The chip manufacturing process is constantly improving, with smaller sizes, lower power consumption, and more powerful performance. At present, the world's most advanced chip manufacturing process is 3nm, and this technological breakthrough has attracted global attention. However, it is not easy to enter the 3nm chip manufacturing process. The whole process took three years, and in addition to R&D investment, equipment and other costs exceeded 30 billion US dollars.
To ensure that this huge investment pays off, foundries have adopted a strategy of continuously upgrading and optimizing the 3nm process, launching multiple versions of 3nm chips to meet the needs of different customers. TSMC, as one of the foundries, plans to launch at least 5 versions on the 3nm process and eventually complete the research and development of 6 3nm chip versions, so as to make enough profits.
1.N3 process: This is the most basic 3nm process, and it is also the process used by Apple's A17Pro chip. The N3 process can meet the manufacturing needs of ordinary chips.
2.N3E process: On the basis of the N3 process, TSMC launched the N3e process, which is the first enhanced version of the N3 process. Compared to the N3 process, the performance of the N3E process has been improved by 5%, while the transistor density has not changed.
3.N3P process: In 2024, TSMC plans to launch the N3P process, which is a further improved version of the N3 process. Compared with the N3 process, the N3P process has a 10% increase in performance, a 4% increase in transistor density, and a 5-10% reduction in power consumption. This process version is suitable for higher performance chip requirements.
4.N3AE process: The N3AE process is specially designed for automotive chips. This process version will be launched in 2025 and can provide higher reliability and performance to meet the demanding needs of the automotive industry for chips.
5.N3X Process: The N3X process is the highest-performing version of the 3nm process currently known, with a planned launch in 2025. Compared to the N3 process, the N3X process has a 15% increase in performance, a 4% increase in transistor density, and the power consumption remains the same.
6.N3A process: In 2026, TSMC will launch the N3A process, which is a full-featured version of the N3AE process for more types of automotive chip manufacturing. The launch of the N3A process marks the full maturity and application of the 3nm process.
The launch of multiple versions of 3nm chips is of great significance to TSMC. First of all, different versions of chips can meet the needs of different customers, expand market share, and bring more orders and profits. Secondly, through continuous upgrading and optimization, TSMC can further improve the performance and efficiency of the 3nm process and enhance its competitiveness in the chip foundry industry. Finally, building the 3nm process into a world-leading technology will help enhance TSMC's brand image and industry position.
Although the 3nm chip manufacturing process brings great opportunities and profits, the challenges cannot be ignored. High input costs, continuous R&D and equipment updates, and tough market competition are all problems faced by TSMC and other foundries. However, for TSMC, only by maintaining the advancement and competitiveness of technology and continuously introducing more advanced and more adaptable chip processes to market demand can it remain invincible in the fierce market competition.
In order to meet the challenges of the future, the chip manufacturing industry needs to increase R&D investment, continue to innovate and break through technical bottlenecks to improve the efficiency and performance of chip manufacturing. At the same time, the cooperation between enterprises and research institutions is also very important to jointly promote the further development of chip manufacturing processes.
In short, entering the 3nm chip manufacturing process is a difficult and important task. By launching multiple 3nm chip versions, TSMC has continuously improved process performance and customer needs, effectively expanding the market and earning profits. However, with the continuous development of technology, the chip manufacturing industry will face more challenges and opportunities, and only by continuously innovating and improving competitiveness can it stand out in the fierce market competition.