Last week TSMC provided an update on their 5-nanometer node which has entered risk production. Today, TSMC is unveiling the addition of a new 6-nanometer process.

6-nanometer

The new 6-nanometer node is said to leverage their new extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography expertise they have gained from their 7nm+ process technology which is currently in risk production. Compared to their normal (DUV) 7-nanometer node, TSMC is reporting an 18% higher logic density improvement while maintaining full design rule compatibility. Doing so offers a simple and straightforward migration path for customers looking for better PPA with limited resources. In other words, 6nm appears to be a cost-sensitive optimized derivative of their 7nm node. By our estimates, TSMC 6-nanometer node has a density of 114.2 MTr/mmÂ².

Estimated Design Rules For 6 nm 7 nm 6 nm 5 nm CPP 54 nm 54 nm 48 nm MMP 40 nm 40 nm 30 nm Density 96.27 MTr/mmÂ² 114.2 MTr/mmÂ² 171.3 MTr/mmÂ²

The details of the node remain vague for now. We expect to hear more about their roadmap at the upcoming TSMC Technology Symposium which will be held next week in Santa Clara.

TSMC expects 6-nanometer to enter risk production in the first quarter of next year.