TSMC: Powering the World’s Technology

Core Insights - TSMC is a dominant player in the semiconductor industry, manufacturing approximately 60% of global foundry revenue and 90% of advanced node chips, positioning itself as a critical company in the technology sector [2] Historical Background - Morris Chang, after a successful career at Texas Instruments, founded TSMC in 1987 with the vision of creating a pure-play foundry that only manufactures chips without designing them, which was a novel approach at the time [4][5] - The foundry model significantly lowered startup costs for fabless design firms, allowing them to focus on chip design while TSMC handled manufacturing [7] Business Model and Strategies - TSMC's commitment to advancing technology has kept it 3-4 years ahead of competitors, with plans to produce 2nm nodes by 2025-2026 [9] - The company utilizes advanced technologies such as EUV lithography, which allows for the production of smaller transistors, essential for adhering to Moore's law [10][12] - TSMC maintains a non-competitive relationship with its customers, treating them as partners, which fosters collaboration and shared success [15][20] Technological Advancements - The introduction of EUV lithography by ASML has been pivotal for TSMC, enabling the production of smaller and more efficient chips [12][14] - TSMC's strategic partnerships, including co-investments with key suppliers like ASML, have aligned incentives and ensured shared technology roadmaps [17] Future Outlook - The geopolitical landscape, particularly U.S.-China relations, poses risks to TSMC's operations, as any disruption in Taiwan's chip industry could have significant global economic repercussions [21][22] - China is investing heavily in its semiconductor industry, aiming to dominate the supply chain by 2030, which could challenge TSMC's market position [23] - Despite global efforts to enhance domestic chip manufacturing, replicating TSMC's effectiveness and expertise remains a significant challenge [24]