The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is set to receive its first high NA EUV chip manufacturing machine from the Dutch firm ASML later this month, according to rumors swirling in Taiwan. High NA machines have been a source of controversy when it comes to TSMC, as after its management complained earlier this year that the equipment was pricey, it later decided to buy a scanner from ASML.
These machines use different lenses than their EUV predecessors and enable crisper resolution of smaller circuits, which helps chip manufacturers make advanced and leading edge semiconductors. According to the details, TSMC's high NA EUV scanner costs more than €400 million and might require traffic planning to transport it to the firm's facilities.
TSMC, ASML Refuse To Comment On Whether High NA EUV Scanner Is Arriving In Taiwan This Month
Taiwanese industry sources believe that after TSMC receives its first high NA EUV scanner later this month, the firm will maintain its edge over its primary contract chip manufacturing rival, Samsung. TSMC and Samsung are the only two firms in the world that manufacture leading edge semiconductors through this business model, and the Taiwanese firm holds a commanding market share due to its strong industry partnerships and consistent product yields.The sources outlined that TSMC's high NA EUV machine purportedly cost the fab more than €200 million. Its dimensions also create headaches, as the scanner cannot be disassembled in some facilities because some components are taller than the rooms in TSMC's facilities. They added that when the high NA scanner does arrive in Taiwan, it is likely to be transported to TSMC's facilities at night to avoid traffic jams and the potential implementation of special route management plans.
High-NA EUV Lithography Machine from ASML
Additionally, TSMC is also expected to move the machine into its research and development facilities to help with the development of advanced process technologies. The firm's previous comments regarding high NA EUV have seen it assert that the machines might not be needed for several years as current generation EUV scanners are capable of making chips until at least 2026. By then, TSMC plans to manufacture its A16 process technology, which is equivalent to 1.6 nanometers in simple terms.
ASML and TSMC refused to share any details about the scanner purportedly arriving in Taiwan later this month. Intel, which is currently struggling with high costs, took the lead with the high NA equipment by receiving the first machine late last year and firing it up for the first time earlier this year. The firm added in April that it plans to put the machines in production next year in a high stakes move to regain process leadership.
TSMC's primary contract chip manufacturing rival, Samsung, is rumored to receive the first high NA EUV scanner in either Q4 2024 or in 2025. While high NA EUV machines present their unique set of problems, such as requiring chip manufacturers to 'stitch' together half fields, they also improve productivity and throughput. Procuring them far ahead in time enables chip manufacturers to solve the technological complexities before risking mass production or finalizing production timelines with the equipment.
TSMC To Receive €400 Million High NA EUV Machine This Month - Report
The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)will receive its €400 million high NA EUV chip making machine later this month say rumors.
wccftech.com
