The manufacturing technology for processors determines how well the chip performs. For instance, the 10nm process chips perform lesser than the 7nm chips. In addition, 5nm chips perform better than 7nm chips. The latest smartphone flagship processors use the 5nm manufacturing process. If we are to have a new generation of chips, then the major players need to complete the 3nm process technology.
The major players in this field are TSMC and Samsung. However, it appears that TSMC has an edge when it comes to new chip manufacturing technologies. In August last year, TSMC President Wei Zhejia stated at the TSMC Technology Forum that the 3nm process will enter trial-production in 2021. He also claims that the mass production of these chips will commence in the second half of 2022.
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True to his words, the 3nm process technology is now in a new phase. The Taiwanese manufacturer is now in the trial production stage. According to Taiwan’s “Economic Daily News”, TSMC’s 3nm process is progressing smoothly. The trial production is currently on and the progress is smoother than expected. In fact, risk trial production and small quantities of delivery started earlier this month. When TSMC was reached for comments, the company said that it does not comment on market rumors. This has always been the pattern of TSMC whether the speculations are true or not.
TSMC 3nm process technology is ahead of schedule
TSMC’s chairman, Liu Deyin, previously revealed that the development of the 3nm process is on schedule. He claims that the progress is even ahead of original expectations.
In addition, the company is also developing the 4nm process technology. This manufacturing process is like an intermediate process between the 5nm process and the 3nm process. According to the original schedule, the 4nm process will enter trial production in the fourth quarter of 2021 and mass production in 2022. The equipment supply chain recently reported that the mass production schedule has been advanced to the fourth quarter. In addition, Apple will fully take the first wave of production of this process. The company will use this process to chips for its new Mac products with a comprehensive improvement in performance.
This year’s flagship smartphones are already using 5nm processors. However, next year’s flagships, especially those that will arrive towards the end of the year will probably use 3nm process processors.