TSMC is fast advancing its manufacturing processes. The foundry maintains that its 3nm fab project remains on schedule, with the technology to be ready for risk production in 2021 followed by volume production in the second half of 2022. TSMC has already entered volume production for 5nm node, and it is reportedly developing variants for the 5nm process. Meanwhile, construction of 5G base stations is picking up momentum again, which is creating tight supply for optical filters.
TSMC installing 3nm process fabrication lines: TSMC has been engaged in the installation of 3nm process fabrication lines and related facilities, and is keeping the progress on track, according to the pure-play foundry.
TSMC 5nm technology said to be in more process variants: TSMC's 5nm technology will be offered in more process variants, including a further enhanced 5nm node in addition to 5nm Plus, according to sources at IC inspection services companies and chipmaking materials suppliers.
Supply of 5G optical filters becomes tight: Optical filter makers have seen their capacities become tight recently due to a pick-up in components demand for 5G base stations from a number of countries, including China, Korea and the US, where local mobile operators are stepping up their 5G base station installations, according to industry sources.
