Ten Years Against the Wind: Dawn of Indigenous Semiconductor Equipment Emerges
2025-01-22 / Read about 0 minute
Author:小编   

In 1996, the United States imposed restrictions on the export of semiconductor equipment to China through the Wassenaar Arrangement. However, these restrictions were lifted in 2015, thanks to Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment Inc. (AMEC), which was capable of supplying etching machines of comparable quality. AMEC, founded by Yin Zhiyao, a former head of the etching machine business unit at Applied Materials—the world's leading semiconductor equipment company—swiftly achieved technological breakthroughs and became the sole Chinese mainland supplier of etching machines for TSMC's 5nm production line.

Naura Technology Group stands as the largest domestic semiconductor equipment company, with roots tracing back to the era of Soviet assistance. Despite domestic semiconductor equipment's relatively small share in the global market, notable advancements have been made in recent years, particularly in etching machines and thin film deposition equipment. Amid challenges such as supply chain disruptions, patent issues, and market validation, the global market share of domestic semiconductor equipment has gradually increased, showcasing remarkable technological achievements and market competitiveness. The rapid rise of South Korea's SEMES in 2021, amidst Japanese sanctions, serves as an inspiring example for the development of domestic equipment in China.