ASMLebes Bans the Most Epic Holiday Gift Ever: A Shocking Decision
The Power of EUV Technology: Unraveling the Mystique of ASML’s High-NA EUV Machines
In the world of chip manufacturing, only one company, the Dutch firm ASML, has mastered the art of creating Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUV) machines. These machines are crucial in producing chips using the 7nm process node, down to 3nm. The latest iteration, the High-NA EUV machine, will enable the production of chips using a 2nm node and below. As the process node shrinks, transistor size decreases, allowing for increased transistor count, resulting in more powerful and energy-efficient chips.
The High-NA EUV Machine: A Game-Changer in Chip Manufacturing
The second-generation EUV, the High-NA machine, boasts an increased numerical aperture (NA) from 0.33 to 0.55. This upgrade allows the machine to print features 1.7 times smaller and boosts the transistor density of a chip by 2.9 times. Priced at $380 million, only a select few, including Intel, TSMC, and Samsung Foundry, can afford these behemoths.
What’s the Magic Behind EUV?
EUV machines create intricate circuitry patterns thinner than human hair on silicon wafers. The new machines enable the production of more detailed designs, simplifying the manufacturing process for complex chip designs.
ASML’s Lego Connection
ASML initially planned to offer a lower-priced version of the High-NA EUV machine, the TWINSCAN EXE:5000, on their online store. This would have been a unique gift for tech enthusiasts familiar with EUV technology. However, in a surprising move, the company canceled the sale, revealing that the kit was only available for ASML employees only.
ASML’s Missed Opportunity?
As the demand for this kit was substantial, ASML missed a chance to promote their company, the chipmaking industry, and their business. The Lower-Priced TWINSCAN Lego Kit, originally designed as a training tool, has enjoyed high demand and is now available to ASML employees only, with a limited one-per-employee policy.
[Image: The lower-priced EUV Lego kit sold by ASML to employees only. Image credit-ASML]
Software Architect Share Insights on EUV
Software architect Jon Masters shared a tweet, stating that the ASML High-NA EUV Lego set is only available to ASML employees. This revelation led to the company canceling orders from external parties, restricting the sale to those with ASML email addresses.
The ASML High-NA EUV machine is a remarkable innovation, and the world of chip manufacturing is abuzz with excitement. Although the lower-priced TWINSCAN Lego kit is no longer available for public purchase, chip enthusiasts can still channel their inner engineer with the company’s training kits.
