Electron microscope scan comparing Intel 14nm+++ and TSMC 7nm transistors

[john32979]

At 13:08 there is a side-by-side comparison of transistors cut from the SRAM arrays of each process. Is it just me or does TSMC structure look neater and more uniform? Perhaps the comparison partially indicates areas where Intel is currently struggling with?

 

[Fred Chen]

It's worth noting that the 7nm Lg is 21 nm while the 14+++ is 24 nm, at around 12:55 mark.

 

[count]

At 13:08 there is a side-by-side comparison of transistors cut from the SRAM arrays of each process. Is it just me or does TSMC structure look neater and more uniform? Perhaps the comparison partially indicates areas where Intel is currently struggling with?

TSMC definitely looks neater

 

[lilo777]

TSMC definitely looks neater

My impression from the limited exposure to SEM is that the quality of the picture depends on many factors and does not necessarily accurately reproduces the structures.

 

[cfskelly]

I love his conclusion...."There should be a standard."

 

[Michael Domnitei]

The quality of the picture from SEM depends on few factors: sample preparation, vacuum level in the SEM chamber, electronic gun adjustment and the expertise/experience of the SEM user.