Intel pre-orders the most advanced lithography machine from ASML!

On the afternoon of January 19, it was reported that in order to regain the status of "the world's most advanced chip manufacturer" from TSMC, Intel today ordered a state-of-the-art lithography machine from Dutch lithography machine manufacturer ASML.

The lithography machine is still in the design phase and is not expected to be delivered until several years later. Asma said on an earnings call today that the company has received orders for five next-generation lithography machines, as well as an updated model that is still under design. Subsequently, Asmail and Intel said in a separate joint statement that Intel was the buyer of the updated model lithography machine.

Asmak's most advanced commercial machine, known as the "EUV Lithography System," uses "extreme ultraviolet light" (EUV) light waves to map circuits of computer chips, the size of a bus, and costs about $150 million each. An advanced chip factory typically requires 9 to 18 such devices. Therefore, lithography machines are one of the biggest capital expenditures of chip manufacturers.

Currently, Asma is the only manufacturer of such machines, and its EUV customers include the world's largest chip manufacturers such as TSMC, Samsung and Intel.

Asma said today that it has received orders for five next-generation lithography machines, known as "High NA" EUV, which will use different lens systems, a larger numerical aperture (NA), and a cost of about $300 million each. The first prototypes will ship in 2023 and are not expected to be used in mass production until 2025.

At present, Intel is trying to regain the position of "smallest and fastest chip manufacturer" from the leader TSMC. Previously, Intel had claimed to be the first buyer of the "HIGH NA" lithography machine "EXE:5000" in Asma. EXE: The 5000 is expected to help manufacturers shrink their chip size over the next decade.

Today, Intel also says it will be a buyer for Asma's first EXE:5200, a newer model still in design. Compared to EXE:5000, EXE:5200 is expected to bring several improvements, including higher productivity. Neither company mentioned the price for the device.