After Huawei was "bottled" in , the chip became the focus of attention. However, in order to achieve self-sufficiency in chip , there seems to be an inescapable "mountain" - lithography machine . However, for self-developed lithography machines, Academician Wu Hanming once published different views. He believes that the development of lithography machines in is not the only goal. The more fundamental problem of " China Chip " is to build a complete semiconductor industrial chain . Instead of focusing on the 7nm production line, it is better to first realize 100% domestic of the 55nm process.
Many netizens disagree with Academician Wu Hanming's views. They believe that why China cannot create its own EUV lithography machine? Isn't this underestimation? But objectively speaking, it is indeed difficult to develop a self-developed EUV lithography machine. Maybe we can build it in 5 years, 10 years or even 20 years, but at that time, wasn’t EUV lithography machine also an “outdated product”? Nothing makes sense!
As we all know, EUV lithography machine is a "cultivator", what does it mean? An EUV lithography machine requires more than 100,000 parts, and ASML suppliers are all over the world, with as many as 5,000 companies. The lithography machine uses top technologies from various countries, of which Micro Light Source and Japanese materials account for 27%, De Optical System accounts for 14%, and Dutch cavity and British vacuum account for 32%. There is no doubt that EUV lithography machines are difficult to independently build by one country or one company.
In the world, only ASML company currently has the strength to produce EUV lithography machines. It is precisely because EUV lithography machines use Micron light sources that give the US a bargaining chip to cut off supply to Chinese companies. However, after entering 2022, restricting the supply of EUV lithography machines can no longer satisfy the selfishness of the United States. Recently, foreign media reported that the US has put pressure on ASML companies to stop supplying DUV lithography machines to Chinese companies. But what is surprising is that ASML has a tough attitude and has no concessions at all.
ASML Company has officially announced its production expansion plan for the next 3-4 years. is expected to produce in 2025, and the production capacity of EUV lithography machines will reach 600 units in ASML Company's DUV lithography machines, and the production capacity of EUV lithography machines will reach 90 units! It is obvious that as the main supply market for ASML company's DUV lithography machines, the Chinese market has expanded its production capacity to 600 units, and it indirectly stated that ASML will not stop supplying DUV lithography machines to Chinese companies. Why did ASML make such a choice?
Looking back, Academician Wu Hanming said it correctly. Self-developed EUV lithography machines are indeed useless, and ASML is an example. is precisely because EUV lithography machines cannot complete research and development independently, so there will be restrictions everywhere. ASML has no room for struggle in terms of shutting down EUV lithography machines, but DUV lithography machines are different. If the core technology is in your own hands, ASML will be able to refuse it with a tough attitude.
. Since domestic chip companies started late, it does not make much sense to focus on the high-end chip market. Whether it is EUV lithography machines or 7nm advanced process technology , it is very difficult for Chinese technology companies. Therefore, focusing on the 55nm mature process chip market may be a better way out.
In fact, as long as we can win the mature process chip market, we can basically meet the chip usage needs of more than 90% of domestic applications, and "de-beautification" can make great strides. To be honest, there are not so many "myths" of overtaking on curves in the technology circle. We must step by step and walk steadily. Since the gap exists, don't always think about overtaking on curves. Climbing the gap is the core! In the chip field, what we need to do now is to solve the "bottleneck" problem first, and then we need to consider the problem of "overtaking". Don't always want to eat in one bite and become a fat man! What do you think about this? Welcome to comment and leave a message!
