⑥【日本芯片制造商Rapidus拟建设1.4纳米晶圆厂，加速追赶台积电】当地时间11月26日，据媒体报道，日本尖端芯片公司Rapidus计划于2027财年在北海 道启动第二家工厂的建设工作，而1.4纳米芯片的生产最早将于2029年开始。报道称，这家日本公司的努力有可能缩小其与全球最大的芯片制造企业台积 电之间的差距。截至发稿，台积电上涨0.74%。 ⑦【马斯克：特斯拉奥斯汀Robotaxi车队规模下月将翻倍】当地时间11月25日，马斯克在其旗下社交平台X上发文称："特斯拉在奥斯汀的Robotaxi车队规 模下月将大致翻倍"。特斯拉于今年6月在得克萨斯州奥斯汀市推出自动驾驶出行服务，但尚未披露其自动驾驶出租车的具体运营数量。截至发稿，特斯拉 上涨0.52%。 ⑧【Q4营收指引低于预期，理想汽车跌近2%】当地时间11月26日，理想汽车Q3财报显示，该公司总营收为274亿元，同比下滑36.2%，环比下滑9.5%。净 亏损为6.244亿元，而上年同期净利润为28亿元，上一季度净利润为11亿元。理想汽车预计第四季度营收为265亿元人民币至292亿元人民币，市场预估 372.5亿元人民币。截至发稿，理想汽车下跌1.74% ...

智通财经APP获悉，据报道，日本尖端芯片公司Rapidus计划在 2027 财年在北海道启动第二家工厂的建 设工作，而 1.4 纳米芯片的生产最早将于 2029 年开始。这家日本公司的努力有可能缩小与全球最大的 芯片制造企业台积电(TSM.US)之间的差距。 该项目预计耗资数万亿日元，日本政府将提供数百亿日元的初始资金用于研发工作。该计划有望成为推 动日本芯片产业复苏的关键一步。该公司在千岁市的第一家工厂计划于 2027 财年下半年开始大规模生 产 2 纳米芯片。此外，即便 2 纳米芯片的大规模生产尚未完全成熟，Rapidus 仍计划提前启动第二座工 厂的建设。该工厂除了生产 1.4 纳米产品外，还可能生产 1 纳米芯片。第二座工厂的总投资预计将达到 2 万亿日元以上。 2024 年 4 月，日本批准向 Rapidus提供约 5900 亿日元(约合 39 亿美元)的补贴，这是该国旨在促进本土 半导体制造业发展所采取的措施的一部分。去年 11 月，有报道称日本政府计划向Rapidus 投资 12.8 亿 美元，以帮助该公司在 2027 年实现商业化生产。 据报道，Rapidus 公司的首席执行官Atsuyosh ...

Group 1 - Rapidus is advancing its cutting-edge chip localization plan, aiming to start construction of its second factory in Hokkaido in FY 2027, with plans to begin mass production of 1.4 nm chips by 2029, which is among the most advanced technology tiers globally [1] - The total investment for the project is expected to reach several trillion yen, with the Japanese government providing initial funding support of several hundred billion yen, marking a key step in the revival of Japan's semiconductor industry [1] - The first factory located in Chitose aims to achieve mass production of 2 nm chips in the second half of FY 2027, despite the technology not being fully mature [1] Group 2 - The smaller the process node in nanometers, the higher the performance and energy efficiency of the chips, with the advanced 1.4 nm chips expected to serve as the "brain" for high-tech products and applications such as data centers, robotics, autonomous vehicles, and smartphones [2] - Global chip manufacturers are engaged in fierce competition over circuit width miniaturization, with TSMC planning to achieve mass production of 2 nm chips this year and launch 1.4 nm products by 2028, while Samsung aims to mass-produce 1.4 nm chips by 2027 [2] - Rapidus aims to achieve rapid scale production after the 2029 launch to keep pace with competitors, although it may face similar challenges as Samsung and Intel regarding yield improvement for advanced processes [2]

Core Insights - The recent retirement of TSMC's senior vice president, Luo Wei-ren, and his subsequent move to Intel has raised concerns regarding the potential transfer of confidential documents related to advanced semiconductor processes [2] - Intel's CEO, Pat Gelsinger, publicly denied allegations that Luo brought confidential files with him, asserting that the company respects intellectual property rights [2] - Luo's extensive experience in both TSMC and Intel positions him as a valuable asset for Intel, particularly in managing wafer production and enhancing operational efficiency [3] Group 1 - Luo Wei-ren retired from TSMC in July 2023 and joined Intel as a vice president of R&D, amid rumors of him carrying over 20 boxes of confidential documents related to TSMC's advanced processes [2] - Intel aims to leverage Luo's expertise to improve collaboration with U.S. clients at TSMC's Arizona facility, with expected partnerships including Microsoft and Tesla, and potentially Nvidia and Qualcomm in the future [3] - Luo's career at TSMC included significant advancements in semiconductor technology, leading to over 15,000 patents and establishing TSMC's leadership in 2nm and 1.4nm process technologies [3] Group 2 - This incident is not the first time TSMC has faced allegations related to trade secrets, as the company previously reported cases of employees involved in stealing confidential information about its 2nm chip technology [4] - The ongoing scrutiny surrounding Luo's transition to Intel is heightened by TSMC's recent legal challenges regarding intellectual property theft [4]

Core Viewpoint - TSMC's 2nm technology is experiencing unprecedented demand, with significant implications for the semiconductor industry and TSMC's revenue growth [2][3]. Group 1: TSMC's 2nm Technology - TSMC is set to mass-produce 2nm chips in H2 2024, which is expected to drive approximately NT$73 trillion in global product value over the next five years [2]. - The anticipated revenue for TSMC in 2024 is NT$2.8943 trillion, a 2.79 times increase from NT$762.8 billion in 2014, with a gross margin rising from 49.5% to 56.1% [3]. - Major clients such as AMD, MediaTek, Qualcomm, Microsoft, and Meta are actively pursuing 2nm technology for high-end products, indicating strong market interest [2][3]. Group 2: Future Developments - TSMC plans to build four 1.4nm wafer fabs in the Zhongke Phase II park, with the first expected to begin risk production by the end of 2027 and mass production in H2 2028 [4][5]. - The initial monthly production capacity for the 1.4nm process is projected to be around 50,000 wafers [6]. - The Zhongke Phase II expansion will also accommodate other semiconductor-related companies, enhancing the local supply chain ecosystem [8].

Core Viewpoint - Samsung's wafer foundry division is facing challenges with its 5/3 nm process and is now focusing on ramping up its 2 nm technology, aiming for a yield of 70% by the end of the year to attract major clients [1][2]. Group 1: Current Challenges - Samsung's wafer foundry is experiencing quarterly losses amounting to tens of trillions of Korean won, compounded by low utilization rates and difficulties in securing large customer orders [1]. - The company has decided to concentrate resources on 2 nm technology, temporarily shelving investments in the more risky 1 nm process due to the high demand for AI semiconductors [1]. Group 2: Strategic Moves - Samsung is actively investing in building partnerships with U.S. clients and is working to regain customer trust after failing to meet performance and yield commitments for its 5/3 nm process [1]. - The company has appointed Margaret Han, a former executive from NXP Semiconductors, to lead its U.S. foundry operations, leveraging her experience to secure orders from potential clients [2]. Group 3: Market Position and Performance - The 2 nm process is expected to offer a 12% performance improvement and a 25% reduction in power consumption compared to the 3 nm process, although current yield rates for 2 nm are estimated to be below 30% [2]. - Despite the challenges, Samsung is in discussions with multiple potential clients regarding the 2 nm production status, indicating a proactive approach to securing orders [2].

Core Viewpoint - Rapidus, a Japan-based semiconductor foundry, aims to mass-produce 2nm chips by 2027, with trial production lines starting on April 1, 2024. The company is in discussions with 40-50 potential clients, including major U.S. tech firms known as GAFAM [1][2]. Group 1: Production Plans and Partnerships - Rapidus plans to produce next-generation 1.4nm chips after the 2nm production, indicating a timeline of approximately 2.5 to 3 years for adopting next-generation technology [2]. - The Japanese government has committed to providing additional support to Rapidus, with a total aid amounting to 1 trillion 822.5 billion yen, including previous assistance [2]. - Rapidus is collaborating with Broadcom to provide trial samples of 2nm products, which could lead to semiconductor production for Broadcom's clients, including Google and Meta [2]. Group 2: Market Position and Competition - Rapidus aims to differentiate itself by achieving production speeds 2-3 times faster than TSMC, which currently dominates the advanced foundry market [1]. - NVIDIA's CEO has expressed interest in potentially outsourcing AI chip production to Rapidus, highlighting the growing need for diversified supply sources amid U.S.-China decoupling [3][5].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the latest developments in 2nm semiconductor technology from major players like TSMC, Intel, and Samsung, highlighting their advancements and market strategies. TSMC Developments - TSMC is set to hold a ceremony for its 2nm expansion, marking a significant breakthrough in advanced process technology, with mass production expected in the second half of 2025 using Nanosheet transistor structure [3][4]. - TSMC's 2nm production facilities are planned in Hsinchu and Kaohsiung, with strong demand anticipated, particularly from Apple, AMD, and Intel, with orders already extending to 2027 [3][4]. - The 2nm process is expected to increase speed by 10-15% at the same power consumption and reduce power consumption by 25-30% at the same speed, with a density increase of over 15% [4][5]. Intel Developments - Intel plans to launch its 1.8nm technology, known as 18A, with mass production expected to begin in mid-2025, featuring significant performance improvements and density increases [7][8]. - The 18A process is designed to enhance performance per watt by 15% and increase chip density by 30%, with innovative PowerVia technology to improve power performance [8][9]. - Intel is also preparing a performance-enhanced version of 18A, which may attract external customers looking to maximize performance while minimizing power consumption [9]. Samsung Developments - Samsung is facing challenges with its 2nm GAA process, currently achieving a 30% yield rate, which must improve to at least 70% for broader customer orders [10][13]. - The company has secured orders for its 2nm process and aims to enhance its GAA technology, collaborating with Preferred Networks to develop AI accelerators [10][13]. - Future enhancements include the SF2P and SF2Z nodes, which will focus on improving power, performance, and area efficiency [14]. Other Industry Players - Japan's Rapidus is constructing a 2nm wafer fab, aiming for trial production in April 2025 and mass production by 2027, partnering with Quest Global Services for semiconductor solutions [17][18]. - The competition in advanced semiconductor processes is intensifying, with TSMC making strides towards 1.4nm technology, while Samsung and Intel are also advancing their respective nodes [18][19].