m_saini wrote:^ And I wouldn't dismiss their efforts anyway. Time and again the chinese have shown themselves capable of innovating by hook or by crook. I still remember how surprised everyone, including CIA, were when they showed off their j20s.
The speed by which they churn out ships, their meteoric rise, their industrial base etc everything about them screams extraordinary. I wouldn't count their semi-conductor push dead just yet. They're trying, which is much more than anything that can be said for us.
Outstanding achievement if they are able to make these 45nm chips by themselves. Is not the greatest and best but is just 1 step behind the best and is good enough for most requirements ( bulk of usage is still in 65nm/45nm/28nm except smartphone processors or advanced server processors)From a Korean outlet ( translated):
Starting production of 45 nano semiconductors
The 45-nanometer semiconductor that Huawei is going to produce on its own is technically far below the global market standard. Currently, Samsung Electronics and Taiwan's TSMC are producing 5-nanometer semiconductors.
However, Huawei seems to be making its own production as a long-term plan for self-sufficiency of semiconductors. "In response to U.S. sanctions, Huawei is trying to establish a whole self-sufficiency system of semiconductor technology by establishing a process system for semiconductor design automation (EDA), material manufacturing, processing and semiconductor manufacturing.
Recently, Huawei, CEO of consumer affairs, said, "We need to take full control of semiconductors." It shows the intention of semiconductor independence.
Huawei Will Be Self-sufficient for Semiconductor
Producing 45 nanometer semiconductors is not a big deal. However, in the IT industry, Huawei's production of its own chip is an important variable. In the meantime, Huawei entrusted the mobile AP designed by its subsidiary, HiSilicon, to TSMC in Taiwan, the world's No. 1 foundry company. Through this, it has secured a high-performance giraffe chip.
However, as the US restricts the supply of semiconductors manufactured by US companies using semiconductor equipment and software to Huawei, Huawei will no longer receive chips from TSMC in Taiwan. Semiconductor equipment of US companies such as Applied Materials is essential for semiconductor manufacturing. Huawei decided to expand the Dimen City AP designed by Taiwanese media tech. In addition, Huawei will begin production on its own.
The semiconductor industry is paying attention to Huawei. HySilicon, a subsidiary of Huawei, has already been tested for its semiconductor design ability and ranked 10th in sales in the first half of this year. If Huawei makes a technical alliance with Chinese foundry SMIC based on high silicon technology, it will be possible to produce semiconductors in the mid 10 nano range.
However, it is expected that the world's top semiconductor production will be far away. It is not easy for Chinese semiconductor to produce less than 10 nano semiconductor at a time when the supply of such equipment is blocked due to US sanctions.
Just their statement of intent means they are putting all their efforts into it and given the semiconductor talent they have, i think they will achieve what they started out.
I really like their approach of starting with the older 45nm first and then taking it from there by getting ready for the tougher challenges by the time they make the older one work.
I only hope we will emulate them in such nationwide support of national level goals and keep working on what is available at hand instead of seeing brochures of the best and getting disheartened that we couldn't reach it and so lets scrap everything and buy outright