Microprocessor manufacturing

[John Clark]

Most advanced microprocessors are designed in the USA but virtually all of them are actually manufactured in Taiwan because they are the only ones that have purchased the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines needed to make them. Only one company in the world makes EUV lithography machines, a Dutch company called ASML which is the largest technology company in Europe, their newest machine costs $300 million and the world will need hundreds of them. This dependence on foreign suppliers is a serious security problem for the US given that virtually every hi tech weapon in its arsenal, even its newest assault rifle that will replace the antiquated M16, uses such chips, and Taiwan is in a Cold War with China that could turn into a hot war at any time disrupting or destroying the supply chain.

To help remedy this precarious situation a few days ago the Senate passed the multibillion dollar "Chips And Technology Act", every Democratic senator voted for it but 33 Republican senators voted against it. Just yesterday the House Of Representatives also passed the bill, every Democratic representative voted for it but 187 Republicans voted against it. The bill is now on President Biden's desk and he will sign it into law in the next few days.

John K Clark    See what's on my new list at  Extropolis