Huawei bets on speed over shrinking transistors to sidestep US chip sanctions

BEIJING: Huawei’s new chip design principle focused on boosting transmission speed rather than continuing to shrink semiconductors offers a path for China to build cutting-edge chips despite U.S. sanctions, though whether it represents a true breakthrough remains to be seen.

China has been barred since 2019 from importing ASML’s most advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, curbing the ability of its chipmakers to keep up with global leaders like Taiwan’s TSMC in relying on ever-smaller manufacturing processes that make chips more powerful.