China announced recently the development of new lithography equipment, which will reduce its dependence on US semiconductor production.
The move comes as part of China’s efforts to remove US-led barriers that had prevented its access to advanced technology for chipmaking.
The new machines are a sign of progress but there is still a question about their ability to compete with sophisticated Western equipment, like that produced by ASML Holdings.
Why are these machines important?
The Lithography Machines are essential for chip production as they use the light to etch complex circuits on silicon wafers.
Chips become more efficient and powerful when they have more circuits.
China’s newly developed lithography machine, operating at wavelengths between 193nm & 248nm represents a major technological breakthrough for the nation.
Their capabilities are inferior to that of the leading global semiconductor companies.
What is the quality of China’s lithography machine?
China has made a great step in developing these lithography systems, but they still lag behind advanced systems such as those manufactured by Dutch firm ASML.
ASML’s Deep Ultraviolet Lithography (DUV) machines work at wavelengths of 38nm. This is far superior to China’s machine, which operates at 193nm.
In addition, US sanctions made it more difficult for China access to the latest DUV technologies, further increasing the gap between Chinese semiconductor manufacturing capability and Western capabilities.
The US actively lobbyed semiconductor manufacturers around the world to restrict China’s ability to access critical technology.
It is important to urge the Dutch government not to allow ASML to sell machines to China. Upgrades to existing equipment may even require special licensing.
China’s new machines for lithography may not be as transformative as its government hopes.
Is China already too late?
The global semiconductor industry, as China tries to catch up with DUV technology and DUV technology in China, has already switched its attention to Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUV).
EUV machines work at just 13.5nm wavelength, which allows manufacturers to pack chips together closer, increasing efficiency and decreasing costs.
ASML’s EUV has been adopted as the industry standard in the production of cutting edge chips. This technology is projected to represent more than a third of sales for the company this year.
Due to US export controls, China has been excluded from this technology leap.
China will find it difficult to close the gap between its 193nm EUV lithography machine and Western 13.5nm EUV lithography machines.
China’s chip-making technology is far superior to that of the West, despite the fact it has developed new lithography equipment.
As a result of the US sanctions and rapid changes in semiconductor manufacturing methods, China could struggle to catch-up to world leaders such as ASML.
These new machines will reduce China’s dependency on Western technology for the near future, but the country must make major strides both in innovation and in strategy in order to overcome the gap over the longer term.
Can they compete with Western technology? This post may change as new information unfolds
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