China’s leading chip equipment manufacturer, SiCarrier, has just pulled back the curtain on a fresh range of chipmaking tools aimed at revolutionizing domestic semiconductor production.
### China’s SiCarrier: Dominating Chip Tool Manufacture and Challenging ASML’s Stronghold
There’s been an explosive growth in China’s semiconductor sector lately, driven by the country’s determination to reduce foreign dependency. Giants like Huawei and SMIC have been essential players in this mission, making significant strides in building China’s own semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. However, SiCarrier often flies under the radar even though it’s reputedly backed by Huawei and specializes in creating chipmaking equipment. During SEMICON 2025 in China, SiCarrier showcased their latest suite of tools, signaling they’re not playing small.
In a tweet shared by @zephyr_z9, the recent catalog from SiCarrier highlights an array of novel chipmaking tools, notably including RTP systems utilized in the fabrication of semiconductor IC devices. While several new tools are listed, conspicuously missing are those related to lithography—a choice perhaps suggesting SiCarrier might be keeping something under wraps. This product lineup marks an effort to position themselves competitively against heavyweights like ASML, Applied Materials, and LAM, though it’s yet to be seen how these tools fare in the local market.
At the event, SiCarrier’s President, Du Lijun, stated that their technology could aid in producing 5nm chips. However, the reliance on non-optical technology brings its own hurdles, particularly concerning yield rates, which could inflate production costs compared to international competitors. Partnered with SMIC and Huawei, SiCarrier is diligently exploring solutions, and given the national urgency behind achieving semiconductor self-sufficiency, a major breakthrough might be around the corner.
> “There might be a path where we can use non-optical technologies, that is, using our process equipment to solve some of the lithography issues.”
> — Du Lijun (via Reuters)
Ultimately, SiCarrier aims to shift the semiconductor landscape’s equilibrium away from dominant sources like the Netherlands. A prior report noted SiCarrier’s collaboration with Huawei and the Shenzhen government to develop unique EUV prototypes utilizing laser-induced discharge plasma (LDP). This endeavor marks China’s initial steps toward creating indigenous EUV lithography equipment, which is considered the final hurdle in establishing their advanced semiconductor nodes.
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