81–90 of 267 posts
Can someone explain why Intel needs TSMC to make their chips? Why can't they just buy ASML's machines and use them to make their own chips?
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Kinda off-topic but what's it like working at ASML? They are hiring for a lot of software roles at the moment. I've been mulling about applying there but from the outside it looks very bureaucratic (at least that's what the Glassdoor reviews seem to indicate).
It really is. The machines are highly sophisticated and downtime is very costly. Code bases are heavily documented and have a bureaucratic process to protect them. ASML does have less crucial software projects that have a more normal process.
Seems like quite a risk to only have one company provide these machines. Semiconductor companies seem to follow the same trend, the major contributing factor seems to be the patent portfolio needed to secure cross-licensing deals. It looks like patents are actively preventing new companies in the semiconductor business.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moore%27s_second_law : “the cost of a semiconductor chip fabrication plant doubles every four years” I can’t find it, but I’ve seen people extrapolate that to compute when there would be room for only one fab in the world. Seems we’re there for one part of a fab.
(The wave length used was about an order of magnitude greater than the lirhography result; I have no recollection of how they claimed to handle that.)
They are pushing the boundaries of what's possible, using incredibly long lead times. I don't see how any start-up can compete with that, even in the absence of patents.
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> US is already blocking them from exporting to China Which works until China invades Taiwan. Then what?
The US (supposedly?) blocked ASML from exporting its machines to China. ASML is a Dutch company.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Kinda off-topic but what's it like working at ASML? They are hiring for a lot of software roles at the moment. I've been mulling about applying there but from the outside it looks very bureaucratic (at least that's what the Glassdoor reviews seem to indicate).
As someone who currently works there it is indeed bureaucratic. But I also feel like it is an environment that focuses less on cost/money and optimizes for the highest quality. I.e., there is room to explore the best way of doing something and there is less pressure to do it ASAP or for the lowest price.
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It really is. The machines are highly sophisticated and downtime is very costly. Code bases are heavily documented and have a bureaucratic process to protect them. ASML does have less crucial software projects that have a more normal process.
Some of the jobs look pretty cool, can you share what is the salary range to be expected? The website is silent about that, which in Europe almost always means underwhelming numbers.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
It really is. The machines are highly sophisticated and downtime is very costly. Code bases are heavily documented and have a bureaucratic process to protect them. ASML does have less crucial software projects that have a more normal process.
Some of the jobs look pretty cool, can you share what is the salary range to be expected? The website is silent about that, which in Europe almost always means underwhelming numbers.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
The US (supposedly?) blocked ASML from exporting its machines to China. ASML is a Dutch company.
ASML may rely on ITAR / dual use parts they enables export control by the US. Or, the US is simply applying a diplomatic squeeze on the Netherlands.
I feel like ASML is the company that almost everyone who would care has heard of at this point. Granted, I hadn't heard of them 3 years ago, even though I work directly with HW designers. Its just funny how they're going through the hype cycle in their level of public awareness. Give it 3 years and (hopefully) the "general public" won't have to care about them again, because chip shortages are resolved :)
Thinking about it more, I don't think I'd even heard of TSMC until 2014 or 2015. Not entirely sure.
Then they came out and said "you know what, we can do fine without you", to western shocked Pikachu faces.