Samsung Establishes Team for 1nm Chip Development with 2029 Mass Production Goal; Updates on 1.4nm Progress Awaited

Samsung is making significant strides in advancing its semiconductor technology, particularly with the 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) process. In a bold move to push the boundaries of chip manufacturing, the company has initiated plans for developing its own 1nm process. According to recent reports, Samsung has assembled a dedicated team to accelerate this pioneering project. However, it is important to note that widespread production of 1nm chips is not expected until 2029.

Requirements and Current Developments in 1nm Technology

The journey towards manufacturing 1nm wafers hinges on acquiring ‘high-NA EUV exposure equipment.’ As yet, there is no confirmation regarding whether Samsung has placed orders for this advanced machinery. Meanwhile, TSMC, another leading player in the semiconductor field, has already started accepting orders for 2nm wafers since early April, underscoring the competitive landscape.

Samsung’s recent performance with its 2nm GAA technology has shown marked improvement, with production yields reported at 30%.This is an enhancement when compared to its previous 3nm GAA process, though the company still faces challenges ahead. TSMC is concurrently progressing towards a 1.4nm node, making Samsung’s 1nm ambitions crucial for gaining a competitive edge in the industry.

The report by Sedaily highlights that Samsung’s 1nm initiative, aptly referred to as the “dream semiconductor process, ”necessitates innovative technology and methodologies. Notably, some of the researchers involved in this ambitious endeavor have been reassigned to the newly formed team, indicating a strategic focus on this cutting-edge development. However, it’s interesting to note that Samsung had previously decided to drop its 1.4nm process, possibly to redirect resources towards 2nm technology—specific reasons for this decision remain undisclosed.

Looking ahead, should Samsung successfully produce its first 1nm wafer, the timeline before reaching mass production is still considerable, slated for 2029. This four-year span suggests potential hurdles in the production phase, but Samsung’s commitment to innovation will be crucial in overcoming these challenges. We will continue to monitor and report on the progress of Samsung as it navigates through this ambitious venture.

For further details, you can visit the news source: Sedaily

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