Japanese tech giant Canon hopes to shake up the semiconductor manufacturing industry with the launch of a new low-cost nanoimprint lithography machine (NIL) as early as this year. The technology, which prints chip designs onto silicon wafers rather than using more complex photolithography techniques like market leader ASML's systems, would allow Canon to undercut rivals and democratize cutting-edge chip production.
"We hope to start shipping this year or next year... while the market is hot." Hiroaki Takeishi, Canon's head of the industrial division responsible for the development of nanoimprint lithography technology, said: "This is a very unique technology that will make the production of cutting-edge chips simple and low-cost. The semiconductor node width of the nanoimprint lithography machine is 5 nanometers, and the goal is to eventually reach 2 nanometers."
Takeishi said the technology mostly solves previous defect rate issues, but success will depend on convincing customers it's worthwhile to integrate it into existing manufacturing plants.
Some doubt Canon's ability to disrupt a market led by ASML's expensive but sophisticated extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography tools. However, if nanoimprinting can increase yields to nearly 90% at lower cost, it could open up a world of possibilities, especially as extreme ultraviolet light supplies struggle to keep up with surging demand.
It is said that Canon's nanoimprint equipment costs only 40% of ASML equipment, while operating power consumption is reduced by 90%. Canon initially focused on using the technology to produce 3D NAND memory chips rather than complex processors, so it also had to deal with export controls that restricted sales to China.
Takeishi said Canon would "carefully monitor" sanctions risks but said there were few options. After more than 15 years of research and development, Canon's nanoimprint technology, if successfully commercialized, will change the competitive landscape and enable new competitors to produce leading semiconductor products at a lower cost. But it remains to be seen whether the new machines' defect rates, integration challenges and geopolitical headwinds will allow Canon to stand out against the chipmaking giants.