ASML, Imec launch High NA EUV lithography test lab in Veldhoven

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ASML has opened a test laboratory for its High NA EUV lithography equipment in collaboration with Belgian chip research firm Imec. The High NA tool promises up to 60% better resolution and is expected to lead to the production of smaller, faster chips. This development underscores ASML’s pivotal role in advancing semiconductor technology and its ongoing partnerships with leading chip manufacturers globally. OUR TAKE Although ASML has orders for more than a dozen, TSMC, its biggest customer for EUV equipment, has said it does not need to use High NA tools for its A16 chip. Based on this, I doubt whether this new chip would have a good future.

–Jinny Xu, BTW reporter ASML, a manufacturer of semiconductor equipment, on Monday announced the inauguration of a new test laboratory for its High NA EUV lithography equipment, developed in collaboration with Belgian chip research firm Imec. The lab, located in Veldhoven, Netherlands, has been years in the making and represents a high level in chip manufacturing technology. New opportunity for chipmakers The state-of-the-art laboratory will provide main chipmakers and suppliers of equipment and materials an opportunity to work with ASML’s pioneering 350 million euro ($380 million) High NA EUV lithography tool.

This is the first tool of its kind, boasting up to 60% better resolution compared to previous models, and it is anticipated to enable the production of smaller, faster chips for future generations. Also read: AWS clarifies: the NVIDIA advanced chip order is not cancelled Also read: Who is Christophe Fouquet? CEO at ASML Advanced capabilities The new High NA tool is expected to commence commercial manufacturing between 2025 and 2026. To date, ASML has shipped only one other test machine, which went to Intel in the United States. Intel plans to incorporate this tool into its 14A process by 2025.

Despite this, ASML has already received orders for more than a dozen of these advanced machines. Market leadership ASML dominates the market for lithography equipment, an essential step in the chipmaking process where beams of light are used to create chip circuitry. Currently, only a select group of manufacturers— TSMC, Samsung, Intel, and memory specialists SK Hynix and Samsung—are capable of utilising ASML’s existing generation of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) machines.

Despite receiving orders for more than a dozen of these advanced machines, ASML’s largest customer, TSMC, has stated it does not need High NA tools for its A16 chips, which are expected to enter production in 2025.