Many Chinese tech giants face limitations due to US and global sanctions. Among these giants, China’s Huawei was one of the biggest smartphone manufacturers, and Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment (SMEE) held the second spot. SMEE is a leading producer of lithography machines and holds over 70% of sales within China.
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Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment (SMEE) is breaking new ground with its manufacturing capabilities despite restrictions. As the leading producer of lithography scanners in China, SMEE is excited to announce the release of its first 28nm-class fabrication process scanner by the end of the year. This marks a major achievement for the company, as their current advanced scanner only reaches the 90nm level. The upcoming SSA/800-10W is set to offer significant improvements and is sure to impress.
China’s new Chip-making tool could be a big game changer!
Lithography plays an important role in the chip manufacturing industry. Consider it the skill of printing complicated patterns on silicon wafers, a necessary step in the production of computer chips. China is now on a deliberate road to lessen its reliance on imported chip-making technology, and the development of a cutting-edge 28nm scanner is a big step in that direction.
This 28nm scanner represents more than simply technological advancement; it marks a push toward self-sufficiency in an industry where acquiring advanced chip fabrication tools has become increasingly difficult due to global export limitations and trade disputes. China realizes that in order to maintain its place in the ever-changing tech scene, it must overcome these obstacles and become more self-sufficient in creating the critical components that power our digital world.
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US rules have already thrown a spanner in the works for Chinese chipmakers, limiting access to vital sub-14nm technologies. Additional rules from the Netherlands, Japan, and Taiwan have exacerbated the problem. As a result, homegrown behemoths like SMIC and YMTC have challenges in expanding their cutting-edge manufacturing methods.
Although the SMEE future scanner is a valuable asset that could benefit SMIC or a specific research institute, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. The primary concern is not whether SMEE can create a 28nm scanner, but whether they can produce it on a large scale. The potential benefits of the scanner will remain theoretical unless it is mass-produced.
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