Moving from one process node (such as 14 nm) to the next, more advanced process node (such as 5 nm) typically takes several years. The following is a rough time frame, but please note that this is only a rough reference and the actual time is subject to change:
1. R&d and design phase (usually 2-3 years) : The process of designing and developing a chip on a new process node can take quite a long time. This includes researching new process technologies, conducting device simulation and validation, and optimizing circuit design.
2. Manufacturing preparation stage (usually 1-2 years) : Once the design is complete, the chip manufacturer needs to prepare to transition to the new process node. This includes adapting equipment, manufacturing processes and materials to more advanced process requirements.
3. Mass production and release phase (usually takes more than 1 year) : Once the manufacturing is ready, the chip manufacturer will start mass production of the chip on the new process node. This includes conducting initial production, quality control and testing before releasing the chip to the market for supply.
It should be noted that this time frame is only a rough estimate and actual conditions may vary depending on the manufacturer, process technology progress, market demand and other factors. The transition of each process node requires a large amount of investment and technological breakthroughs, so the time span is long. At the same time, manufacturers continue to improve and optimize at one process node to improve performance and efficiency, rather than immediately jumping to the next process node.
Finally, it is important to note that the transition from 14 nm to 5 nm is the current (2021) technological progress, and the specific time span will change as the technology develops and innovates.
Upgrading from a 14nm process to a 5nm process requires several steps, including research and development, testing, verification, mass production and other links. Each manufacturer's timeline will be slightly different, depending on a number of factors, such as the size and capabilities of the research and development team, financial investment, technical difficulty, and so on. In general, a cross-generation upgrade from 14 nm to 5 nm can take several years, depending on the manufacturer's capabilities and market demand. At present, some manufacturers have launched 5nm chips, while other manufacturers are also stepping up research and development and production.
At least five years,
As we all know, in the production process of the chip, there are three main links, respectively, design, manufacturing, sealing and testing.
For example, TSMC has reached 5nm, while SMIC is still at 14nm, with a gap of 3 generations, at least 5 years.
It took TSMC five years to transition from 14nm (TSMC is on the 16nm route) to 5nm mass production, and there are still obvious problems with the output and yield of mass production, while Intel and Samsung do not have 5nm mass production capacity at present.