Huawei’s Future Kirin Chipsets: Transitioning to 5nm Process with Manufacturing Underway, Launch Not Expected This Year

This week marked the official launch of Huawei’s Pura 80 series, which comes equipped with the Kirin 9020 system-on-chip (SoC).This 7nm chip mirrors the technology found in last year’s Mate 70 series. While Huawei has transitioned from the ‘N + 1′ architecture to the more advanced ‘N + 2, ’ the company appears to have encountered developmental limitations. Reports suggest that SMIC, China’s leading semiconductor producer, has made progress towards its 5nm technology, fueling speculation about potential advancements in Huawei’s chip offerings. However, experts advise caution; it seems unlikely that these improvements will materialize in the market before late 2025.

Challenges Ahead for 5nm Chip Production

A recent update from a source on Weibo, identified as ‘Smart chip consultant, ’ indicates that Huawei is exploring the development of a 5nm chipset. According to Huawei Central, the new chip will not debut in any flagship devices until 2025, meaning consumers may have to wait until 2026 for potential availability. The insider noted that the most sophisticated lithography technology available to local manufacturers is currently N + 2, already utilized in the Kirin 9020.

The delay in the commercialization of 5nm silicon can be attributed to the limitations of SMIC’s existing Deep Ultraviolet (DUV) equipment. The ongoing restrictions imposed by the U. S.government on sales of ASML’s Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) machines to Chinese firms complicate mass production capabilities. Huawei faces significant obstacles, such as reduced yield rates and elevated production costs. Although multi-patterning techniques can enable the viability of 5nm chips with current DUV hardware, this approach entails a range of challenges, including increased masking requirements, complexity, and higher defect rates.

Moreover, further complicating the scenario, the U. S.has halted the export of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools to China, essential for semiconductor design and manufacturing. Thankfully, Huawei has displayed resilience by developing its own 14nm EDA tools for the Kirin 9020. However, it’s uncertain whether these tools will suffice for the upcoming 5nm SoC or if Huawei will need to innovate new solutions entirely.

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