The Biden administration is currently contemplating imposing additional limitations on China in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, with a particular focus on restricting the use of Gate-All-Around (GAA) semiconductor technology. Tensions between the US and China in the technology industry have been mounting, with the US government aiming to slow down China’s progress in semiconductor development.
According to Bloomberg, the US plans to limit China’s access to GAA semiconductor technology in order to hinder their advancements and prevent them from gaining momentum in the AI sector. GAA technology is considered essential for achieving high-end semiconductor processes as it involves using a gate electrode along the entire channel of transistors to enhance performance and energy efficiency. While GAA technology has not been widely adopted outside of Samsung’s 3nm GAA process, it offers significant benefits such as improved heat dissipation and better electrostatic control.
The US government’s objective is to impede China’s progress in semiconductor technology, as the country has made significant advancements in this sector. Huawei has reportedly been working on a 5nm process and enhancing yield rates for their existing 7nm process, while China’s semiconductor foundry SMIC is already operating a 5nm process without the use of EUV lithography. These developments have raised concerns in the US about China’s rapid progress.
It remains uncertain how the US will proceed with its measures to influence China’s semiconductor growth, as past sanctions have had limited impact. The escalating tensions in the technology industry between the US and China are likely to continue as both countries vie for dominance in the semiconductor sector.
