The race to lead in the semiconductor chip industry is intensifying, with major companies betting big on Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology. This high-tech equipment is crucial for developing smaller, more efficient chips and is in high demand.
Intel has recently made headlines by purchasing and assembling the latest High-NA EUV lithography equipment from ASML, one of the most advanced available. Meanwhile, Samsung isn’t far behind. They’ve strengthened ties with Zeiss, a key supplier for ASML’s EUV machines, aiming to boost their capabilities in the EUV field.
Samsung and Zeiss Enhance Collaboration on EUV Technology
Samsung’s commitment to advancing its semiconductor technology is evident from its recent high-profile meeting in Germany. Jay Y. Lee, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, met with Zeiss executives to discuss expanding their collaboration. The focus is on improving the production of memory and foundry chips by leveraging next-generation EUV technology.
In a strategic move to solidify this partnership, Zeiss plans to invest approximately 48 billion KRW to set up a research and development center in South Korea by 2026. This facility will deepen ties with local companies, primarily Samsung, and enhance the development of critical EUV components. Zeiss, holding over 2,000 EUV-related patents, is instrumental in supplying over 30,000 components for each ASML’s EUV machine.
Intel and Others Eye Advanced Chip Production with New EUV Equipment
Intel’s installation of the ASML High NA EUV lithography machine marks a significant advancement, with the machine now being tuned for operation. This setup, costing up to EUR 350 million, is pivotal for Intel’s plans to manufacture chips smaller than 1.8nm.
Intel is not the only tech titan in this arena. Other industry leaders like TSMC, Samsung, and Micron are also queuing up for ASML’s sophisticated EUV machines. Despite the delivery of a second High NA EUV machine, the demand far exceeds the supply, with ASML’s latest quarterly report showing order intakes of EUR 3.6 billion.
This scenario underscores a clear trend: the demand for more advanced chip-making technology is soaring, and ASML plans to ramp up production to meet this growing need. As the industry continues to evolve, the investments in EUV technology are set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of semiconductor manufacturing.
