This year, the young Japanese company Rapidus should begin producing trial products using 2nm technology using EUV scanners obtained from ASML. According to Nikkei, as early as June of this year, Rapidus will be able to ship to Broadcom the first samples of chips produced on its order using 2nm technology. Rapidus will begin pilot production of 2nm chips in April this year.
Image source: Broadcom
As with Samsung, for Rapidus, having contracts with major customers will be critical to maintaining the viability of its contract business. The technological donor of Rapidus was initially the American IBM, with assistance from the Belgian Imec and the French research center Leti. Last quarter, Rapidus received the first EUV lithography scanner from ASML, which was delivered to the island of Hokkaido. Rapidus plans to begin mass production of products using 2nm technology by 2027.
Broadcom is the fifth-largest participant in the semiconductor components market, and amid the boom in artificial intelligence systems, the company sees some potential in creating processors for the relevant field. Access to 2nm technology will allow Broadcom to create competitive solutions, and Rapidus will gain a major client. Rival TSMC will begin mass production of 2nm chips this year, but there may not be enough space for everyone on the assembly line of this Taiwanese contractor. Rapidus is also looking to produce 2nm chips for Japanese companies and startups. Its approach to semiconductor manufacturing will include flexibility in customer interactions and reduced turnaround times for volume production.