ASML officially complied with semiconductor export controls, and chip foreign aid was completely suspended.
In recent years, China's semiconductor industry has developed rapidly, and technological progress has been made in various fields. For example, Loongson Zhongke has released the Loongson 3A6000 chip, which is close to Intel's 10th generation Core chip in terms of overall performance. For example, the ultra-high-speed precision laser interferometer developed by the team at Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) can provide technical support for the development of 28nm lithography machines.
And among these technological advances, Huawei is the main presence. From the mass production of the 5nm Kirin 9000 to the successful development of the 14nm EDA tool, Huawei has been leading the development of semiconductor technology in China.
Unfortunately, since many domestic companies, such as Huawei, have contributed to the advancement of semiconductor technology, the former United States feared that these companies would threaten its hegemony. To this end, the former United States has gathered a group of lackeys to suppress Huawei and some other domestic companies.
After six rounds of suppression in the former United States, Huawei's self-developed Kirin chips do not have foundries, advanced EDA tools cannot be used, and the purchased mobile phone chips do not support 5G networks.
Fortunately, Huawei's deep technology accumulation, abundant cash flow, wide business scope and large consumer base have not been the target of the former US crackdown. On the contrary, Huawei's operating revenue in 2022 exceeded 630 billion yuan, and it is still the largest private enterprise in China.
Of course, Huawei is only one of the companies suppressed by the former United States, and Huawei's comprehensive strength is strong, so it can naturally resist the suppression of the former United States, but other companies are weak in the face of the suppression of the former United States.
It is reported that among the many companies suppressed by the former United States, SMIC is likely to be one of the most affected. In 2018, SMIC purchased an EUV lithography machine from ASML in the Netherlands. Due to the obstruction of the former U.S. countries, ASML restricted the shipment of this top-of-the-line EUV lithography machine. At that time, ASML's mid-to-high-end DUV lithography machines could still be shipped normally.
And in February 2023, the United States pulled Japan and the Netherlands in"Coalition", thus restricting Chinese companies from obtaining high-end DUV lithography machines.
Why did the United States pull out the two countries, Japan and the Netherlands?According to reports, the Dutch company ASML is the only manufacturer in the world that can produce EVU lithography machines, but there are also some manufacturers that can produce advanced DUV lithography machines. Japan's Nikon and Canon in the 14nm-45nm DUV lithography machine market are also small tests.
In other words, if Chinese companies want to get advanced DUV equipment, Nikon, Canon and ASML cannot afford to ignore them.
Not long ago, Japan officially launched 23 export controls on semiconductor equipment, which also includes 14nm process lithography machines. This export control will be officially implemented on July 23, that is, on the 23rd of this month. At that time, other companies such as Nikon and Canon will have difficulty obtaining high-end lithography equipment, and the difficulty will increase significantly.
Although the relevant Japanese departments have stated that the export control is not aimed at third parties, all companies can obtain high-end lithography machines as long as they are authorized. However, judging from Japan's previous actions, Chinese companies are likely to not be able to obtain export licenses for 14nm mid-to-high-end lithography machines.
And at the end of June, the Dutch authorities also officially banned the export of semiconductor equipment. According to the ban, Dutch lithography machine manufacturers will impose export controls on mid-to-high-end DUV equipment from 14nm to 45nm. As with Japan's export controls, Dutch export controls are not directed at third parties, but companies wishing to obtain 14nm-45nmDUV lithography machines must still obtain authorization from the Dutch authorities.
The export controls will take effect on September 1, and ASML has made it clear that it will implement export controls on 14nm-45nmDUV devices on that date.
Thanks to the asml pair"Old"There are restrictions on the export of EUV lithography machines, and it may be very difficult for Chinese companies to obtain 14nm-45nm duv lithography machines this time. For this reason, some foreign companies say that without ASML's advanced lithography machine, Chinese companies will cut off all foreign aid.
As the saying goes: it is better to believe what you have than not to believe what you don't. It can be seen from Japan's ban on the export of lithography machines from the Netherlands that it is not advisable to hope that lithography machines will be obtained in Western countries. Only down-to-earth research and development, the management method of gathering talents, the determination to spend money, and the pragmatic and low-key work style can realize the independent research and development and production of lithography machines.
Fortunately, Shanghai Microelectronics' own 28-nanometer lithography machine has entered the verification stage, and if all goes well, this 28-nanometer lithography machine will come out in the next few years. At that time, China will make a breakthrough in 28-nanometer lithography technology, so as to realize the independence of 28-nanometer chips.