"TSMC to Begin Mass Production of 1.4nm in 2028... Pilot Production of 'Sub-1nm' in 2029"

There have been reports that TSMC, the world's largest foundry (semiconductor contract manufacturing) company, is planning to begin mass production of 1.4-nanometer (nanometer, one-billionth of a meter) process semiconductors as early as 2028.

A view of the TSMC headquarters in Taiwan's Hsinchu Science Park on February 10 (local time). Photo by EPA Yonhap News

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On April 20, Taiwanese media outlets including China Times cited sources stating that TSMC is aiming to start mass production of 2-nanometer products in the fourth quarter of this year, and that orders for 2-nanometer products have already been fully booked through 2028.

The sources further stated that TSMC plans to begin mass production of the cutting-edge A14 (1.4-nanometer) process semiconductors in 2028, and is expected to commence pilot production of sub-1-nanometer process semiconductors in 2029.

TSMC's 1.4-nanometer process products have the advantage of consuming up to 30% less power compared to 2-nanometer products at the same performance level. TSMC intends to supply its 1.4-nanometer process products to major core clients such as Apple.

Even before the start of mass production, customers have been rushing to place advance orders for 2-nanometer products. This is interpreted as an effect of the ongoing chip supply shortage related to artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC).

The sources also stated that TSMC has embarked on bold investments to maintain its leadership position amid surging demand for advanced process semiconductors. They emphasized that securing stable yield rates for mass production is critical, and that the yield rates for advanced processes will become a key indicator of TSMC's future profitability and market competitiveness.

There is also considerable attention on the upcoming TSMC Annual Technology Symposium, which will open in Santa Clara, United States, on April 22. At this forum, information related to the 1.4-nanometer process semiconductors, along with 2-nanometer technology, is expected to attract the most attention.

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