How chips are made.
WHAT THE PROCESS INVOLVES
Growing silicon wafers Depositing layers Patterning them using light through masks Etching away material Implanting dopants Repeating, many times Testing, cutting and packaging
WHAT PHOTOLITHOGRAPHY IS
Using light to transfer a pattern onto the wafer.
WHY IT IS THE LIMITING TECHNOLOGY
Feature sizes are far smaller than the wavelengths conveniently available.
WHAT EXTREME ULTRAVIOLET LITHOGRAPHY PROVIDES
Shorter wavelengths, enabling smaller features.
WHY IT MATTERS STRATEGICALLY
The machines are made by very few suppliers, making them a point of geopolitical control.
WHAT YIELD IS
The proportion of manufactured chips that work.
WHY IT DOMINATES ECONOMICS
Defects are inevitable, and larger chips are more likely to contain one.
WHAT BINNING IS
Selling chips with partial defects as lower-specification products.
WHAT A FOUNDRY IS
A manufacturer producing chips designed by others.
WHAT THAT ENABLED
Design companies without manufacturing capability.
WHAT CONCENTRATION MEANS
Very few facilities produce the most advanced chips, which is a supply risk.
WHAT THAT HAS CAUSED
Shortages affecting many industries, and substantial state investment.
