New report claims controversial Huawei chip was made using ASML machine

New report claims controversial Huawei chip was made using ASML machine،

Those in the know say the controversial application processor (AP) was produced using a deep ultraviolet lithography (DVL) machine to etch circuit patterns onto the silicon wafers on which the chips were placed. were constructed before being cut into individual matrices. With each chip containing billions of transistors, lithography equipment is used to create patterns finer than human hair. Tools from other companies were also used to make the chip, according to the report.

The DUV machine is not the most advanced technology in this field, as ASML’s extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines are used to produce chips with a process node of 7nm or less. ASML is the only company in the world that produces EUV machines and does not ship them to China.

One of the deep ultraviolet lithography machines sold by ASML

DUVs have been shipped to China, but last summer the Biden administration pressured ASML to announce that it would not ship three of its second most advanced DUV lithography machines to China without a license . But this restriction only begins in January, which means that nothing could have stopped SMIC from using the machine to produce the Kirin 9000.

The rule used by the Biden administration to block shipments of ASML machines to China is called the de minimis rule, which allows the United States to control the export of lithography machines containing American technology. This is the same rule used by the United States to prevent foundries using American technology to produce chips from shipping advanced silicon to Huawei without a license.

Huawei has secured a license that allows it to use a 4G version of Qualcomm’s 4nm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 AP to power the flagship Mate 50 series in 2022 and the flagship P60 series earlier this year. Using the 7nm Kirin 9000, which supports 5G, to run the flagship Mate 60 series has shocked and stunned the smartphone world while exciting Chinese consumers.