TSMC says its initial 3nm mass production is returning “good yields”. The company expects the 3nm semiconductor technology to create products with a market value of $1.5 trillion within the next five years. Samsung has already begun its 3nm mass production. But it is reportedly struggling with yield rates and doesn’t plan to start making 3nm smartphone processors until next year. Its Taiwanese rival didn’t specify when it will churn out smartphone chipsets using its most advanced process technology. Compared with 5nm chips, TSMC’s 3nm solutions have 1.6 times higher logic density and consume 35 percent less power. The Taiwanese semiconductor giant is also building a new semiconductor factory in Arizona, US. This factory will be operational by 2024, with the company initially making 4nm chips for Tesla, the Elon Musk-led EV (electric vehicle) company. TSMC plans to build 3nm production lines in the Arizona factory as well, though there may still be some time for that. Meanwhile, the firm has already announced a second chip plant in Arizona with plans to make it operational by 2026.
TSMC expands the Fab 18 hub where it produces 3nm chips
Fab 18 is TSMC’s primary manufacturing hub for advanced semiconductors. It produces chips using 5nm and 3nm process technologies here. With the latest expansion, the hub now has eight production facilities or Phases. All eight phases have a cleanroom area of 58,000 square meters, which the company claims are double the size of a standard logic fab. For the uninitiated, clean rooms are the area where chip fabrication takes place. These enclosed areas are extremely clean and free from any pollutants and impurities. Even the temperature, pressure, and other environmental parameters are regulated. TSMC’s investment in the Fab 18 hub has now exceeded NT$1.86 trillion (approx. USD 60.5 billion), the company announced. It has created more than 23,500 construction jobs and over 11,300 direct jobs. The Taiwanese semiconductor behemoth is now preparing to open a global R&D Center in the Hsinchu Science Park. It will be operational in the second quarter of 2023 and house 8,000 R&D personnel. TSMC eventually plans to construct 2nm fabs in Hsinchu and Central Taiwan Science Parks, with six Phases currently planned. It is aiming to begin 2nm mass production in 2025.
