Samsung to Begin Mass Production of 1.4 nm Chips in 2029
Samsung is preparing to launch mass production of its advanced 1.4 nm semiconductor node in 2029, according to recent reports from South Korean media outlet The Bell. The company had initially targeted 2028 for this milestone, but the timeline has shifted to 2029. This adjustment is attributed to the growing manufacturing capacity of Samsung’s 2 nm SF2 process and its derivative, the SF2P node.
Industry-Wide Race Toward Smaller Process Nodes
The revised schedule places Samsung in line with other major semiconductor manufacturers. Intel, for instance, is planning to begin risk production of its 14A node in 2028, with high-volume manufacturing expected in 2029. TSMC, another industry leader, aims to start mass production of its A14 node in 2028, maintaining a slight lead over both Samsung and Intel. This competitive landscape is expected to drive innovation and provide more options for customers seeking advanced silicon manufacturing by the end of the decade.
Adoption of High-NA EUV Lithography
Samsung’s 1.4 nm node will mark the company’s first use of High-NA EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) lithography, transitioning from the current Low-NA EUV tools. This technological leap is significant for achieving the precision required at such a small scale. Samsung has been collaborating with both domestic suppliers and international equipment manufacturers, including Applied Materials and Lam Research, to equip its NRD-K semiconductor R&D hub with the necessary tools.
ASML, a leading supplier of lithography equipment, is expected to deliver approximately seven High-NA EUV units to Samsung by the end of 2027. Each of these advanced tools is capable of processing between 175 and 200 wafers per hour. If operated at full capacity, Samsung’s monthly wafer output for the 1.4 nm node could potentially exceed 100,000 wafers. While continuous full-capacity operation is unlikely, these investments will ensure robust production capabilities as Samsung transitions to the new node.
Continued Support for Existing Nodes
During the transition to 1.4 nm, Samsung will continue to supply its foundry customers with chips manufactured using the SF2 node and its variants. This approach ensures a stable supply chain and supports ongoing demand for advanced semiconductor solutions as the industry moves toward even smaller and more efficient process technologies.
