Rebirth 99 to become a car giant.

Chapter 444 Is it harder to build semiconductors than missiles?Nanshan Equipment wants to develop photolithography machines!

As Nanshan Semiconductor's actions become larger and larger, more and more companies in the industry are feeling this change.

Warwick HiSilicon has previously provided some chip design solutions and other project support to Nanshan Group, and even some of the chips were purchased directly from Warwick HiSilicon.

For Nanshan Group, chips that can be purchased from Huawei HiSilicon, BYD Semiconductor, BYD Nanshan Semiconductor, and Nanshan Semiconductor will definitely be given priority.

Only when there is no other way will we consider purchasing from other chip giants such as Renesas Electronics and Infineon.

Now that Nanshan Semiconductor has made so much noise in one go, apart from BYD, Warwick and HiSilicon are paying the most attention.

Because some headhunters are not only looking for chip talents in Japan, Korea and other countries, but also want to pursue Warwick HiSilicon.

"Mr. Xu, Nanshan Semiconductor's move is a bit drastic. It's just a crazy spending spree."

"Several of my classmates have been asking me in the past two days whether there have been any big changes in China's semiconductor industry policy."

"Otherwise, how could Nanshan Semiconductor dare to make such a big move at once?"

Inside Warwick HiSilicon, Lian Zhitian took advantage of lunch to discuss major events in the semiconductor industry during this period with Xu Jun, the vice president in charge of research and development.

"I have also heard about this. Although domestic companies have always been encouraged to invest in the semiconductor industry, I have not heard of any new policies targeting the semiconductor industry."

"Nanshan Semiconductor's actions this time should be an extension of some strategic decisions within Nanshan Group."

"I heard that Nanshan Semiconductor wanted to buy the two lithography machines that TSMC canceled at a low price from ASML."

"At the same time, various headhunting companies are desperately trying to contact semiconductor technology talents in Japan, Korea and other places, and are preparing to recruit people with high salaries."

"Even individual employees of our company have received contact from headhunters asking if they are interested in working at Nanshan Semiconductor."

"This kind of gameplay must be made by Mr. Cao. Otherwise, Nanshan Semiconductor would not dare to be so crazy."

Xu Jun is very familiar with the situation of the semiconductor industry at home and abroad.

This is not an area that ordinary private enterprises can play.

That is to say, Nanshan Group is very large and has mastered core technologies, so its profit margin should not be low.

That’s why we have the courage to let Nanshan Semiconductor flex its muscles.

"I heard that Nanshan Semiconductor will expand the number of R&D personnel to 2000 within this year, but they currently have less than 1000."

"At this pace, they will poach more than 1000 people directly from various companies."

"Many of these people are poached from abroad, and the cost is not low."

"It is estimated that Nanshan Semiconductor's expenditure on personnel salaries alone will exceed 20 billion yuan next year, or even much higher."

"If Nanshan Semiconductor is still preparing to build some of its own factories, then next year's expenditures will be even more exaggerated."

"This kind of expenditure will not be effective in one or two years. It will take at least three to five years before any results are achieved."

"Nanshan Semiconductor has really spent a lot of money."

The more people in the industry, the more aware they are of the meaning behind Nanshan Semiconductor’s action.

Ordinary people outside don't feel that strongly.

After all, ordinary people will not buy chips directly.

Most people have never seen what a complete chip looks like in their entire lives.

"Not only is there activity on the Nanshan Semiconductor side, but Nanshan Equipment is also not idle."

"They even proactively contacted us and wanted to sell us some semiconductor-related equipment."

"It seems that Nanshan Group also wants to develop products and equipment together in the semiconductor field."

Lian Zhitian knew that Nanshan Group was engaged in both equipment and products in the field of auto parts.

But in the semiconductor field, there are still relatively few manufacturers doing this.

“The technical capabilities of Nanshan Equipment are unique in the country.”

"Even in the world, it is very advanced."

"Semiconductor-related processing equipment, there are very few domestic manufacturers involved in this field."

"Even for production, it's still relatively marginal equipment."

"If Nanshan Equipment can really make some big breakthroughs in core equipment, it will be a great thing for us."

"In the future, there will definitely be more chip foundry companies in the country, and we will have a lot more choices."

As a veteran in the semiconductor industry, Lian Zhitian actually welcomes Nanshan Semiconductor's intervention.

Judging from the current situation, Nanshan Semiconductor’s focus is on automotive-grade chips.

I don’t seem to be that concerned about the chips used in other consumer electronics.

"Indeed, if Nanshan Equipment can produce a lithography machine, it will be of great significance to the domestic semiconductor industry."

"But this road is difficult to walk. I don't know how long Nanshan Group can persist."

There are actually many companies that are optimistic about the semiconductor industry.

However, the number of companies that have survived for more than 10 years is very small.

The threshold for this industry is still relatively high.

As a latecomer, it is extremely difficult to surpass peers.

Only by constantly burning money and improving technology can success be possible.

No matter which link is missing, it will eventually fail.

This is very different from some other industries.

"Shall we go to Nanshan Semiconductor and have some exchanges then?"

"Let's see if there are any projects we can collaborate on."

"If there are some chips that we cannot produce yet, but Nanshan Semiconductor is involved later, it is not impossible to cooperate."

Lian Zhitian's view is completely in line with Xu Jun's ideas.

Soon, they also started to take action.

"Mr. Cao, Warwick HiSilicon has taken the initiative to make an appointment with you to come over to discuss cooperation in chip design and related equipment."

Mi Ying's report to Cao Yang immediately highlighted the difference in Warwick HiSilicon.

So far, there are actually not a few domestic semiconductor companies.

Some institutions are relatively large in scale.

But except for BYD's Wang Fu who called Cao Yang directly, other semiconductor companies are still waiting and watching.

Most manufacturers are still a little confused about what the disruptor Nanshan Semiconductor wants to do.

Many people are even worried that their employees will be poached by Nanshan Semiconductor.

After all, there is word from headhunters that as long as qualified talents come to Nanshan Semiconductor, their wages will directly increase by 50%.

Even if it is a core talent, doubling the salary is not a problem.

Everything is negotiable.

In this case, the efficiency of headhunting is naturally very high.

If Nanshan Semiconductor was a separate company, many people might have more concerns when changing jobs.

But relying on the big tree of Nanshan Group makes everyone believe that Nanshan Semiconductor will not go bankrupt in a short time.

So no matter what the future holds, many people are still interested in coming here to earn a high salary for a few years.

Not to mention that Nanshan Semiconductor’s research and development work is not aimless, but very targeted in developing automotive-grade chips.

As soon as the product comes out, it can be installed on Nanshan Auto Parts or Xingchen Automobile immediately.

Even the TCU on the Nanshan gearbox and the chips on the ECU of the Nanshan engine may be produced by Nanshan Semiconductor in the future.

In this way, the future of Nanshan Semiconductor is worth looking forward to.

"They want to cooperate with us, and that's a good thing."

"If there is a conflict with my schedule, I can make appropriate adjustments and try to fit in with their time."

"In China, they have been engaged in chip design for a relatively long time and have produced many mature products. There is still a lot worth learning from."

Cao Yang expressed his interest in Huawei HiSilicon without any hesitation.

These are some of the most promising semiconductor companies in the country.

Whether it is a simple communication or for future cooperation, it is worth having a good chat.

"Then I'll make arrangements immediately and check the time with them."

Although Mi Ying is now the director of the general manager's office of Nanshan Group, she still has a group of people she can use.

However, her main focus is still on Cao Yang, which is the foundation for her to gain a foothold in Nanshan Group.

Being the boss's secretary is actually not that simple.

Cao Yang needs to sort out Cao Yang's daily schedule early every morning. If any project was not completed in time yesterday, Cao Yang must be reminded specifically.

For documents submitted by each business department for countersigning and circulation, the secretary needs to analyze, confirm and process them first.

Otherwise, Cao Yang's daily work would be absolutely chaotic.

But before the people from Warwick Haisi came to communicate, Liu Tianwu, an "uninvited guest", came to the door in advance.

"Mr. Cao, is Nanshan Semiconductor really preparing to enter the semiconductor industry?"

Obviously, Liu Tianwu also heard various rumors.

However, he definitely wanted to confirm with Cao Yang personally about such a major matter.

Until now, there has not been a semiconductor company that is good in Yangcheng. Liu Tianwu naturally hopes that this situation can be changed.

The automobile industry is the pillar industry of Yangcheng.

If the semiconductor industry can be added to the list of pillar industries, Liu Tianwu feels that his further career will be basically stable.

In this case, he is more concerned about Nanshan Semiconductor than anyone else.

"Leader, the so-called groundless rumors, I believe you have also heard a lot of related news. Our Nanshan Semiconductor is ready to get serious this time and plans to produce the main chips for cars by itself."

<divclass="contentadv">Cao Yang naturally had nothing to hide from Liu Tianwu.

Moreover, he also thought that Yangcheng could provide some support on the development path of the semiconductor industry.

Otherwise, if Nanshan Semiconductor had to deal with it alone, it would encounter a lot of problems.

"The semiconductor industry is an important economic pillar around the world. It drives growth in manufacturing, R&D and employment, and plays a key role in global supply chains."

“The country has been continuously increasing its emphasis on this aspect in recent years.”

"Don't worry, as long as Nanshan Semiconductor really wants to develop its own chips, the city will definitely support it."

"For an advanced enterprise like this, its R&D investment can be considered as tax deductible. When the time comes, I will personally promote this policy."

After receiving Cao Yang's affirmative reply, Liu Tianwu naturally wanted to make a statement.

"Continuous innovation in semiconductor technology has promoted the development of computer and communication technology and will change people's lifestyles."

"For example, today's mobile phones, including smart phones, have begun to appear. The contribution of semiconductor parts is very huge. It can be said that semiconductors provide the foundation for various high-tech applications."

"At the same time, semiconductor devices play an important role in power conversion and management, which can improve energy utilization efficiency and reduce energy waste. This is crucial for sustainable development and environmental protection."

"Then there is the advancement of semiconductor technology, which can lead to countless innovations and inventions."

"It provides new solutions in a variety of fields that can improve people's quality of life."

"I think the city can consider the semiconductor industry as a key industry for development in the next ten years, and put its importance on the same level as the automobile industry, or even higher."

Although Liu Tianwu has expressed his support, Cao Yang feels that he still needs to add some strong medicine.

When developing auto parts and complete vehicles, Nanshan Group does not need much support from Yangcheng City.

But when developing the semiconductor industry, all aspects involved are even wider.

Many technologies are relatively lacking in China.

At this time, Yangcheng City and even Lingnan Province need to step forward to mobilize the power of the entire region to promote development together.

For example, various universities in Lingnan Province need to focus on areas related to the semiconductor industry in terms of scientific research investment and student training.

Another example is whether some semiconductor-related start-ups can obtain relevant support policies, which is also very important for improving the industrial chain of Nanshan Semiconductor.

"I have heard a saying before that it is more difficult to develop semiconductors than to build missiles."

"Mr. Cao, is Nanshan Semiconductor confident in doing a good job in semiconductors?"

Liu Tianwu looked at Cao Yang seriously, trying to get the answer from his expression.

To promote the development of the semiconductor industry and form a series of preferential conditions, Liu Tianwu also has to do a lot of work.

If this work has no effect in the end, it will be a big blow to his prestige.

Of course, if after all this trouble, Yangcheng's semiconductor industry is really well established, it will definitely be a huge credit.

In China, if any region can do a good job in the semiconductor industry, it will receive huge attention and support.

The good news at that time will be that Liu Tianwu can support himself.

"Leader, your statement is actually not an exaggeration at all, because semiconductors involve multiple complex factors and technical challenges."

Cao Yang did not directly answer Liu Tianwu's question, but first talked about the difficulty of semiconductors.

If you want to advance, restrain yourself first. Explain the difficulty of semiconductors clearly, and then talk about Nanshan Semiconductor's plan. Now it is more convincing than simply beating your chest.

"First of all, the physical properties of semiconductor materials are very complex and involve advanced physics concepts such as quantum mechanics, electronic structure and energy band theory."

"This makes it very difficult to understand and master the behavior and properties of semiconductor materials."

"Secondly, the manufacturing process of semiconductors is highly complex."

"The fabrication of semiconductor devices requires precise process control and highly pure materials."

“Small manufacturing errors or impurities can negatively impact device performance.”

"Advanced process technologies such as photolithography, deposition, etching and ion implantation are required during the manufacturing process, and these technologies themselves are complex and costly."

“Then there are the challenges of size and integration.”

"Semiconductor technology continues to move toward smaller and more integrated devices, which requires precise control of materials and structures at the micrometer or even nanometer scale."

"As device dimensions shrink, a series of new physical effects and manufacturing challenges arise, such as quantum tunneling effects, thermal effects, and limitations of electron migration."

"In addition, automotive-grade chips sometimes need to operate normally in high-temperature and high-frequency environments."

“This places higher requirements on the stability, heat conduction and electromagnetic wave characteristics of semiconductor materials and devices, increasing the difficulties in research and development and design.”

"The last one seems to be the least important, but it is the most critical, and that is the balance between costs and benefits."

"The semiconductor industry is a highly competitive and cost-sensitive industry."

"Although developing and manufacturing semiconductor technology requires huge investments, there is increasing market demand for products with high performance, low power consumption and low cost."

"As a result, developers must find a balance between continuously improving performance and reducing costs, which is a challenging task."

"For example, the plummeting price of memory in the past two years is a very classic case, which has served as a great reference for many semiconductor companies."

"Facing these difficulties, Nanshan Semiconductor is preparing to invest 100 billion yuan every year in the research and development of semiconductor technology and equipment and the construction of some factories in the next few years."

"Nanshan Semiconductor's money is currently raised by Nanshan Group itself, and all we have burned is our hard-earned money. We must do a good job, and we must do a good job."

Cao Yang answered Liu Tianwu's question in a decisive voice.

Of course, he really has the confidence to do well in the semiconductor industry.

Most of them will do it themselves.

"Mr. Cao, the semiconductor industry is a high-tech industry, which is more consistent with the industrial positioning in Luogang."

"After I go back today, I will convene the relevant bureaus to discuss how to cooperate with the development of Nanshan Semiconductor."

"At that time, we will first free up 1000 acres of land for Nanshan Semiconductor in Luogang, which will be used specifically to build related factories for Nanshan Semiconductor."

Although Liu Tianwu is not yet sure what factory Nanshan Semiconductor will build by itself, he has heard some rumors that Nanshan Semiconductor is in contact with ASML to discuss the purchase of lithography machines.

At that time, we can definitely give Nanshan Semiconductor a push and let Nanshan Semiconductor build a wafer fab on its own.

Anyway, it will take several months from land expropriation to completion of relevant procedures.

Then the planning and construction of the factory will take at least a year.

According to the Nanshan Group's style of doing things, something must be produced in more than a year.

Of course, Liu Tianwu's approach also forced Cao Yang to put Nanshan Semiconductor in Yangcheng.

The previous Nanshan Carbon Fiber has been snatched away by Chang'an City.

Nanshan Special Steel is developing and growing in Shaozhou. Now when Nanshan Semiconductor is recruiting personnel, it is said that some employees can choose to work in Shanghai, which makes Liu Tianwu even more nervous.

Yangcheng cannot afford to lose such an important industry.

"Then I'd like to thank the leader."

"Nanshan Semiconductor plans to recruit a group of R&D personnel from Japan's Renesas Electronics and NEC Electronics, as well as Korea's Samsung Electronics, Hynix and other companies this year to form a R&D force of at least 2000 people before the end of the year, and then determine the number in the first half of next year. The next step is the factory construction plan.”

"At the same time, Nanshan Equipment will also build a special factory for semiconductor industry equipment, and in the future it will produce front-end manufacturing equipment and back-end packaging and testing equipment."

Liu Tianwu was so powerful, so naturally Cao Yang had to dig out some good stuff to give him hope.

"Front-end manufacturing equipment and back-end packaging and testing equipment?"

Although Liu Tianwu had a good understanding of the semiconductor industry in the past two days, it was obviously not possible to talk about how professional he was.

However, he was already very familiar with Cao Yang.

Ask if you don't understand, nothing to be ashamed of.

"Front-end manufacturing equipment mainly includes photolithography equipment, etching equipment, thin film deposition equipment, ion implantation equipment, cleaning equipment, mechanical polishing equipment and diffusion equipment."

"The back-end packaging equipment is mainly divided into wafer thinning machines, dicing machines, patch machines, wire bonding machines, plastic sealing machines and rib cutting and forming machines according to the process flow."

"Testing equipment mainly includes sorting machines, testing machines, and probe stations."

"From the perspective of market size, the market size of front-end wafer manufacturing equipment accounts for more than 80% of the entire equipment market size."

"From the perspective of the global semiconductor equipment competition landscape, there are many types of semiconductor equipment, high-end equipment has high value, and revenue ranks among the top of global semiconductor equipment manufacturers."

“At present, the most valuable links in the semiconductor production line are photolithography machines, etching machines, and thin film deposition. Their three leading equipment manufacturers are: ASML, Ram Research, and Applied Materials. They have formed a fixed pattern. "

"Our Nanshan Equipment mission is to break their monopoly and enable our semiconductor industry to use domestic equipment."

Cao Yang has always attached great importance to the equipment industry.

This is true whether it is the automotive industry or the semiconductor industry.

"I'm ashamed to say that I have only heard of photolithography machines among these equipments, and they seem to be very difficult?"

Liu Tianwu did not pretend to understand, but told his situation very frankly.

"The leader's impression is actually very accurate. The photolithography machine is the core equipment of the photolithography process and is also the equipment with the highest technical content among all semiconductor manufacturing equipment."

“A set of photolithography machines contains tens of thousands of parts, integrating many top-notch fields such as mathematics, optics, fluid mechanics, polymer physics and chemistry, surface physics and chemistry, precision instruments, machinery, automation, software, and image recognition. technology."

"The global lithography machine market is mainly controlled by ASML, Japan's Nikon and Canon in Europe. Among them, ASML is the absolute leader in the world and almost monopolizes the high-end lithography machine market."

"That is, some semiconductor companies are now affected by the financial crisis and have canceled orders."

"Otherwise, if we go to ASML to buy the most high-end photolithography machine now, they may not even sell it to you!"

Cao Yang's words made Liu Tianwu pay more attention to Nanshan's equipment by several levels.

To do a good job in the semiconductor industry, it seems that the related equipment industry cannot be left behind.

Otherwise, you will become the target of others' slaughter.

"Mr. Cao, some universities and research institutes in China are also doing research on semiconductor equipment. At that time, we can ask Lingnan Province to coordinate and form a semiconductor equipment industry association, led by Nanshan Equipment, and everyone will work together to coordinate the relevant work. The equipment is all produced.”

"If you have any difficulties, you can raise them directly, and the city will give its full assistance!"

Liu Tianwu is very keenly aware of the importance of semiconductor equipment such as photolithography machines.

If this work is done well, there may be unexpected surprises in the future.