TSMC and Samsung face major difficulties in the 3nm chip manufacturing process

According to the media, the TSMC FinFET and Samsung GAA processes are facing different difficulties but have a huge impact on the 3nm chip manufacturing process.

Therefore TSMC and Samsung may have to delay the 3nm process research progress. Under TSMC’s original plan, the 3nm process will have to complete certification and test production this year. At the same time, the mass production line will start in 2022.

It is reported that Apple has placed TSMC to produce chips on the 3nm process. This means that Apple will be one of the first customers to use TSMC’s 3nm process. If the 3nm process is delayed, the 5nm chips will have a longer chance of being on the market.

Also Intel’s most advanced process is currently 10nm, so TSMC or Samsung delays provide an important opportunity for Intel to catch up.

Although the roadmap for mass production of 3nm chips by TSMC and Samsung will take place at the latest by 2022, analysts expect TSMC to still lead.

The Taiwanese semiconductor company is said to have ahead of rivals for up to 6 months in 3nm chip technology. TSMC has stated that its 3nm process will improve efficiency by 10% – 15% over the 5nm process and 3nm chips will save energy by 20% – 25% compared to 5nm.

TSMC President Liu Deyin once stated that TSMC’s sales this year will continue to reach record highs. TSMC’s goal is to increase production of 12-inch wafers per month. In contrast, Samsung’s casting department is also preparing to spend as much as $ 116 billion to catch TSMC in its 3nm process.

TSMC is currently planning to build a new chip factory in Arizona, USA. According to TSMC’s schedule, the groundbreaking ceremony will start next year.

TSMC’s plan to build a factory in the US was first revealed on May 15, 2020. TSMC’s goal is to put this plant into operation by 2024. TSMC will invest $ 12 billion in this plant from 2021 to 2029. The factory will produce chips on a 5nm process and the capacity will be 20,000. wafers / month.

See Gizchina