Top 10 most-read articles in tech 2023

The following 10 most-read technology articles in 2023 provide great insights in the dynamic evolving of the semiconductor industry experiencing US export restrictions on advanced chips and equipment to China. The US-China competition intensified after US continues to tighten grips on chip and equipment exports and requiring allies such as the Netherlands and Japan to comply. China's defiant efforts in pursuit of self-sufficiency, especially demonstrated through Huawei's success in producing Kirin 9000s chips with SMIC N+2 technology for its Mate 60 Pro smartphones, has made waves in the media.
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Huawei's NearLink wireless technology signals a decoupled connected world

Amid popular interest in Huawei's Mate 60 Pro, featuring a mysterious SoC using SMIC's technology, the NearLink wireless technology manifests China's desire for self-reliance and may lead to a decoupled communication supply chain.

Intel cuts off manufacturing in IDM2.0, TSMC is expected to benefit

Intel held the Intel Internal Foundry Model Investor Webinar on June 21 to explain the shift to a new internal foundry model, where internal product departments and manufacturing departments move to a foundry-like relationship. Industry experts expect TSMC to benefit from Intel's decision.

Tesla's humanoid robot 'Optimus' debuts in Taiwan, showcasing AI advancements

Tesla's humanoid robot 'Optimus' is poised to make a surprising appearance in Taiwan. Tesla Taiwan announced on October 3 that it will first exhibit the robot at its service experience center in Neihu, Taipei, and then at experience centers in Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.

ASML reportedly sees first big EUV equipment order cut from TSMC

ASML reportedly has seen the first cutback in orders for EUV equipment from TSMC, its largest customer, which market insiders speculate is on track to slash such orders by over 40% or otherwise delay taking shipments from the Dutch supplier along with its slowing fab capacity expansions in Taiwan.

US, Japanese, and Dutch semiconductor equipment export values to China dropped; more substantial strategies demanded by expert

Owing to the US-coordinated chip sanctions on China, the US, Japan, and the Netherlands have seen a significant drop in the total export value of semiconductor equipment to China.

Next US export ban against China could target advanced packaging

In light of the fact that Chinese foundries can still obtain used equipment and consumables for process technology upgrades despite the US ban, the US could target advanced packaging for sanctions next, according to industry sources in Taiwan.

TSMC lands advanced chip orders shifted from China

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has gained advanced chip orders shifted from Semiconductor Manufacturing International (SMIC) and other China-based foundries, which are encountering the US ban on semiconductor technology, according to industry sources.

ASML CEO warns against 'compelling China to be innovative'

Semiconductor equipment firm ASML is seeing a negative effect on US' containment policy towards China. ASML CEO Peter Wennink shared his views on the China issue, as well as export restrictions and protectionism that the company is facing in the Nieuwsuur TV program broadcast on the evening of September 4.

Huawei's Kirin 9000S chip made by SMIC is only a breakout, not a breakthrough

Even though SMIC is lagging behind TSMC and Samsung Electronics by 5-6 and 4-5 years, respectively, it still managed to cross the threshold of advanced semiconductor manufacturing by successfully manufacturing Huawei's Kirin 9000S processor with multiple exposure processes using its FinFET N+2 node on immersion DUV machines.

How did Huawei design its Kirin 9000S chip without American EDA tools?

Huawei's success in having its self-developed SoC produced with 7nm technology by SMIC, China's largest wafer foundry service provider, stunned the world. Since Huawei is unable to access EDA tools from US companies, how did they design the new chip? Are made-in-China EDA tools any good?