The progression with the 2nm GAA process is coming along nicely, but Samsung is aiming to surpass the technological limitations of chip development by introducing its own version of the 1nm process, with a new report stating that the company has set up a team to jumpstart this process. However, it could be a while before we see this lithography in action, as the mass production target is set for 2029.
The development of 1nm wafers will require ‘high-NA EUV exposure equipment,’ but there is no update on whether Samsung has placed an order for these machines
TSMC is also in the middle of introducing sub-2nm chips, with the Taiwanese semiconductor behemoth reportedly started accepting 2nm wafer orders at the beginning of April. As for Samsung, during the trial production of its 2nm GAA technology, its yields reportedly stood at 30 percent, which is some improvement over the 3nm GAA process, but there is a ton of ground to cover. TSMC is also said to have commenced development of its 1.4nm node, so Samsung’s 1nm breakthrough will allow it to obtain some lead.
According to Sedaily, with details spotted by the tipster @Jukanlosreve, the company’s 1nm process is supposedly called the ‘dream semiconductor process’ and to make this goal a fruition, the use of high-NA EUV exposure equipment is required, which Samsung has yet to acquire. The report also mentions that some researchers who participated in the development of this cutting-edge process were transferred to form a team.
What is interesting about this report is that Samsung was previously said to have cancelled its 1.4nm process, and it could be due to focusing its resources and manpower on the 2nm technology, though the reasons for taking this alleged step were not highlighted. Assuming Samsung successfully produces the first 1nm wafer, it will take a while for the company to commence mass production as the target is set for 2029, which is four years from now. During this time, the Korean giant will likely run into some production snags, but we will update our readers on the company’s progress.
News Source: Sedaily
