Canon’s new equipment will be able to produce 2nm chips

Canon’s new equipment will be able to produce 2nm chips

Canon has entered a new market by introducing lithography equipment for the production of 5nm chips. The Japanese company also plans to make equipment for 2nm chips.

The current market leader in chip production equipment is ASML of the Netherlands. For a long time, it was a virtual monopoly in the sector, but Canon’s innovation could change the balance of power. The Japanese manufacturer has developed unique systems for nanostructured lithography. This equipment makes it possible to produce semiconductors using innovative technologies with high performance and minimal chip size.

During the downturn, the global market faced a sharp increase in demand for semiconductor products. During this period, sales of electronic products increased significantly and due to disruptions in the supply chain, meeting consumer demand quickly became a significant challenge. As a result, there was a shortage of semiconductors, exacerbated by the onset of geopolitical conflict in Europe. At the same time, the microchip sector was actively developing, and a new generation of chips was emerging, requiring new approaches to production. The equipment supplied by ASML is the most technically advanced. These systems produce the chips used in the latest iPhone models.

Review of new equipment from Canon

Canon has introduced a system that could be a worthy alternative to ASML equipment. The system is designed to produce 5nm chips, and the next generation of the machine will enable the production of 2nm chips. Canon’s new product relies on nanostructured lithography technology, considered less expensive than photolithography. The system enables:

• allows the production of 5nm chips using an advanced EUV approach;
• make chip production more affordable and efficient;
• improve the technology to produce 2 nm chips in the future.

It is worth noting that Canon and another market player, Nikon, are still lagging behind ASML regarding technology. Still, thanks to the novelty, the Japanese manufacturer has every chance of catching up with the leader. After all, Canon is betting on equipment production for 2nm chips, to which advanced companies are already moving. TSMC and Samsung, for example, have announced plans to produce this type of chip by 2025. It is anticipated that other companies will also adopt a similar approach.

Although nanostructured lithography is technologically more accessible than photolithography, it is not yet as advanced as the latter. As a result, many manufacturers are reluctant to change their traditional and proven approach. Canon is actively working to improve the technology and intends to use it to address current problems in semiconductor manufacturing. These include high reject rates.