Explainer on 2nm Chips: Unpacking the Race to Miniaturize Technology
Imagine a smartphone that can last for weeks on a single charge, a laptop that can render 4K videos in mere seconds, or a smartwatch capable of detecting health issues before symptoms arise. These innovations hinge on shrinking chips to an...
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Imagine a smartphone that can last for weeks on a single charge, a laptop that can render 4K videos in mere seconds, or a smartwatch capable of detecting health issues before symptoms arise. These innovations hinge on shrinking chips to an astonishing two-nanometer scale—so minuscule that it's measured in atoms. However, beneath the surface lies a complex struggle involving tools, trade wars, and the future of technology.
The term "nanometer" in chip manufacturing no longer strictly refers to the physical size of transistors. Instead, it's a marketing label for the process technology used to produce chips. This distinction is crucial: smaller nanometer measurements correspond to improved speed and efficiency. Companies such as Apple and Intel are in a fierce competition to achieve the 2nm milestone to outstrip their rivals.
When discussing chip brands, names like Intel Core i7, Apple M4, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 may come to mind. Yet, the companies associated with these prominent names do not necessarily "fabricate," or manufacture, the chips themselves. The majority of chips for Apple, Qualcomm, and many from Intel are produced in Taiwan by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC).
Intel and Samsung are notable names as well, possessing their own chip manufacturing facilities, often referred to as "fabs" by industry insiders.
Digging a little deeper reveals that even these major chip manufacturers depend on tools from the same key supplier: Dutch company ASML.
ASML's NXE lithography systems utilize extreme ultraviolet light to imprint electric circuits onto silicon boards. Since as early as 2018, this technology has been fueling the world's fastest personal computers and smartphones. Currently, Intel is testing ASML's new EXE systems to revitalize its chip-making operations.
What happens if access to an ASML machine is restricted? Look to China for insight. Due to stringent U.S. sanctions that have hampered China's ability to obtain the latest ASML machines, the country has found itself largely reliant on older technology that uses 28nm chips. However, many consumer gadgets can function without cutting-edge chips, which is where China is aiming to remain competitive.
Japan, too, is seeking to carve out its place in the chip market, with the company Rapidus bringing in ASML’s NXE machines to manufacture 2nm chips. Reports suggest that Rapidus intends to focus on niche chips to navigate the competitive landscape successfully.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
The term "nanometer" in chip manufacturing no longer strictly refers to the physical size of transistors. Instead, it's a marketing label for the process technology used to produce chips. This distinction is crucial: smaller nanometer measurements correspond to improved speed and efficiency. Companies such as Apple and Intel are in a fierce competition to achieve the 2nm milestone to outstrip their rivals.
When discussing chip brands, names like Intel Core i7, Apple M4, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 may come to mind. Yet, the companies associated with these prominent names do not necessarily "fabricate," or manufacture, the chips themselves. The majority of chips for Apple, Qualcomm, and many from Intel are produced in Taiwan by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC).
Intel and Samsung are notable names as well, possessing their own chip manufacturing facilities, often referred to as "fabs" by industry insiders.
Digging a little deeper reveals that even these major chip manufacturers depend on tools from the same key supplier: Dutch company ASML.
ASML's NXE lithography systems utilize extreme ultraviolet light to imprint electric circuits onto silicon boards. Since as early as 2018, this technology has been fueling the world's fastest personal computers and smartphones. Currently, Intel is testing ASML's new EXE systems to revitalize its chip-making operations.
What happens if access to an ASML machine is restricted? Look to China for insight. Due to stringent U.S. sanctions that have hampered China's ability to obtain the latest ASML machines, the country has found itself largely reliant on older technology that uses 28nm chips. However, many consumer gadgets can function without cutting-edge chips, which is where China is aiming to remain competitive.
Japan, too, is seeking to carve out its place in the chip market, with the company Rapidus bringing in ASML’s NXE machines to manufacture 2nm chips. Reports suggest that Rapidus intends to focus on niche chips to navigate the competitive landscape successfully.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
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