Samsung Going For 1 nm

Samsung has set up a team to develop 1nm process technology using high-NA EUV machines for mass production in 2029,  reports the Seoul Economic Daily.

Samsung has set up a team to develop 1nm process technology using high-NA EUV machines for mass production in 2029,  reports the Seoul Economic Daily.

It is not known whether it has ordered any of ASML’s $350 million  high-NA EUV machines.

Last month Samsung denied reports that it had cancelled its 1.4nm process development while admitting that the project faced delays. It was thought that the rumoured move had been to concentrate resources on the 2nm process.

Samsung’s 2nm is said to be on 30% yields which suggests it won’t make it into high volume production this year.

Meanwhile TSMC is said to be planning to run 60,000 2nm wafers by the end of the year. It is reported to be charging $30,000 a wafer and yields are said to be “well over” a previously stated 60/70%.

Samsung’s 3nm process was said not to have progressed beyond 10%.

Samsung’s foundry market share has dropped to 8.2% down from 14% in Q2 2024 which raises doubts about corporate willingness to keep on investing to regain  the leading edge.