"There are still zero domestically produced large silicon wafers. We expect to have results next year, and then we will break the situation and fill the gap in domestic large-size silicon materials."
"Mr. Fang, we have made great progress in the past two years. We have basically solved the technical problem of near-perfect single crystal growth. In addition, the development of the pulling speed control algorithm of the crystal pulling furnace is also good. This can effectively control the accuracy of the pulling speed control system. Further
Effective defect control.”
The day after Fang Zhuo arrived at Qindao, he was accompanied by Zhang Rujing and listened to his introduction to the work of domestically produced large silicon wafers.
Zhang Rujing explains things in simple terms and tries not to use proper nouns.
Fang Zhuo nodded frequently, pleased with the technical progress.
Coupled with the policy introductions from local leaders from time to time and the eager photos taken at the propaganda outlet, it is like a picture of "President Bingxin Fang went to Qindao to inspect and guide semiconductor work."
Fang Zhuo understands local administrative work, as long as it does not affect his communication with Mr. Zhang.
Of course, most of this communication was done by Zhang Rujing.
"However, Mr. Fang, we are very confident in the technical field, but there are still two difficulties, one is certification and the other is investment."
When Fang Zhuo heard Mr. Zhang's change of conversation, he stopped nodding, but his spirits were lifted.
Okay, okay, there is still another difficulty, right? Let me quickly talk about this certification level.
Zhang Rujing said attentively: "With regard to certification, the results we produce in China must be certified by both the wafer factory and the customer. The certification period for test pieces is usually 3-6 months, and the certification period for full films is 13 months on average.
In March, our funds are still relatively tight."
Fang Zhuo thought for a moment and said: "This process of introducing customers is necessary. Mr. Zhang, whether it can be fast within the scope of the process largely depends on the technical process. Do you have the ability to keep up with our 45nm process now?
"
The technical parameters of large silicon wafers are demanding, and each process link often requires long-term accumulation. In particular, the core large single crystal process determines key technical indicators such as size and resistivity, while the wafer grinding and polishing processes determine the thickness and surface of the silicon wafer.
Flatness and other indicators.
For example, ice cores have extremely high requirements for the performance indicators of large silicon wafers, because it involves hundreds of links, and every step must be done to achieve perfection.
This is also one of the reasons why it is difficult to replace domestic links. No one can easily bear the cost of hundreds of previous processes being ruined if one process error occurs.
"It still takes time, and we must do it step by step." Zhang Rujing said bluntly, "Considering the competitiveness requirements of the ice core process, if the certification goes smoothly next year, there is hope that the ice core will be certified within three years."
Fang Zhuo said "Hmm": "Mr. Zhang is still cautious when he speaks."
"It's good to have a breakthrough. I've adjusted my position in my heart to a level that can be achieved. The sooner, of course, the better." Zhang Rujing said with a smile, "However, it's better to be faster. Ice core can't do it, SMIC can't.
It’s difficult. Now that Mr. Fang is here, let’s ask other factories in the country for help.”
Fang Zhuo feels that this is not a problem. Even if he doesn't ask for help, someone will take notice. Zhang Rujing's large silicon wafer project in Qindao is funded by a large fund, and factories like Huahong can play a role.
"As for this investment..." Zhang Rujing sighed, "Mr. Fang, you know."
The investment is large, the assets are heavy, the production volume is slow, the initial losses are large, the profit cycle is long, and the production line construction takes a long time.
Large silicon wafers are like the epitome of semiconductors and are very representative.
There were still leaders around today, and Fang Zhuo would not let up easily. He thought for a moment and said: "Shin-Etsu, Shenggao, they have been expanding wildly in the past two years. The supply of silicon wafers exceeds demand, and the market downturn is expected to continue, but this
It is also a counter-cyclical opportunity. As long as the Qindao factory can develop steadily and put the production line on the line in two years, I guess there will be a historical window when production capacity is released."
There is no need to go into details about the counter-cyclical strategy. The global silicon wafer market is mainly dominated by five mainstream suppliers including Japan's Shin-Etsu Chemical, Japan's Shengco Group, and Germany's Siltronic. They account for 98% of the share. Domestic 300mm semiconductor silicon wafers are 100% dependent on imports.
Looking at the development pattern of the semiconductor industry, these five companies increased their production capacity after 2008, and then they had to take a break in a few years, and then the market supply exceeded demand.
If Zhang Rujing can persist, he will be able to find both depth and breadth in the future.
According to the judgment of the Wafer Service Alliance, this situation in the silicon wafer link is also a microcosm of future industry development.
However, it is easy to say that as long as funds have their own will to flow, they will definitely be willing to engage in easier growth, which requires some painful checks.
Fang Zhuo chose Qindao as the first stop of his trip, and he was still willing to have Zhang Rujing to reassure him.
He speeded up his steps a little, took Zhang Rujing some distance behind him, and talked about the overall domestic data.
"Last year, the domestic IC market sales dropped slightly by 3%, but there was a significant recovery in the first half of this year, with the growth rate already reaching 7%, and it is estimated that it will be around 11% for the whole year."
Fang Zhuo smiled and said: "Mr. Zhang, the market is generally improving. The bad environment affected by the financial crisis last year has come to an end. The popularity of this investment is expected."
Zhang Rujing nodded: "If Mr. Fang said yes, then I believe it."
Then, he said: "This data for the first half of the year was evaluated by your service alliance?"
Zhang Rujing had not seen the official data and was a little surprised by the scope of the service alliance's current coverage.
"Oh, no, I hired an IDC, which has industry data surveys and assessments, which should be relatively accurate." Fang Zhuo said with a smile, "IDC is optimistic about the development of mainland semiconductors in the next few years. In the first half of this year, in addition to Ice
Driven by chips, IC cards and automotive electronics are the main growth areas in the segment, which I didn’t expect before reading IDC’s research.”
The relevant concept in his mind was that automotive electronics still needs to be developed, but he did not expect that it has already brought driving force in the semiconductor field.
"IDC..." Zhang Rujing was stunned for a moment and could only sigh, "It's great to have money."
He took two steps and suddenly remembered IDC's statistics on the ranking of mainland semiconductor companies, and said with a smile: "You acquired IDC, can you still trust the data in the future?"
Fang Zhuo said calmly: "Mr. Zhang, don't talk nonsense. I don't interfere in other people's work, and I won't do such things like destroying signs."
Zhang Rujing just said it casually.
Fang Zhuo mentioned another data: "IDC told me that in the next five years, the compound annual growth rate of the domestic mobile terminal chip market will remain at 40%. Mr. Zhang, if you persist for two more years, money will make money soon."
coming."
Zhang Rujing said excitedly: "Okay, Mr. Fang, we have been saying this all the way, so I will use your IDC data to encourage everyone."
"I'm telling the truth... Zhu Rong has become popular this year." Fang Zhuo couldn't laugh or cry, feeling that Mr. Zhang didn't believe this estimate.
"I am also following your truth." Zhang Rujing said seriously, "I didn't die last year. This year, everyone is still cautious, and sometimes they have to brag."