"Hey, it's a breakthrough, but the production capacity in the risky trial production stage will not be too high. It will only produce 10,000 to 20,000 12-inch wafers per month."
Lu Fei poured a glass of red wine and walked to the balcony.
"These are quantitative accumulations, the key lies in qualitative breakthroughs!" Leader Sha said with a smile, "Originally we were still discussing the results of this visit to Europe and talking about the logical acquisition of Qimonda. I didn't expect you to bring such good news again.
You, you, always give us some surprises!" He asked about the specific situation of Fu Xin.
Lu Fei reported honestly.
From the recruitment of Meng Song, Hu Zhengming and his team to the decision to skip generations of development, there is no embellishment. It is a tearful and magnificent story.
"It's not easy, it's not easy."
Leader Sha couldn't help but sigh, "We know the logical requirements, but what about reintegration? What else is needed for reintegration?"
Lu Fei blurted out and mentioned Liang Mengsong's identity.
The non-competition agreement that Liang Mengsong was saddled with made him invisible.
What I'm afraid of now is that TSMC will make a fuss about this.
TSMC is not afraid of logic, nor is it afraid of complex cores, but TSMC can definitely file an international lawsuit against Liang Mengsong personally. Regardless of whether he loses or wins, the legal battle alone is enough for Liang Mengsong to run around.
Therefore, it is impossible to concentrate energy and time on advanced manufacturing processes.
It is undoubtedly a fatal blow to the re-core.
You have to give him a respectable status, such as an academician.
Then using the excuse of a national scientific research cooperation project and legitimately appearing in logic, TSMC can be silenced.
"Do you want to talk about the plan for selecting academicians from private enterprises that you mentioned before? We are already discussing this. There is a saying that goes, 'Innovation does not matter where one comes from, and heroes do not ask where one comes from'."
Leader Sha neither said it was passed nor said it was not passed.
Lu Fei understood everything in his heart and kept silent.
"Besides this, what about technology, market, and raw materials?" Leader Sha asked this question because China's photovoltaic industry has been hit hard.
Currently, most photovoltaic companies in China are assembly plants.
It is only responsible for the intermediate links in the production and installation of photovoltaic modules. More than 90% of the raw materials required are supplied from mines controlled by the West, and there are more photovoltaic modules, with more than 99% coming from the West.
Equivalent to the purchase price and sales price, both ends are controlled by the West. Technology, raw materials and markets are all decided by them.
Just like soybeans, the international giants have identified the two major weaknesses of "raw materials" and "technology" and once again resorted to the same tricks.
In the past two years, the price of crystalline silicon raw materials in the international market has increased from US$40 per kilogram to US$500, so I have to buy it.
And they couldn't increase the price, because the purchase price was also decided by others. If they dared to increase the price, they would refuse to accept it. They could only "collect at a high price and sell at a low price". The meager gross profit accumulated over the years was treated as fattening.
A crazy trip to the wool.
Not only that, but he was also tempted to sign a long-term contract.
As few as three to five years, and as many as 10 years of long-term supply contracts. However, starting from this year, behind the scenes manipulation, the price of polysilicon plummeted by 90%, and the market price fell back to US$50 per kilogram, but the contract
The amount signed was over 500 US dollars.
If you unilaterally tear up the contract, you will have to pay sky-high liquidated damages!
With a 10-fold decline, photovoltaic companies have only a dead end.
To make matters worse, with the subprime mortgage crisis, followed by Western hunting and then the financial turmoil, hundreds of companies have closed down in the past two years and have lost the special allocation of the 4 trillion stimulus plan.
"It's okay to re-core, we have considered this situation beforehand."
Lu Fei took a sip of wine and said, "I signed a two-year long-term contract with Ruijing Electronics, which specializes in silicon wafer manufacturing. The purchase price is basically kept at around 50 US dollars, and the premium is only 70 or 80 US dollars."
"Why is there no breach of contract on your side?"
"The first is the sky-high liquidated damages for breaking the contract, and the second is that the major shareholder of Ruijing Electronics is Elpida, which holds 65% of the equity. Elpida and Logic have a longer and larger foundry contract, which will never
I am so short-sighted that I rely on logical orders to make a small profit, especially now when the memory market is in the cold winter."
"You still need to be tough when making iron. Our photovoltaic companies don't have the strength to negotiate prices like you, or even worry about breaking the contract!"
"In fact, the most critical thing is technology. We have plenty of raw materials for silicon wafers. It's just sand and gravel. We have eight deserts such as Taklimakan. We definitely have enough sand."
"Yes, this time it was due to lack of technology."
"So in order not to get stuck, Fuxin secretly established a project for independent research and development of silicon wafer technology and equipment in 2007."
"You, there are still many surprises that we don't know about!" Leader Sha was surprised, "Has there been any results?"
"Out!"
Lu Fei did not hide anything and reported truthfully.
There are two key technologies in the chip production process:
One is photolithography technology, and the other is single crystal silicon rod pulling.
From sand and gravel raw materials to metallurgical grade silicon and electronic grade silicon, the raw materials will be continuously purified, and finally high-purity polycrystalline silicon will be formed. However, in order to turn into single crystal silicon, various melting processes are required.
Wafers are indispensable for monocrystalline silicon.
Single crystal silicon needs to be formed into single crystal silicon rods by processes such as Czochralski, and then through cutting, rolling, slicing, chamfering, polishing, laser engraving and other processes to form silicon wafers.
In order not to get stuck, Fuxin has invested a total of US$300 million over the years and established a joint venture with several Chinese companies from Hualu Corporation——
Silicon Group!
Not only have we overcome many core technical difficulties such as polycrystalline silicon cold hydrogenation, reduction furnaces, and distillation, our technology and production equipment have also been slowly domesticated, and we also have a complete product line in monocrystalline silicon.
From thermal field design to process simulation to crystal pulling and debugging, we have obtained technical authorization for 150 mm (6 inches) and 200 mm (8 inches), but the only fly in the ointment is that
Chips with processes above 90nm use silicon wafers with a size of 200mm and below. Chips below 90nm are either 65nm or 40/45nm, mainly 300mm.
“How is composite core done?”
Leader Sha is unbelievable. Logic, Fuxin, Yangtze Memory and Pengpai have laid out the entire semiconductor industry from top to bottom.
"In addition to our collective efforts, there is also the support of leaders and the cooperation given by domestic universities. Without these, Fuxin would not be what it is now."
Lu Fei said seriously that he was willing to share the core technical difficulties such as polysilicon cold hydrogenation, reduction furnace, and distillation developed for free to the entire industry.
Other members of the "Silicon Group" certainly don't have any objections.
After all, except for complex cores, they are all state-owned enterprises.
“Okay! Okay! Okay!
"
Leader Sha was rarely excited: "Have you really thought about it?"
"Of course, leader! Compared with the loss of these shared technologies, the benefits created by the upgrading of the entire industry are greater. If the domestic environment improves, the benefits gained by composite core will also be greater!"
Lu Fei said: "After all, if the nest is overturned, there will be no eggs left intact."
"It's good that you have such ideological consciousness."
Leader Sha was very pleased and deeply comforted me. I felt very relieved!
"I think as long as we survive and make 1, there will be no problems for other countries in the future. When the silicon wafer production technology and scale become advantageous, it will only be a matter of time from 1 to 100, to 10,000, to 1 million. When the time comes, we will fight them fiercely and seize all the raw material market for silicon wafers!"
Lu Fei drank the wine in one gulp.
When the time comes, the offensive and defensive specialties will be like rare earths. The raw materials such as monocrystalline silicon and polycrystalline silicon for Western chips will all have the Chinese name.
In turn, it strangles Western Semiconductor by the throat.
Kou can go! I can go too!
"Do you have any plans to enter the photovoltaic industry?"
"We are preparing to expand the upstream of the photovoltaic industry. The midstream and downstream are already strong enough in China. As long as we can survive this economic crisis, we will definitely be able to capture the global market!"
"Tell me your basis."
"Because of the subprime mortgage crisis, Western countries have generally canceled subsidies for photovoltaic companies. Without the advantage of subsidies, foreign companies cannot withstand our price war. They can fight as long as they want, until they are completely victorious!"
"The key to victory is upstream."
Lu Fei said in a serious tone: "Fuxin and the 'Silicon Group' have to crack the hardest bone. In terms of raw materials, we are considering investing in Ruijing Electronics and obtaining the production technology authorization for 12-inch wafers. In addition, photovoltaic chips and components aspect……"
"Don't worry, we won't let you suffer."
Leader Sha did not say clearly, "I hope you will continue to work hard, and we will always be your strongest backing!"
"Yes, leader."
After hanging up the phone, Lu Fei looked up at the sky.
He can draw his withered bow like the full moon, look northeast and shoot the eagle sauce!
…………
The next day, there was fighting on the battlefield all night.
Mr. Lu, who had been killing many people with Yin Fanka, was awakened by phone calls.
There are constant calls coming in from mobile phones and landlines.
Some are old acquaintances like Lin Jiaqing, Father Gong, etc., some are from related departments such as Industry and Information Technology, some have heard of their names, some have never even heard of their names, and some have already taken a back seat.
Most of the conversations on the other side of the phone were gentle, praising and encouraging, and there were also media interruptions in the process, so it was not convenient to conduct an exclusive interview.
The risky trial production of 40/45nm has attracted much greater attention than Lu Fei imagined, and even Qualcomm came here after smelling it.
Lu Fei was sitting in the study room, and the faces of Guo Xing, Sun Hongjun, Liang Mengsong, Hu Zhengming and others appeared on the computer screen at the same time. Logically, Fuxin's senior executives held a video conference at this time.
"Mr. Lu, Qualcomm called the company early in the morning."
Sun Hongjun said: "They asked us about the price of the 45nm process. They hope that in addition to the cooperation on the 90nm and 65nm processes, they can also hand over some orders for the Snapdragon S2 and S3 to Fuxin."
"As expected, Snapdragon S2 and S3 are both made using 45nm process technology. Currently, TSMC and UMC cannot handle the production capacity." Liang Mengsong has his own channels to inquire about TSMC news.
“What price does TSMC offer Qualcomm?”
Lu Fei looked at Liang Mengsong's video window.
"When it comes to the negotiated price, it is generally a commercial secret. Judging from the information that can be investigated, it is about US$2,274 per piece, which is about US$300 more expensive than 65nm."
While talking, Sun Hongjun sent relevant documents to the group.
Lu Fei clicked to browse, and when he saw that the 45nm process only accounts for 7% of TSMC's production capacity, his eyes lit up: "We must speed up the yield rate and production capacity, and strive for large-scale mass production."
"Okay, Mr. Lu!"
Liang Mengsong and others spoke very firmly.
"By the way, Professor Hu and Dr. Liang, what do you think of the 'advanced packaging' solution I mentioned to you before?"
Lu Fei talked about the second topic.
Regarding "advanced packaging", Liang Mengsong obviously has more say than Hu Zhengming, because Jiang Shangyi had already mentioned this idea as early as 2006, but at that time, the result was a huge failure.
"The specific link where the problem lies needs to be investigated and studied." He always insisted on the advanced process route, "But Mr. Lu, I think 'advanced packaging' is completely unnecessary. The packaging can simply be left to the packaging and testing factory. Semiconductor technology
To improve the development of chip manufacturing, the key is 'advanced process'."
"Why can't we have them all?"
The corners of Lu Fei's mouth raised slightly.
"ah?"
Not only Liang Mengsong, but also Hu Zhengming and others could not help but be stunned.
"We are not Neon, and our resources are limited. To build a new energy vehicle, we can only choose a route between hydrogen energy and electric energy. Fuxin has the money and strength to come together. The advanced manufacturing process must be persisted to the end, and the feasibility of advanced packaging must also be verified."
Lu Fei waved his hand, "Don't be petty."
"I understand, Mr. Lu, my team and I will study the feasibility, advantages, disadvantages and difficulties of advanced packaging as soon as possible."
Liang Mengsong was secretly glad that Mr. Lu was the most generous boss he had ever seen in his career!
……………
The mainland was naturally excited by the news about the breakthrough of Fuxin.
When the news reached Wanwan, the semiconductor industry was not only shocked, but also an earthquake. In just a few years, the other side was about to catch up with us?
TSMC, the leader in wafer foundry, immediately announced that the yield rate of its 40/45nm process production line has doubled from 30% last year to about 60%.
40/45nm, enough to achieve full mass production!
Risky trial production has only been completed after a mere re-core, so what’s there to fear?
Having said this, Baodao's colleagues quickly changed from the panic of being caught up to the self-righteous and inflated mentality——
Mr. Lu is nothing more than that.
The re-core is nothing more than that.
However, TSMC seems to be calm and relaxed, but internally it is extremely nervous. High-level meetings on complex cores have been held day after day, and the person supporting the meetings is Zhang Zhongmou.
The subprime mortgage crisis broke out, and TSMC was also in turmoil.
Even if he wanted to retire, he would have to come back and become the head of TSMC again. He looked around:
“How did Fuxin develop so fast?”
"Lu Fei is too bold! He actually supports generation skipping and jumps directly to 40/45nm. It's too much of a gamble."
Cai Lixing had to sigh with emotion.
"Courage alone is not enough. Fuxin has poached many people from us, UMC, and even SMIC. Even Hu Zhengming returned to join Fuxin to lead the technical team."
Luo Weiren frowned.
"Hu Zhengming is great, but he has been away from frontline work for too long and spends most of his time teaching. Even if he leads Fuxin, it is impossible for Fuxin to achieve large-scale mass production of 65nm and 45nm in two and a half years.
There must be someone else involved in the risky trial production and the completion of such a long-term two-level jump!"
Zhang Zhongmou vaguely sensed something was wrong.
"Jiang Shangyi is in Samsung. It can't be him. Could it be Liang Mengsong? He happens to be in the mainland. Is it possible that he is secretly helping to restore the core?" Luo Weiren touched his chin.
"It is said that Liang Mengsong is teaching at Shuimu University. His original plan was to go to Samsung. His wife is Bangzi, but Samsung poached Jiang Shangyi first, so he had to change his mind."
Cai Lixing gave his own reasonable guess.
To be as powerful as TSMC, it also requires joint research and development by UMC. Although SMIC has been tortured by them, but there is also AMD as an ally, it is difficult to say that AMD is not behind it.
"It's not impossible."
Luo Weiren couldn't refute it. With Zhang Rujing and Hu Zhengming inside, and AMD outside, it does have the confidence and strength for research and development.
"It's useless to guess."
Zhang Zhongmou looked left and right, "We must investigate clearly, including investigating Liang Mengsong! Only by knowing yourself and the enemy can you be victorious in every battle. Once we have solved SMIC, we will face Fuxin."
Everyone present responded in unison.
Cai Lixing raised his doubts: "Even we can't tolerate Fuxin to continue to grow so much. Why can the United States just sit back and watch the logical development? Isn't it afraid that it will be too big by then?"
“Then it’s not too late to buy U.S. bonds.”
As the former vice president of Intel, Luo Weiren saw clearly that before this, he would never burn bridges.
Anyway, no matter how ridiculous the logic is, it is just like the monkey in the palm of the Tathagata. You can take control of it whenever you want.
