SiCarrier Proposes Domestic Solutions for China’s Advanced Chip Manufacturing

SiCarrier Industry Machines claims that China can utilize homegrown tools to manufacture advanced semiconductors and bypass U.S. export controls. The company showcased its innovative technologies at the Semicon China fair, highlighting multi-patterning as a potential solution for 5-nanometer chip production. SiCarrier is also involved with key players like SMIC and Huawei, and recently received a patent for its multi-patterning technology.

Shenzhen SiCarrier Industry Machines asserts that China can leverage domestically developed technology to produce advanced semiconductors, thereby circumventing U.S. restrictions on high-end chipmaking equipment. Du Lijun, the company’s president, emphasized that despite export controls on lithography systems, China could utilize homegrown tools for manufacturing 5-nanometer chips.

Speaking at the Semicon China industry fair, Du noted, “There might be a path where we can use non-optical technologies, that is, using our process equipment to solve some of the lithography issues.” SiCarrier showcased a variety of etching, deposition process equipment, and metrology tools, attracting considerable attention from attendees.

Du also acknowledged potential hurdles related to multi-patterning techniques, which could increase manufacturing steps by approximately 20% in the transition from 7-nanometer to 5-nanometer processes. SiCarrier’s tools are currently used by significant Chinese foundries, including the prominent Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC).

Founded in 2022, SiCarrier Industry Machines is a subsidiary of SiCarrier Technology, created in 2021, and is fully owned by a state-backed investment fund in Shenzhen. The company was also listed on a U.S. commerce trade blacklist last December, along with 140 other Chinese tool manufacturers.

SiCarrier’s multi-patterning technology, which circumvents the need for advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography tools made by ASML, received a patent from China’s intellectual property regulator in late 2023. The patent involves deep ultraviolet lithography (DUV) machines and self-aligned quadruple patterning technology. This advancement allows the production of 5-nanometer chip specifications while reducing manufacturing costs.

In conclusion, SiCarrier Industry Machines aims to enable China to manufacture advanced semiconductors using domestically developed technology, despite U.S. restrictions. The company is optimistic about overcoming lithography challenges through alternative methods such as multi-patterning. With significant collaborations and a well-received debut at the Semicon China fair, SiCarrier is positioned as a key player in China’s semiconductor landscape.

Original Source: www.tradingview.com