A recent EUV patent suggests that Huawei and Chinese chip makers may soon advance in the chip sector despite U.S. restrictions. China could be nearing the production of advanced processors that would drive its economic and digital growth. SMEE (Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment) has filed a new EUV patent titled ‘Extreme Ultraviolet [EUV] Radiation Generators and Lithography Equipment.’ Issued in March 2023, this patent is currently under review by the Chinese Intellectual Property Administration and may soon receive approval.
EUV (Extreme UltraViolet Lithography) machines use light with a wavelength of 13.5nm, significantly smaller than DUV’s 193nm. These machines are essential for manufacturing chips smaller than 7nm.
SMEE, among other Chinese companies, is on the U.S. blacklist, restricting its use of foreign goods and chip making tools. However, this new patent offers a glimmer of hope amid the ongoing chip war. While the patent details are not fully disclosed, it signals that SMEE is making gradual progress in developing new chipmaking tools. Currently reliant on DUV lithography machines, China aims to advance towards producing chips at the 28nm level or below using EUV technology.
This development is significant, especially as the U.S. has barred many foreign suppliers from shipping advanced chipset-making tools to China, including ASML, which has a substantial market share in lithography machines. With the Netherlands considering further restrictions on ASML’s supply to China, SMEE’s EUV patent appears as a breakthrough for China’s chip making efforts.
For Huawei, this patent could accelerate its chip-making processes. Huawei currently manufactures its Kirin chips at the SMIC foundry using DUV equipment and is exploring ways to enhance its 7nm chips before adopting newer technologies. Access to advanced chip-making equipment could enable Huawei to use high-end chips and AI processors in its devices. Further details are awaited for a clearer understanding of this impact.
The new EUV patent from SMEE indicates a significant leap for China in the chip-making sector, potentially mitigating the impact of U.S. restrictions. This advancement could enable Huawei and other Chinese companies to produce high-end processors, enhancing their technological capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign equipment. If SMEE’s EUV technology reaches production stages, it could transform China’s position in the global chip industry.
Vakilsearch provides expert support in navigating complex intellectual property landscapes, including patent filings and technological advancements. With the emergence of new technologies like SMEE’s EUV patent, it’s crucial to secure and protect your innovations. Our team offers tailored IP services to help you safeguard your technological advancements, manage global patent portfolios, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Trust Vakilsearch to assist with your IP strategy, ensuring robust protection for your breakthroughs and strategic growth.
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