Chapter 565: Going to Taipei to watch the rain in winter
Money is not a problem, Mingzhou Group can afford it, and if it is done, it may be able to obtain the status of ASML in future generations. Can those guys still impose sanctions? Whether they can sell them the machine or not depends on it.
Qin Tao's face!
"Any more questions?" Qin Tao continued to ask.
"The second problem is talent. After all, we have not studied wet engraving method." Xu Duanyi said: "If we start from scratch, I am afraid it will take a lot of time."
"So, we need to invite talents in this field." Qin Tao said: "Invite Lin Benjian to come over and be our technical consultant. I believe he will come."
Lin Benjian is an outstanding person, and his wet engraving process has successfully made ASML bigger and stronger. However, that is all a matter of the 21st century. For now, Lin Benjian is in the stage of hitting a wall everywhere.
The engraving company didn't bother him, and even ridiculed him.
At this time, Mingzhou Group extended a hand of friendship and invited him to join, using his technical line. This is Bole! If Lin Benjian has anything else to say, he will definitely join!
This guy has been engaged in research on lithography machines and has superb skills. With his participation, our own lithography machines will definitely be built earlier.
At the same time, since they have poached talents, ASML and TSMC will lose this precious talent. In the future, TSMC, the world's number one foundry, may have to come to us for help!
Thinking of this, Qin Tao was very excited.
"Now, we need to find someone who knows Lin Benjian and trick him over." Qin Tao said.
All he could think of was Zhang Rujin from SMIC. After all, this person had many friends and had recruited many talents, so he should be able to meet talented people like Lin Benjian.
However, after hearing his problem, Xu Duanyi spoke up: "A few years ago, when we invented the third-generation automatic alignment step-by-step projection lithography machine, many relevant experts came to us for inspection, including Lin Benjian
, we have also communicated, Mr. Qin, just leave this task to me!"
Qin Tao was immediately overjoyed. He didn't expect that Xu Duanyi knew him, so it was enough for him to take action himself!
"Okay, no matter what conditions he asks for, we can agree to it, as long as he comes to our Microelectronics Equipment Co., Ltd.!"
For Qin Tao, money is not an issue, talent must be found.
"At the beginning, we had talked about immersion lithography machines. He has been studying this for many years. With his joining, we hope to conquer related technologies and develop finished products within two years!" Xu Duanyi also became excited.
"As long as you can develop it, we, SMIC, can purchase it without worrying about market problems." Qin Tao said, "By then, our chip manufacturing will also be upgraded!"
Currently, SMIC is still using a 0.3 micron process, including Loongson, which is also built with this process. After the relevant equipment is developed, their production process will directly cross 0.3 micron, 0.18 micron, and reach 0.13 micron.
Micron level!
By then, the new generation of Loongson will also be developed. Using this new process, Loongson will directly beat Intel in terms of performance!
As for the adjustment of the production line, there is no need to worry. With Zhang Rujin, a great person, he can adjust it as long as there is equipment.
At this time, Lin Benjian did not know that his life would usher in a major turning point.
In a bar in Taipei, Lin Benjian held a glass of wine and looked dejectedly at the couples dancing on the dance floor.
A female singer held a microphone and was singing popular songs in recent years.
"When you come to Taipei to see the rain in winter, don't cry in a foreign land. When you go to Taipei to see the rain in winter, dreams are your only luggage."
This song is ethereal and clear, light and meaningful, with profound meaning. Listening to the artistic conception in the song, Lin Benjian felt that his mood became even lower.
Dreams are the only luggage! How similar to his situation. For him, he has always been dreaming, but was shattered by the ruthless reality time and time again.
He raised his head and drank the entire glass of wine into his stomach.
"It's boring to drink alone. Waiter, two glasses of wine!" At this moment, someone sat next to him: "I'll buy you a drink!"
Lin Benjian turned around and saw a man in a suit and leather shoes with slightly white hair. He looked to be in his fifties or sixties.
"Uncle, do you also like to come here to drink?" Lin Benjian couldn't help but asked.
What can be done about this? Who asked you to come to the bar after work? Xu Duanyi secretly cursed in his heart, he was really not used to such a feasting and feasting occasion.
"Lin, do you still remember me?" Xu Duanyi took the waiter's wine glass, handed it to Lin Benjian, and then asked.
Lin Benjian opened his eyes wide and looked at the people around him carefully. After a few seconds, he realized: "Are you the professor from Tsinghua University? Are you also a lithography machine manufacturer?"
He just didn't pay much attention to it just now, but now that he looked carefully, he recognized it.
"Yes, it's me, Lin. You seem a little depressed?" Xu Duanyi asked.
"Yes, my research direction is not recognized. Yesterday, when I came back from the United States, someone from Texas Instruments called my boss and asked him to tell me not to bother with it anymore! My direction is obviously the most correct.
Yes, they idiots don’t even acknowledge it!”
Of course no one agrees with this crooked way now. In fact, even Xu Duanyi doesn't fully agree deep down in his heart. However, he believes in Mr. Qin's judgment. Since Mr. Qin has identified this direction, it must be right!
"By the way, you seem to have given up on the lithography machine, right? Because you have no money." Lin Benjian continued: "We are now the same people in the world, drink!"
After saying that, he raised his wine glass, clinked it with Xu Duanyi's wine glass, then raised his head and took two big sips.
Xu Duanyi smiled: "No, we are not people from the end of the world. I met Bole and invested hundreds of millions to support our research on the next generation of lithography machines."
Lin Benjian was stunned. He put down his glass: "Hundreds of millions of dollars of investment? Apart from multinational groups, which company has such strength? Is it...Mingzhou Group?"
In his eyes, only Mingzhou Group has this strength. SMIC and Loongson are both invested by Mingzhou Group. The recent agreement was officially implemented. SMIC wants to obtain world-class chip production equipment.
It will become more and more difficult, so they have to build it themselves?
"That's right, Mingzhou Group invested in us and established a specialized Microelectronics Equipment Co., Ltd. The first task of this company is to develop world-leading photolithography machines."
The light in Lin Benjian's eyes disappeared again, and he raised his glass: "As a colleague, I congratulate you!"
He felt even more lost. He also wanted to build an advanced photolithography machine, but unfortunately no one invested in it!
"Lin, we need talents, will you join us?" Xu Duanyi asked.
"Me? Forget it, my research direction is not recognized. Everyone in the industry despises me and says I am a heretic." Lin Benjian shook his head: "I only want to study my wet engraving method. I am not interested in other things."
interest."
"Yes, it is wet lithography. We have decided to bet that the next generation of photolithography machine technology will adopt immersion technology." Xu Duanyi said: "Lin, we will give you a stage for development. Are you willing to be a technical consultant?"
"What?" Lin Benjian opened his eyes wide: "You are interested in my research route?"
"Yes. We also believe that dry lithography will be eliminated, and future lithography machines will all adopt the technical route of wet lithography, but no one has noticed it yet. Lin, are you willing to join us?"
The invitation has been sent out, and Xu Duanyi is waiting for Lin Benjian's answer.
"Professor Xu, I remember that when I discussed with you last time, you were not optimistic about this technology. How could you change your mind?" Lin Benjian did not agree directly, but asked curiously.
"Because of Mr. Qin." Xu Duanyi said, "This technical route was chosen by Mr. Qin."
Mr. Qin? The Mr. Qin who made a desperate move and invested a lot of money to build SMIC and Loongson Corporation!
Lin Benjian felt a burning sensation in his heart. If Mr. Qin invested, there would really be hope!
"I want to meet Mr. Qin." Lin Benjian still did not agree directly.
"Of course." Xu Duanyi said, "You have to come with me."
January 1996, Huating, SMIC conference room.
"At present, although the West has re-signed the Wassenaar Agreement, we at SMIC still have many ways to bypass this agreement." Zhang Rujin said: "If our company only operates as a foundry, I have a way to say
They have mobilized relevant personnel in the United States to give us the green light, but they will definitely restrict our company's development and even ask us to give up OEM manufacturing for Loongson."
Zhang Rujin sees this very clearly. Americans will never allow the emergence of a new chip company to threaten their survival. The emergence of Loongson has given them a deep sense of crisis. At this time, the United States
Of course people will try every means to suppress it.
Loongson only designs and produces at SMIC, the foundry. If they continue to use Western equipment, they will definitely put forward various restrictions and make Loongson still in the womb.
"Yes, now is a critical time for industrial upgrading." Mr. Ni also said: "Currently, Intel and AMD have begun to use 0.1 micron technology to manufacture processors. They plan to popularize 0.18 micron technology before the new millennium.
The process, heat generation and power consumption will all drop significantly, and the gap between us at Loongson and them will widen again."
This is an endless race. Once on the track, you must keep running forward!
Qin Tao nodded: "Yes, we must have a brand new process, and we must have independently developed and produced equipment, so as to avoid being controlled by others."
When the words came to this, Xu Zhengyang walked in: "Mr. Qin, the guests are here."
"Well, please invite them in."
guest?
Zhang Rujin and Mr. Ni were both a little curious as to who the guests Qin Tao had invited. They looked towards the door and saw two people in suits and leather shoes walking in.
Mr. Ni in front knew Xu Duanyi, who was engaged in domestic lithography machines a few years ago. What about the person behind? He was not very clear, but Zhang Rujin recognized him: "Lin, why are you here?"
"Mr. Qin, are you having an important meeting?" Lin Benjian was very surprised: "Is it appropriate for me to attend such a meeting?"
"Of course it is appropriate." Qin Tao said: "What we are discussing now is the chip process upgrade in a few years. Mr. Lin, you are the keynote speaker today."
Lin Benjian became even more excited.
"Everyone, I am very happy to introduce to you my research direction. Now, in order to overcome the technical barrier of 193 nanometer light source, I think the infiltration method is the most appropriate." Lin Benjian explained eloquently.
All the experts present were experts in related fields. Du was listening carefully to Lin Benjian's introduction. After he finished speaking, Zhang Rujin spoke: "Yes, this method can make our process reach 0.13 microns, but if we want to go further,
, that would be difficult.”
"We will talk about the future later. The 0.13 micron process can ensure that we are five to ten years ahead of the world. I believe that with the accumulation during this period, we should be able to continue to build new processes." Qin Tao said.
Zhang Rujin nodded: "Mr. Qin is right. At present, we want to overtake in corners, and this technology is the most suitable."
While other manufacturers are spending a lot of time on the 0.18 micron process, we have taken the lead in the 0.13 micron process. I dare not say that it is ten years ahead. It will be advanced for at least five years. In five years, we will build a more advanced one.
Advanced photolithography machines are also possible.
Moreover, using this more advanced 0.13 micron process, the chips they produce will be the most advanced in the world!
Loongson will also benefit from this process and truly catch up with its competitors in terms of performance!
Mr. Ni is also very happy. With the support of Mr. Qin, their Godson has finally developed and will move from the second echelon to the first echelon!
This is an important meeting. At this meeting, the chip industry in the East has achieved upgrading and progress, and has become world-class in one fell swoop!
"Mr. Qin, many of our experts and professors are in the capital, so we hope that this company will be established in the capital." Xu Duanyi made a request.
Obviously, Mingzhou Group has regarded Huating as the most important electronics industry base. Loongson and SMIC are both here. If nothing else, lithography machines may also be set up here, and Huating also produces lithography.
The most important lens on board.
However, from a personnel perspective, Xu Duanyi hopes to establish it in the capital. After all, their R&D team is from Tsinghua University.
"Of course it's no problem." Qin Tao nodded immediately. Whether in the capital or in Huating is not the most important thing. The important thing is to be able to develop products.
"Great!" Xu Duanyi was very excited. He thought of something and continued: "Mr. Qin, Dongfang Electronics Group Co., Ltd. in the capital has just completed its restructuring. If you have extra funds..."
"Is it the Capital Electronic Tube Factory?" Qin Tao asked.
"That's right, Mr. Qin, this electronic tube factory is not easy..." Obviously, Xu Duanyi's thinking is not at the same level as Qin Tao's.
"Is the person in charge of this factory named Wang Dongsheng?" Qin Tao continued to ask.
Now it was Xu Duanyi's turn to be surprised: "Mr. Qin, do you know this factory?"
"Well, when we return to the capital to select a location for our company, I can also work with you as a consultant." Qin Tao said, "I just have time to take a look at this factory. If they need funds, our Mingzhou Group can support them!"
The Capital Electronic Tube Factory was once very glorious. It was an enterprise established during the First Five-Year Plan of New China. It was once the largest and most powerful electronic component factory in China. When Dongfanghong No. 1 flew into space, it used the electronic tubes produced here.
However, the era of electronic tubes has long passed, and the Capital Electronic Tube Factory has gradually lost its vitality in the tide of the times. It has suffered losses year after year and has been relying on borrowing money to survive. On the surface, this is because
Vacuum tube technology has been replaced by semiconductor technology, and the market is shrinking day by day. In fact, the deeper reason is that the management of old state-owned enterprises has become increasingly rigid, and they have long been unable to keep up with the pace of the market.
Some retired workers even had to go to the vegetable market to pick up rotten vegetable leaves to survive because they did not receive pensions!
When he saw this situation, the young new factory director Wang Dongsheng gave up the idea of leaving. He had already accepted invitations from other companies to become a leader. He had no shortage of money for the house, car, and money, but he couldn't leave.
He couldn't bear to see the factory that carried his youth shut down and go bankrupt, and see his former master lose his source of livelihood!
At this time, Wang Dongsheng in a suit and tie stood at the door of the electronic tube factory, waiting quietly. Just some time ago, they had raised more than 6 million of their own funds and successfully transformed the Capital Electronic Tube Factory into Capital Oriental Electronics Group Co., Ltd.
Ltd.
However, this is only the first step in a difficult reform. Next, their reforms will still be very arduous!
At this time, how could Wang Dongsheng not be excited when he heard the news that Mr. Qin was coming to inspect? His face was full of expectation, and his eyes were looking at the road in the distance, where a Mercedes Benz was driving over.
When Qin Tao got out of the car, it was just past nine o'clock in the morning. The warm winter sun was shining on the earth. Looking at the handsome young man standing at the door, Qin Tao was very emotional.
"Mr. Wang, you are too polite. Why are you waiting at the door in such a cold weather? If you catch a cold, it will be my fault." Qin Tao said with a smile.
"Of course not, Mr. Qin, you are a distinguished guest, of course I will greet you at the door." Wang Dongsheng said, "Mr. Qin, you are welcome to come and inspect our factory."
Wang Dongsheng is very excited. With Mr. Qin here, his factory will also usher in a new period of development! He is full of expectations.
"What products is your factory producing now?" Qin Tao asked.
"We are currently cooperating with Panasonic to produce CRT color picture tubes. Our factory used to make electronic tubes, but now it makes picture tubes, which is the professional counterpart." Wang Dongsheng said: "At present, the prospects of our factory are still very bright."
"Yeah?"
After hearing Qin Tao's question, Wang Dongsheng glanced at him with a guilty conscience, and then smiled bitterly: "Mr. Qin, are you testing me?"
"Yes, you can think so."
At this time, the two of them were talking and walking, and they had already entered the production workshop. They could see the CRT picture tubes being produced inside. The scene was prosperous, which was completely different from the decline of the previous companies that were about to close down and go bankrupt.
"Mr. Qin, actually since I took this position, I have been thinking about what kind of path we Dongfang Electronics should take. Although the current CRT is popular, there is still a big crisis hidden in it.
"
Qin Tao stopped and glanced at Wang Dongsheng appreciatively: "What crisis?"
"Technology is constantly being upgraded. Cathode ray tube displays like ours will be ruthlessly eliminated by the market sooner or later. Now, new display technologies have begun to flourish, such as TFT-LCD liquid crystal, plasma, vacuum microelectronics, etc.
Display technology is developing rapidly, especially liquid crystal technology. The island country has achieved industrialization, the Kimchi Country, and the bay across the strait are all moving towards this industry." Wang Dongsheng said: "We are now producing CRT displays.
, is just a stop-gap measure. In the future, we will inevitably move towards the liquid crystal era."
"Liquid crystal era? Mr. Wang, aren't you optimistic about plasma display technology?"
Liquid crystal display technology relies on the rotation of liquid crystal molecules. Different angles result in different light transmissions to achieve display. From this principle, we can know that the liquid crystal itself does not emit light! Therefore, behind the liquid crystal display is a lamp tube. This
After the lamp has been used for a long time, the display becomes less bright. Later, after advanced LEDs became available, the lamp was replaced by LED. Although it was called an LED display, it should actually be an LED-LCD.
But plasma is different.
Plasma display technology uses the principle of gas discharge and relies on the three primary color phosphors of r, g, and b to emit light. Each pixel is an active light-emitting unit. It achieves 6 levels of grayscale inside the light-emitting unit and then mixes the colors. Finally, the correct display is displayed.
Color. It belongs to active light-emitting technology. It is better than LCD TV in terms of color accuracy, picture tolerance and dynamic contrast performance. To describe it specifically, it is the same as the curved screen mobile phones of later generations.
One of the better data is the response speed. The response speed of LCD monitors in this era is too slow, so when you move the mouse, there will be a smear phenomenon, and the plasma monitor has the same response time as the traditional CRT monitor, which is completely
Smear is avoided.
It can be said that no matter how you look at it, plasma display technology is far superior to liquid crystal. Therefore, Qin Tao couldn't help but be curious when he heard Wang Dongsheng talking about moving towards the liquid crystal era instead of the plasma era.
"Plasma display technology is indeed good, but Panasonic, the company that invented it, does not intend to provide this technology to other manufacturers. All we have access to is liquid crystal technology." Wang Dongsheng said.
The people of the island country are very powerful. Once they identify a certain path, they will keep walking on it and master all the techniques in it. Then, they can just sit back and make money.
Unfortunately, the islanders miscalculated the market demand.
They invented advanced plasma display technology, tried to keep all the technology in their hands, and then relied on technology monopoly to make money. As a result, the market could not spread, and they eventually killed themselves.
The same is true in automotive technology. The whole world knows that hydrogen energy is the ultimate solution for automobiles, but when choosing a route, they all invariably choose the electric route. No matter how much Toyota bombards electric vehicles and advocates hydrogen energy, there is no one to accompany it.
They play.
Why? You, Toyota, hold all the hydrogen energy patents in your hands and are trying to make money all over the world by relying on these patents. You guys are not stupid, so why should you follow your route? We can just rely on the market.
To reverse the technology route! Those Toyota patents of yours will be rotten in your hands. Other countries will take advantage of this opportunity to fully master the electric technology. When your patents expire, it will not be too late for us to pursue the hydrogen energy route.
Plasma TVs are awesome and powerful, but they were eventually ruthlessly eliminated by the market.
However, the road ahead for LCD technology is not easy either.
p: I will give you one more chapter today, and another chapter tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.