Insiders Claim TSMC’s 2nm Chip Technology Leak Is Not a Major Concern

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Recent developments surrounding the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) highlight a potentially alarming incident involving a leak of sensitive 2-nanometer chip technology. An industry expert, writing for DigiTimes, suggests that the situation may not represent a significant breach but rather a misunderstanding. Reports indicate that employees from TSMC and Tokyo Electron shared information, though insiders contend that these discussions may have centered on equipment performance rather than proprietary research and development details.

TSMC’s Response: Setting a Precedent

Investigations reveal that the TSMC employee at the center of this incident was a factory engineer working at the company’s Fab 20 facility in Hsinchu, which is focused on mass production of 2-nanometer chips. As a low-level employee, they may have taken photographs of control diagrams or wafer maps to assist in equipment installation, which were subsequently shared with a colleague at Tokyo Electron. This context gives credence to the interpretation that these actions were not rooted in intent to misappropriate trade secrets.

Consequently, industry insiders assert that TSMC’s decision to terminate the employee was less about a significant violation of intellectual property and more about establishing a firm policy against information leaks. Tokyo Electron also severed its ties with the implicated employee, stating in a report by Nikkei that there’s been no confirmed leakage of confidential data. Both employees are now under investigation according to Taiwan’s national security law which strictly regulates the handling of sensitive chip manufacturing and technology transfers, particularly to regions like Hong Kong, Macau, and China.

Tokyo Electron's photolithography equipment used in semiconductor processes — The Tokyo Electron Lithus Pro Z, a photoresist coater/developer, is vital for AI chip production, operating in conjunction with ASML’s state-of-the-art EUV machinery. Image: Tokyo Electron

Experts speculate that while companies like China’s SMIC and Huawei may have motives related to the breach, they are unlikely to reap benefits from the leaked information due to their lack of the necessary chip fabrication equipment. Moreover, Japan’s Rapidus has aligned itself with IBM’s 2-nanometer technology, which significantly diverges from TSMC’s approaches. Therefore, even if Rapidus had an interest in TSMC’s advancements, its capacity to incorporate such manufacturing techniques into its operations would remain limited.

Following the leak incident, a researcher identified as Dr. Kim, who claims to have been laid off from TSMC, reported through X that they were placed on administrative leave as investigations commenced regarding the alleged leak of classified information. Dr. Kim expressed concern over potential charges and mentioned plans to travel to Korea to evade possible arrest in Taiwan.

Lastly, sources from DigiTimes suggest that Intel is an improbable participant in this matter, given the company’s current focus on mass production capabilities rather than advancing its own 2-nanometer chip development. Intel’s recent disclosures have indicated serious challenges with its 18A chip manufacturing phase, prompting the company to reconsider its outreach to external clients.

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