A researcher shows a device produced with lithography equipment on November 29. Photo: VCG
Huawei is apparently stepping up its foray into lithography machines, which are crucial in chip production, soon after releasing its self-developed HarmonyOS operating system, further reflecting the Chinese telecommunications giant’s goal of develop a complete industrial chain to survive in the United States. ‘ repression.
Hubble Technology Investment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huawei, recently invested 82 million yuan ($ 12.8 million) to become Beijing’s seventh shareholder RSLaser Opto-Electronics Technology Co, which focuses on the light source system – one of the three basic technologies – lithography machines.
Huawei’s investment arm was established in April 2019 and has so far invested in 28 semiconductor-related companies including Epiworld International Co, NineCube, North Ocean Photonics and Zhonglan Electronic Technology Co.
The investment area covers analog chips, silicon carbide materials, power chips, artificial intelligence chips, automotive communication chips and connectors, according to information from the data platform of qcc.com company.
“Huawei’s move is primarily intended to compensate for the loopholes and shortcomings caused by the US restrictions, while helping highly recognized companies produce a higher level of products through investment. This is crucial in reducing China’s dependence on certain countries and companies in the global semiconductor industry, “Fu Liang, a senior telecommunications industry analyst, told the Global Times on Sunday, noting that high quality products can be adapted to other areas.
A source close to Huawei recently told the Global Times that Huawei has been forced to rely on domestic wafer foundries to make 14 and 28 nanometer chips because all manufacturers capable of making 7 nm chips have been banned by the United States from supplying Huawei. .
“Huawei is currently investing in its strategic resources, which will have a significant impact on the company’s development strategy, as it wants to make a big difference in lithography,” said Xiang Ligang, general manager of the Alliance for Beijing-based information consumption. the Global Times Sunday.
The shortage of lithography machines is a big problem because they are essential to the chip making process. Without these machines, Huawei’s production and customer volume will be affected, Xiang said.
Analysts said lithography machines are essential to building the chip industry ecosystem, and RSLaser Opto-Electronics independently designed and developed the first high-energy household excimer laser, which broke the market. long-term monopoly of foreign manufacturers.
“Lithography machines and light sources determine the degree of precision of the chips, but the global supply is still dominated by some companies, so Huawei’s investment in lithography is aimed at reducing its dependence on vis foreign companies, “said Fu.
China actually has lithography machines, but the key issue is solving the problems with developing light sources to achieve upgrading of ultraviolet technology to make more refined chips, Xiang added.
A researcher shows a device produced with lithography equipment on November 29. Photo: VCG
Huawei is apparently stepping up its foray into lithography machines, which are crucial in chip production, soon after releasing its self-developed HarmonyOS operating system, further reflecting the Chinese telecommunications giant’s goal of develop a complete industrial chain to survive in the United States. ‘ repression.
Hubble Technology Investment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huawei, recently invested 82 million yuan ($ 12.8 million) to become Beijing’s seventh shareholder RSLaser Opto-Electronics Technology Co, which focuses on the light source system – one of the three basic technologies – lithography machines.
Huawei’s investment arm was established in April 2019 and has so far invested in 28 semiconductor-related companies including Epiworld International Co, NineCube, North Ocean Photonics and Zhonglan Electronic Technology Co.
The investment area covers analog chips, silicon carbide materials, power chips, artificial intelligence chips, automotive communication chips and connectors, according to information from the data platform of qcc.com company.
“Huawei’s move is primarily intended to compensate for the loopholes and shortcomings caused by the US restrictions, while helping highly recognized companies produce a higher level of products through investment. This is crucial in reducing China’s dependence on certain countries and companies in the global semiconductor industry, “Fu Liang, a senior telecommunications industry analyst, told the Global Times on Sunday, noting that high quality products can be adapted to other areas.
A source close to Huawei recently told the Global Times that Huawei has been forced to rely on domestic wafer foundries to make 14 and 28 nanometer chips because all manufacturers capable of making 7 nm chips have been banned by the United States from supplying Huawei. .
“Huawei is currently investing in its strategic resources, which will have a significant impact on the company’s development strategy, as it wants to make a big difference in lithography,” said Xiang Ligang, general manager of the Alliance for Beijing-based information consumption. the Global Times Sunday.
The shortage of lithography machines is a big problem because they are essential to the chip making process. Without these machines, Huawei’s production and customer volume will be affected, Xiang said.
Analysts said lithography machines are essential to building the chip industry ecosystem, and RSLaser Opto-Electronics independently designed and developed the first high-energy household excimer laser, which broke the market. long-term monopoly of foreign manufacturers.
“Lithography machines and light sources determine the degree of precision of the chips, but the global supply is still dominated by some companies, so Huawei’s investment in lithography is aimed at reducing its dependence on vis foreign companies, “said Fu.
China actually has lithography machines, but the key issue is solving the problems with developing light sources to achieve upgrading of ultraviolet technology to make more refined chips, Xiang added.