China’s SiCarrier Challenges ASML with a Broad New Line of Chip Equipment at SEMICON 2025

China’s leading chip equipment manufacturer, SiCarrier, has rolled out an extensive array of chipmaking tools designed to elevate domestic semiconductor production significantly.

China’s SiCarrier: Dominating the Chipmaking Scene & Challenging Global Leaders

Lately, China’s progress in the semiconductor arena has been profound, fueled by the country’s strong resolve to diminish foreign influence. Companies like Huawei and SMIC have been instrumental in establishing China’s chip production capabilities, seeing considerable success. Yet, SiCarrier remains an underappreciated player in this arena. With alleged backing from Huawei, SiCarrier focuses on crafting chipmaking tools. At SEMICON 2025 in China, the company showcased its latest lineup of equipment, signaling a clear message that they won’t be easily deterred.

Massive release from SiCarrier/HuaweiThey went ALL IN pic.twitter.com/SgaPcvwjUU

— Zephyr (@zephyr_z9) March 26, 2025

The newly unveiled catalog from SiCarrier, showcased at SEMICON and highlighted by @zephyr_z9, details a broad range of chip tools, including Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) systems crucial for manufacturing IC devices. The list features many advanced tools but notably excludes any for lithography, possibly indicating SiCarrier’s intention to keep some details under wraps. These new products aim to rival major industry players like ASML, Applied Materials, and LAM Research, though the effectiveness of these tools for local markets remains to be fully assessed.

During the SEMICON event, SiCarrier’s President, Du Lijun, expressed confidence that their domestic chipmaking tools could produce 5nm chips. However, relying on non-optical technology poses a challenge, as it could lead to lower yield rates, making their output pricier than overseas alternatives. Nevertheless, SiCarrier is collaborating with SMIC and Huawei to tackle these hurdles. Considering the strategic importance of achieving chip production self-reliance for China, a breakthrough seems probable.

There might be a path where we can use non-optical technologies, that is, using our process equipment to solve some of the lithography issues.

– Du Lijun via Reuters

SiCarrier’s main goal is to shift the semiconductor production balance away from countries like the Netherlands, currently a key player in chipmaking tools. An earlier report highlighted SiCarrier’s partnership with Huawei and the Shenzhen government to develop bespoke EUV prototypes focused on laser-induced discharge plasma (LDP). This effort represents an initial step toward China crafting its own EUV lithography equipment, which is likely one of the last hurdles in developing its advanced semiconductor nodes.