Japan is ramping up its semiconductor game with a bold plan by Rapidus, a forward-thinking Japanese chipmaker that’s making waves with a substantial investment in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems. By setting its sights on deploying 10 sophisticated EUV systems, Rapidus is positioning itself to challenge the titans of the semiconductor industry, like TSMC and Samsung, by embarking on 2nm chip production.
This ambitious endeavor stems from Rapidus’s strategic vision to boost Japan’s prowess in advanced chip manufacturing. CEO Atsuyoshi Koike has unveiled plans to integrate these state-of-the-art machines at the forthcoming IIM-1 and IIM-2 facilities. The buzz began in December 2024 when Japan received its first-ever EUV lithography machine at New Chitose Airport, heralding a significant milestone in the country’s technological advancement.
With an eye on the clock, Rapidus aims to initiate trial production of 2nm chips by April 2025. The goal is to supply sample chips to Broadcom, a leading U.S.-based semiconductor company, by June. These efforts underscore Japan’s commitment to asserting its place in the global semiconductor market.
In terms of production capacity, if Rapidus maximizes its resources with five EUV tools, the IIM-1 plant could process between 17,000 to 20,000 wafers monthly, assuming around 20 EUV layers are needed per fabrication process. To achieve this, the company plans to use ASML’s cutting-edge Twinscan NXE: 3800E scanners, capable of handling up to 220 wafers per hour with a specific energy dose.
Looking ahead, Rapidus is targeting large-scale production of 2nm chips by 2027. This puts them in direct competition with industry leaders like TSMC, which plans to start its 2nm operations by 2025 and already boasts a clientele list featuring tech giants such as Apple, NVIDIA, AMD, and Qualcomm. Meanwhile, Samsung is also adapting by modifying its 3nm production lines to accommodate 2nm technology, collaborating with big names like NVIDIA and Qualcomm.
As Rapidus gears up to join this competitive field, all eyes will be on how its strategic moves play out against established industry players. The unfolding developments promise an exciting future for Japan’s reentry into the elite ranks of global semiconductor production.
