Huawei Kirin X90 Chip Built on New SMIC 5nm Technology

Key Takeaways

1. Huawei has launched the MateBook Pro variant, powered by HarmonyOS and featuring the new X90 chip from HiSilicon.
2. The X90 chip is rumored to be a modified version of the Kirin 9010, with details pending from upcoming reviews.
3. The Kirin X90 is manufactured using SMIC’s 5 nm N+3 process, achieving a transistor density of around 125 million per mm².
4. Production challenges exist, with SMIC producing only 3,000 wafers monthly and achieving a low yield of 20%.
5. Caution is advised regarding Huawei’s claims about the chip’s capabilities, as independent analysis is needed to confirm its performance.

Huawei has launched its much-anticipated MateBook Pro variant, often referred to as the ‘Mac Killer.’ This new device operates on HarmonyOS and features an enigmatic X90 chip from HiSilicon. A leaker has suggested that this chip is a modified version of the Kirin 9010, with some alterations in the CPU core structure. In-depth reviews of the chip are expected to clarify its details in the upcoming days. Meanwhile, a Chinese news outlet has shared some intriguing new insights about Huawei’s latest tech release.

Chip Specifications

The Kirin X90 is reportedly made using SMIC’s 5 nm N+3 process. This aligns with last year’s reports indicating that SMIC’s 5 nm technology was up and running. An X user has speculated that the chip’s density could be around 125 million transistors per mm², which is a bit lower than TSMC’s N5 at approximately 138 million transistors per mm². This is an impressive achievement, especially since SMIC managed to reach this level using DUV lithography, unlike TSMC, Intel, and others that utilize state-of-the-art ASMC EUV machines, which are currently inaccessible due to US sanctions.

Production Challenges

On the downside, the production yields are not very promising. An analyst found out that SMIC is producing about 3,000 wafers each month, but only achieving 20% yields. This situation doesn’t lend itself to large-scale production, but it might be more about setting a benchmark than creating a commercially viable product. It’s worth noting that Huawei has a history of trying to pass off TSMC chips as their own, so it might be prudent to wait until independent sources analyze the Kirin X90 in detail.

Source:
Link