_roman_]

Are you talking about the SN7400N?

I only link where i bought from. They do not sell to private customers anymore - only to old customers or companies.

SN7400N | Texas Instruments Logikgatter, 4-Elem., NAND, 74, 16mA, 14-Pin, PDIP, 2 | RS

at.rs-online.com

Can you please specify which sort of driver family for those 7400 chips? Not sure how to name it

i thought about e.g. https://www.ti.com/product/CD74HCT00/part-details/CD74HCT00E

sorry - looked up german - I think i bought and used ACT in the past

74xx – Wikipedia

de.wikipedia.org

 

[john_]

350 is zactly where the current state of affairs belongs. Since late 70s, we suffered from so-called «утечка мозгов» (lit. "brain leakage", or a process of educated people opting for emigration rather than working for a domestic science facility because being paid long dollars is much neater than being fed crumbs) so it's not really surprising we don't have anything serious going for us in this department. The economy had been rollercoastering for this half century like an absolute mad lad as well so it's not that much the government can invest into this, too.

Managing an ancient lithography is an achievement in itself in this case. Understaffed, undersponsored, undermotivated, and, most importantly, ran under super chaotic management and still producing something that works. Will be real good news if there won't be any downgrade.

We are facing the same "brain drain" in Greece the last 15 years, because of the economy problems. We'll end up a nation working in tourism, serving tzatziki and gyros.

But I don't think this is the only reason Russia doesn't have better manufacturing. Probably the leadership wasn't understanding the importance of new tech, maybe if they asked in the past how much money they would need to invest and keep investing as a country into chip manufacturing, to make something competitive, or at least not a decade old, they got scared by the cost they heard. So they probably thought that throwing that money on military industry, was making more sense. And I can understand them. China and US are two competing forces. Russia can always expect to have the option to side with one of them and get all the technology they want.

I'm actually surprised they didn't have any 3xx nm home grown lithography as is, if nothing else a node that big is likely fine for defense hardware (the documented information for the f35 is that it has two computers capable of >2900dmips with 512mb ram each and a display system capable of 2200dmips not sure why l3 picked that as how to state it with how archaic dmips are as a benchmark, something that should be... manageable although likely not energy efficient at 350nm

I doubt on a platform like a fighting jet, that suck so much fuel to be able to fly at high speeds, 20-50 more watts from the electronics will have a significant impact.

 

[Onasi]

But I don't think this is the only reason Russia didn't have better manufacturing. Probably the leadership wasn't understanding the importance of new tech, maybe if they asked in the past how much money they would need to invest and keep investing as a country into chip manufacturing, to make something competitive, or at least not a decade old, they got scared by the cost they heard. So they probably thought that throwing that money on military industry, was making more sense. And I can understand them. China and US are two competing forces. Russia can always expect to have the option to side with one of them and get all the technology they want.

That’s exactly what happened. That, and the underlying idea of “we have oil money, we don’t need manufacturing, we can just buy anything we need” that prevailed for the entirety of the 00-s and up to 2014. Of course, such a thinking isn’t particularly compatible with taking part in absolutely ridiculous geopolitical adventures (let’s call it that), but Russian leadership isn’t really the most forward thinking out there. Same thinking kneecapped and pretty much killed Russian civil aviation production and now it’s scrambling to achieve anything of note.

On the topic - for the things these chips are intended for the extremely dated node is more than fine. It’s not meant for any kind of cutting edge product.

 

[Macro Device]

But I don't think this is the only reason

This is what I understatemently and politely voilized, uttering "super chaotic management."

I already spilled a mouthful of politics. No need to go deeper.

 

[TheinsanegamerN]

I'm actually surprised they didn't have any 3xx nm home grown lithography as is, if nothing else a node that big is likely fine for defense hardware (the documented information for the f35 is that it has two computers capable of >2900dmips with 512mb ram each and a display system capable of 2200dmips not sure why l3 picked that as how to state it with how archaic dmips are as a benchmark, something that should be... manageable although likely not energy efficient at 350nm

Well, the F-22 was running an IBM mainframe, so for the F-35 going to 350nm is a huge achievement.

It may also have to do with radiation hardening, or ability to source or set up new supply in times of war. Or they got a sweet deal IDK

 

[Dr. Dro]

350 nm is the same node used in the ATmega328 microcontroller used on the Arduino Uno. I think it was also used in the earliest Pentium IIs as well as the original AMD K6 processor, if memory serves me well. Certainly not bleeding edge, but relatively workable, and for what these are likely to be used for (military applications), it's probably going to work.

 

[lexluthermiester]

a new lithography system supporting 350 nm process technology for 8-inch (200 mm) silicon wafers.

New for THEM? Maybe. For the rest of the world, that is a 486 era lith process. That's 3 decades ago..

Congrats Russia, welcome to mid 1980's1990's level tech. Have fun!!

Good job.

Not everything has to be manufactured at the latest tech.

That's for sure! I mean, they'll be able to run DOS and Windows 3.1 like a 1980's1990's geek!

EDIT: Correct dates. Another comment reminded me that 350nm lith was early 90's not 80's.

 

[kondamin]

More than complex enough to run basic guidance systems, also robust enough to resist light em disruptions.

I hope the company goes bankrupt soon as the insanity stops and trade is permitted again.

 

[lexluthermiester]

I hope the company goes bankrupt soon as the insanity stops and trade is permitted again.

I disagree. Let them do what they want.

 

[Crackong]

Once they have domestic 350nm
They can work on it and produce finer tools with current tools
Then produce even more finer tools
There is no short cuts here.

Even tho I don't like RU politically
This time around I believe them actually did it.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Once they have domestic 350nm
They can work on it and produce finer tools with current tools
Then produce even more finer tools
There is no short cuts here.

Ok, but it's still going to take them a few decades to get there unless they pull a China and steal it from others.

 

[Crackong]

Ok, but it's still going to take them a few decades to get there unless they pull a China and steal it from others.

Yes it takes time and effort.
There is no short cut and they will eventually hit some roadblocks on raw materials / chemical supply and metallurgy.

On the other hand
China always claim they broke through this or broke through that in chip making market
But looking at their current portfolio they heavily rely on old ASML machines before sanction
These machines will eventually goes out of service, and China might not have the fundamentals setups like what RU did here.....

 

[Dr_b_]

1990 called and wants its process node back

 

[tpa-pr]

Would this chip size have any use in something like automotive? Not necessarily smart cars but stuff like computer-controlled fuel injection and the like.

What about manufacturing? Could they be complex enough to run assembly line machinery?

 

[the54thvoid]

Keep it about the technology process, please.

 

[_roman_]

That's for sure! I mean, they'll be able to run DOS and Windows 3.1 like a 1980's1990's geek!

You guys maybe life in the computer bubble.

I came from the electronics field. You can make so many stuff on that manufacturing process which is still useful. And needed for many devices.

So many devices have wasted stuff in them in the form of a microchip pic microcontroller. I assume that process is needed for any semiconductor. And we use a lot of these. I also wonder if those high current electronics are even manufactured in such high end nodes like tsmc uses it.

I wish we had less bullshit devices and more devices as in the 80ies which had less electronics. who needs touch panel and digital clock on a kitchen electric stove.

 

[KLMR]

That machine looks like an experiment, not an industrial production one.

 

[mtosev]

Lol. Maybe in the next 20 years they are going to start producing current gen lithography like 5nm.