Huawei, SMIC Produce 7nm Chips Using DUV, SiCarrier's Breakthrough Potential.

Huawei, SMIC Produce 7nm Chips Using DUV, SiCarrier's Breakthrough Potential.

The semiconductor industry is witnessing a significant development as Chinese companies Huawei and SMIC have successfully produced 7nm integrated circuits using deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography equipment, despite U.S. and Dutch sanctions restricting their access to advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines from ASML. This achievement was made possible through a technique known as multiple patterning, which enhances lithographic process resolution but typically increases chip costs and reduces production capacity.

a relatively unknown Chinese lithography equipment manufacturer, SiCarrier, is emerging as a key player. SiCarrier, with alleged ties to Huawei and financial backing from the Shenzhen Administration, owns a patent that enables the production of 5nm chips using DUV lithography. This technology is crucial for China's efforts to overcome technological barriers imposed by international sanctions.