SiCarrier announced its roadmap for ASML-compatible lithography equipment by 2026 at SEMICON China, partnered with local fabs, and expects to announce commercial orders by late 2025. The company, founded in 2022, plans to expand its R&D and service operations significantly, while it already produces etching equipment for major firms like SMIC.
SiCarrier, a Chinese chip equipment manufacturer, announced at SEMICON China its roadmap to develop advanced lithography machines tailored for 300-mm wafers at the 28nm process node, aiming for compatibility with ASML and Applied Materials by 2026. Market Director Zhao Min confirmed a dedicated team is focused on achieving this compatibility with existing domestic fabs’ equipment.
SiCarrier’s CTO, Chen Dong, mentioned collaborations with several fabs to establish joint laboratories, with an expectation to announce initial commercial orders by the fourth quarter of 2025. The company serves major clients, including SMIC and Hua Hong Group, and already has production-ready etching equipment for power semiconductor lines.
Founded in 2022, SiCarrier plans to expand its R&D centers to over ten cities within three years and establish service centers in Europe and Southeast Asia. The firm’s technology chief, Dai Jun, has notable ties to China’s semiconductor ecosystem, also serving as a supervisor for China’s Big Fund II and on the board of SMIC.
Recent reports indicate SiCarrier made headlines with a patent for producing 5nm chips using DUV tools, connected to Huawei’s 7nm chip in its Mate 60 Pro model. At SEMICON China, SiCarrier showcased various semiconductor manufacturing equipment, excluding specific lithography tools but confirmed having machines capable of 300-mm wafer processing at 28nm and older nodes.
Despite not displaying all lithography tools, SiCarrier provides a comprehensive range of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, covering nearly all front-end production processes along with necessary metrology, inspection, and testing equipment.
SiCarrier is positioning itself as a significant player in the semiconductor equipment market, with plans for ASML-compatible tools by 2026. With established clientele like SMIC and an expansion strategy across R&D and service centers, the company’s growth trajectory and innovations could impact global semiconductor manufacturing significantly. Their recent patent advances further exemplify their commitment to technological advances in the industry.
Original Source: www.trendforce.com
