Decoder with Nilay Patel Inside the global battle over chip manufacturing
66 snips
Jan 31, 2023 
Chris Miller, an Associate Professor at Tufts University and author of "Chip War," dives into the intricate world of chip manufacturing, highlighting the geopolitical chess game surrounding semiconductors. He explains how ASML, a Dutch company, is pivotal for global chip production, influencing both the U.S. and China. The conversation touches on high-stakes foreign policy, the evolution of lithography technology, and the competitive landscape where TSMC and Intel vie for dominance. Miller also draws parallels between Taiwan and Ukraine, revealing the broader implications of global supply chains.
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Why ASML Doesn't Make Chips
- ASML focuses solely on lithography machines and does not manufacture chips themselves.
- Chipmaking requires a complex ecosystem of specialized toolmakers and manufacturers like TSMC.
Intel's EUV Gamble
- Intel bet against EUV lithography, focusing on other techniques like quad patterning.
- Pat Gelsinger admits this was a mistake, acknowledging the need for a parallel EUV program.
Intel's Importance to the U.S.
- Intel is crucial for the U.S. due to its potential to build a domestic chipmaking industry.
- The U.S. might bet on multiple companies, including TSMC and Samsung, to diversify chip production.
