AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – Intel has positioned the primary order with ASML for a brand new, superior chipmaking software that may value “considerably” greater than $340 million, as semiconductor producers look to get forward in a booming trade.
Alongside better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings, ASML stated on Wednesday it had obtained orders for 5 of its next- technology lithography machines, plus an order for a good newer mannequin that’s nonetheless being designed.
In a separate joint assertion, the businesses stated Intel was the client.
ASML’s most superior machines in present business manufacturing, referred to as EUV lithography techniques due to the “Extreme Ultraviolet” mild waves they use to map out the circuitry of laptop chips, are as massive as a bus and price round $150 million every.
A cutting-edge chip plant wants 9-18 of those machines, that are one of many largest capital prices for chipmakers.
ASML is the one maker of such machines and its EUV prospects embrace the world’s largest chipmakers, TSMC of Taiwan, Samsung of South Korea and Intel, amongst others.
ASML stated it has obtained orders for 5 prototypes of the subsequent iteration of the system, referred to as “High NA” EUV machines, which may have a special optical system with the next numerical aperture, will likely be even bigger, and price round $300 million every.
The first prototypes are to be shipped to prospects for testing in 2023, CFO Roger Dassen stated at a post-earnings press convention.
Intel, which is attempting to win again its place as maker of the smallest and quickest chips from present chief TSMC, had beforehand recognized itself as the primary purchaser of a prototype High NA machine, ASML’s EXE:5000.
Intel stated on Wednesday it could additionally purchase the primary EXE:5200, the primary mannequin meant for use in business manufacturing, which it might obtain by the top of 2024.
Dassen stated the price of EXE:5200 techniques could be “considerably” above $340 million.
($1 = 0.8818 euros)
(Reporting by Toby Sterling; Editing by Mark Potter and Bernadette Baum)
