The Chip Race Heats Up: From 3nm to 1nm

The need for ever-more powerful processors is driving innovation in chip manufacturing.  Following the introduction of 3nm chips, foundries like TSMC, Samsung, and Rapidus are now locked in a fierce competition to develop and mass-produce 2nm chips.

2nm by 2025: A Three-Horse Race

• TSMC leads the pack, aiming for 2nm production in 2025 using a new transistor design (GAAFET) that promises significant performance and efficiency gains.
  Samsung is close behind, targeting late 2025 for their 2nm process. They've already begun discussions with potential customers.
  Japan's Rapidus is also aiming for 2nm trial production in 2025, with mass production by 2027. Their efforts are being bolstered by technical support from ASML, a key player in chip making equipment.

Beyond 2nm: The Quest for 1nm

The industry isn't stopping at 2nm. Chipmakers are already setting their sights on 1nm technology. While mass production isn't expected before 2027-2030, research and development efforts are underway.

 

 

 

Collaboration is Key

Japanese chipmaker Rapidus is leading the charge in 1nm research, collaborating with both academic institutions like Tokyo University and research organizations like Leti (France).  Their goal is to establish a robust supply chain for 1nm chips, which are expected to be crucial for advancements in AI and autonomous vehicles.  Additionally, collaborations with IBM for 1nm products are also being explored.

TSMC and Samsung Join the Fray

TSMC, despite initial setbacks, is still committed to developing 1nm technology. Samsung also has its sights set on 1nm, aiming for a 1.4nm process by 2027. Their approach involves using more nanosheets per transistor, leading to better power management and performance.

Aatmanirbharta in Action: Shouldn't India Learn from China's recent Chip Play?

       Prime Minister Modi's Aatmanirbharta mission, which emphasizes self-reliance, is a crucial step for India's technological future. Recent developments in China offer valuable insights into both the challenges and potential rewards of domestic chip manufacturing.

China's Bold Move: Stepping Away from US Tech Giants

        China recently implemented new guidelines phasing out Intel and AMD processors, along with Microsoft's Windows operating system, in favor of domestic alternatives for government computers. This move highlights China's commitment to reducing reliance on foreign technology, particularly from the US. {Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-blocks-use-intel-amd-chips-government-computers-ft-reports-2024-03-24/ }

        This strategic decision by China to prioritize domestic alternatives to Intel and AMD chips underscores the nation's broader objective of technological self-sufficiency and reducing dependency on foreign technology. Understanding the rationale behind this focus is crucial. China's move aligns with its long-term vision of building a robust indigenous semiconductor industry to bolster national security, economic resilience, and technological advancement. By reducing reliance on foreign-made components, China aims to mitigate risks associated with geopolitical tensions and ensure uninterrupted access to critical technologies. This decision also reflects China's ambition to assert itself as a global leader in innovation and technology. As such, it serves as a clarion call for countries like India to introspect and accelerate efforts towards enhancing domestic capabilities in semiconductor manufacturing to safeguard their technological sovereignty and secure a competitive edge in the digital age.

A Cause for Celebration, But Not Without Reservations

While China's initiative deserves recognition, it's important to maintain perspective.

• Catching Up: While China boasts domestic alternatives, their performance might not yet fully match established players like Intel and AMD.

• The Long Game: China's plan acknowledges this and prioritizes continuous improvement. Their commitment to domestic production suggests a long-term strategy for achieving technological parity.

Lessons for India's Aatmanirbharta Journey

India's Aatmanirbharta mission can learn from China's example:

• Accelerated Efforts: Time is of the essence. Delays can hinder India's ability to compete in the global tech landscape.

• Investment and Collaboration: Building domestic chip manufacturing requires significant investment in research, development, and infrastructure. Collaboration will only maintain dependence somewhere. Lesson to learn is let's be prepared if we fail...lets bear some R&D investments if they go down the drain...lets build our own technologies...lets wait before we announce the year 2047 as envisioning to be a developed nation...let there be some delay...but lets have a nation purely built on its own expertise and own technologies....alas we postpone 2047 later...We have the time...we have the brains...we have the economy....

India's Opportunity: Seize the Moment

By learning from China's approach and expediting its own efforts, India can leverage Aatmanirbharta to establish itself as a major player in the global chip market. This will not only ensure technological self-reliance but also empower the nation's future economic growth....remember our mission is 28nm in 2026....way far from targets of 2047

What nm chips are usually required in domestic appliances like refrigerators, TV and washing machine etc

The semiconductor chips used in domestic appliances like refrigerators, TVs, washing machines, and other household appliances tend to be larger and less complex than the chips used in high-end computing and mobile devices.

• Typically, these types of appliances use chips that are manufactured using older process technologies, such as 90nm, 65nm, or 45nm. These larger process technologies allow for the production of simpler and less power-hungry chips, which are sufficient for the relatively low computational demands of these appliances.

• For example, a modern refrigerator might use a chip manufactured using a 90nm or 65nm process technology, which would be capable of running the basic control functions and sensors required for the fridge's operation.

• Similarly, a TV or washing machine might use chips manufactured using a 45nm process technology or older, which would be capable of running the device's basic functions, such as power management, audio and video processing, and other control functions.

• Refrigerators: 90nm or 65nm

• TVs: 45nm or 65nm

• Washing machines: 45nm or 65nm

• Smartphones: 5nm to 14nm

• Laptops: 5nm to 14nm

• Gaming consoles: 7nm to 14nm

• Wi-Fi routers: 40nm to 90nm

• Digital cameras: 65nm to 90nm

• Home theater systems: 45nm to 65nm

• Fitness trackers: 28nm to 40nm

• Dishwashers: 45nm to 65nm

• Speakers: 65nm to 90nm

• Earphones: 40nm to 65nm

• Cars and vehicles: 28nm to 40nm (for automotive chips)

• Trucks: 28nm to 40nm (for automotive chips)

• Electric pumps: 65nm to 90nm

• Motors: 65nm to 90nm

• Generators: 45nm to 65nm

• Tablets: 5nm to 10nm

• Kindle book readers: 40nm to 90nm

• Digital clocks: 65nm to 90nm

• Smart watches: 28nm to 40nm

• Keyboards: 65nm to 90nm

• Mouse: 65nm to 90nm

• Monitors: 28nm to 40nm

• Processors: 5nm to 14nm

• Graphic cards: 7nm to 16nm

• Digital display boards: 28nm to 40nm

• Microphones: 65nm to 90nm

• CCTV cameras: 28nm to 40nm

• Web cameras: 28nm to 40nm

• LED tube lights: 65nm to 90nm

• LED bulbs: 65nm to 90nm

• Smart bulbs: 40nm to 65nm

COUNTRIES INVOLVED FOR VARIOUS PROCESSES IN CHIP MANUFACTURING

The manufacturing of computer chips involves a complex global supply chain that spans multiple countries. Here are some of the countries that are involved in various processes in chip manufacturing:

• Raw Material Procurement: The raw materials used in chip manufacturing, such as silicon wafers, chemicals, and gases, are sourced from various countries, including the United States, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea.

• Fabrication: The fabrication process involves several complex processes, including photolithography, etching, deposition, and doping, among others. These processes typically take place in facilities known as "fabs," which are located in countries such as the United States, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and China.

• Testing: The testing of chips is a critical process to ensure that they meet the required specifications. Testing facilities are located in several countries, including the United States, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and China.

• Packaging: The packaging of chips typically takes place in facilities located in countries such as Taiwan, China, and the United States.

• Distribution: The final stage of the supply chain involves the distribution of chips to end-users, which can include original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), distributors, and retailers. Distribution centers are located in various countries worldwide, including the United States, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and Europe.

Overall, chip manufacturing is a highly globalized industry that relies on the efficient coordination of multiple countries and regions throughout the supply chain.

I M IN "CHIP"- MAY MONTH EDITION 2010

1. Don't get me wrong for those of you who read only I M IN "CHIP"...i m not inside the regular chip...but have been able to find space in MAY edition of the Chip - India's Most Trusted Guide To Gadgets And Technology.Scanned copy attached.

2. Thanks CHIP