[News] Samsung vs. SK hynix: South Korean Semiconductor Giants’ Contrasting EUV Strategies

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As semiconductor giants Intel and TSMC have been bringing in ASML’s High- NA EUV machines, how major South Korean chip companies approach extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology also comes into spotlight. Interestingly, Samsung and SK hynix are adopting differing strategies on EUV, as per Business Korea.

Samsung: Focus on EUV to Boost Yields for Advanced Semiconductors

Samsung, though has been struggling with its 3nm yield, is reportedly ramping up its efforts on 2nm and 1.4nm to compete with its longtime rival, TSMC. While making developing advanced nodes its top priority, the company has launched a new “EUV Synergy Task Force” under its Global Manufacturing & Infrastructure Division as part of its year-end reorganization, according to Business Korea.

The report notes that the team aims to boost yield rates for ultra-fine semiconductors like 3nm by improving EUV equipment management. The team, according to the report, will focus on optimizing productivity for lithography and track equipment, including ASML’s USD 20 billion EUV machines and Tokyo Electron’s track equipment.

According to Business Korea, Samsung has acquired over 30 EUV machines for its Hwaseong and Pyeongtaek plants, and reportedly aims to overcome challenges in enhancing yield rates for its 10-nm-class 6th-generation DRAM and sub-3 nm foundries.

However, it could not be ruled out that Samsung might reduce its procurement of ASML’s next-gen EUV equipment. A previous report from Business Korea indicated that Samsung initially mulled to purchase more than three units of the next versions, EXE:5200, EXE:5400, and EXE:5600, over the next ten years. However, it has now decided to introduce the EXE:5200 only.

SK hynix Disbands its EUV Task Force

Notably, Samsung’s HBM archrival, SK hynix, has opted for a different strategy. The Business Korea report notes that the company has dissolved its EUV task force during this year’s reorganization and merging it with the Future Technology Research Institute.

This shift underscores the company’s emphasis on long-term technological innovation over immediate yield enhancements, as noted by the report. It is worth noting that SK hynix may wait until the latter half of 2025 to receive its first High-NA EUV machine, the Business Korea report suggests.

Since adopting EUV technology for its 10-nm-class 4th-generation DRAM in 2021, SK hynix has deployed over 10 EUV machines at its M16 plant in Icheon, the report adds.

In terms of the progress of other semiconductor giants, TSMC is said to have received its first High-NA EUV machine from ASML in September, 2024. Intel, on the other hand, has successfully completed the installation of two High-NA EUV systems at its Portland facility by October.

Read more

• [News] Japan’s Rapidus to Receive First EUV in mid-December, with ASML Planning Service Center Nearby
• [News] ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet: U.S. EUV Export Ban Causes China’s Chip-Making to Lag by 10-15 Years

(Photo credit: Intel)