EDA tools are absolutely crucial in chip manufacturing, despite the fact that they are not directly involved in semiconductor production. Instead, these tools are used to design and validate the process to ensure it fulfills specific requirements. Without these machines, companies like Xiaomi cannot move past the 3nm ceiling when developing the XRING 02, as TSMC’s 2nm technology features a Gate-All-Around Field-Effect Transistor (GAAFET) structure, which requires those complex EDA tools. With the Trump administration having banned the export of this paramount component, a report claims that Huawei has successfully circumvented these obstacles and has produced its own solutions.
The only obstacle remaining in Huawei’s path is acquiring or successfully developing cutting-edge EUV machines that can produce 5nm chips and below without suffering from yield problems
The complete report was published by DigiTimes, with an interesting detail spotted by the tipster @Jukanlosreve, mentioning that Huawei was hard at work partnering with other Chinese EDA companies to manufacture alternatives and never having to rely on overseas firms again. These efforts materialized in March 2023, with Huawei now allegedly commanding complete control over these 14nm EDA solutions, which it will use to produce the Kirin 9020. This chipset was introduced last year for the Mate 70 flagship series, and it will not be surprising to see it power the Pura 80 lineup too.
Unfortunately, one major barrier in Huawei’s path is acquiring next-generation EUV machines that will help it produce wafers on the 5nm process and below without facing any yield issues. Currently, it relies on SMIC’s DUV equipment to mass produce the Kirin 9020 on the 7nm process, but its partner SiCarrier, is reportedly working on EUV alternatives that might match ASML’s machines. The company was previously mentioned to be raising an amount of $2.8 billion to fuel its goals, but it could still take a few years before Huawei achieves autonomy in this area.
We will not be surprised if other Chinese firms start using those EDA tools, but for someone like Xiaomi, who has its sights set on competing with the likes of Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Apple, it cannot rely on machinery tailor-made to design and validate chips fabricated on an older lithography. Perhaps this was the course of events that could force Huawei and Xiaomi to join hands to develop newer EDA tools, but that will be a discussion for another time.
News Source: DigiTimes
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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