Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), China’s major semiconductor foundry, has reportedly achieved a milestone by developing an in-house 5 nm semiconductor node without relying on Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. This innovation could potentially alter the global semiconductor landscape and present new opportunities for the Chinese semiconductor industry.
The 5 nm node has garnered attention due to its utilization of Deep Ultraviolet (DUV) technology instead of the more advanced EUV. The development of such an advanced node with DUV is an impressive feat, particularly given that SMIC faces sanctions that limit access to certain technologies. These restrictions have pushed the company to find alternative methods to progress in the semiconductor race.
Previously, SMIC successfully created a 7 nm node, which has been used to produce Huawei’s Kirin 9000s and Kirin 9010 chips. The progression to a 5 nm node is a natural next step for SMIC as it seeks to maintain competitiveness and keep up with global semiconductor trends.
Despite the use of DUV, which typically produces lower yields compared to EUV, reports suggest that the new node could be potent enough to power upcoming chips in smartphones and laptops. There is speculation that Huawei may introduce a new Kirin System on Chip (SoC) alongside the anticipated Mate 70 series and potentially a laptop chip that could rival Apple’s M2 processor. These new Kirin chips may be the first to feature the 5 nm technology by SMIC.
The development signifies a crucial step for China’s chipmaking capabilities but poses challenges due to the increased rate of failure during the manufacturing process, which is inherent to using DUV for such advanced nodes. The initial yields of the 5 nm node are expected to be modest, which could limit its commercial use in the short term. Nevertheless, the progress signals an important achievement given the technological constraints the company operates under.
The availability of the new node to other Chinese Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) is uncertain at this stage. Industry watchers are keenly observing how SMIC’s technological advancements will play out in the competitive semiconductor market and whether they can successfully navigate the challenges ahead without attracting additional sanctions that might hinder their progress.
As the semiconductor space continues to be strategically significant, the reluctance of SMIC to make a public announcement about its developments is understandable, given the dynamics of international trade and technology transfer. Regardless of the lack of official confirmation, this breakthrough has the potential to pave the way for further self-reliance in chip manufacturing for China and impact the global supply chain in the future.
Innovation in the semiconductor sector is crucial in a rapidly advancing technology world. Developments like SMIC’s 5 nm node using DUV showcase the continuous efforts companies are making to push the boundaries of what is possible, even amid restrictive conditions. As the semiconductor industry evolves, this could mark a significant moment in the quest for technological independence and advancement.
