• The biggest provider of equipment to computer chip manufacturers, ASML, has shipped one of its newest “High NA” EUV lithography systems to a second customer.
  • The company announces that the High NA machine has successfully created features at 10 nanometres.
  • ASML’s economic profits have been greatly affected by U.S. sanctions against China’s cutting-edge technology.

Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML has shipped its second-ever high numerical aperture (NA) extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machine to an undisclosed customer.

Second ‘High NA’ EUV machine

ASML, the biggest provider of equipment to computer chip manufacturers, has shipped one of its newest “High NA” EUV (high-NA extreme ultraviolet) lithography systems to a second customer. The shipment of a second High NA machine signals that the latest tech is gradually being adopted.

Lithography systems employ light beams to help manufacture chip circuits. ASML’s first generation of EUV systems, which are presently utilised to manufacture the majority of chips in smartphones and AI (artificial intelligence) chips, employ light in the “extreme ultraviolet” wavelength to create design features as small as 13 nanometres in resolution, smaller than viruses.

The company announces that the High NA machine has successfully created features at 10 nanometres. The machine’s theoretical limit is 8 nanometres, according to the ASML website.

These machines cost around 350 million euros ($370 million) each and are expected to enable new generations of smaller, faster chips.

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Sales have been affected by sanctions

The Dutch semiconductor maker will most likely need to sell as many High NA machines as possible, as Western sanctions on China will harm ASML’s operations in the long run. ASML continues to rely on exporting tools to China.

ASML profits plunge 40% amid dip in chip making tool orders. This is possibly due to Chinese clients rushing their purchases during the fourth quarter to avoid impending fines.

Chinese tech businesses, notably Huawei, are aiming to create high-tech tools locally, which means that even if the United States or Dutch sanctions are reversed, ASML’s China business may suffer.