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TSMC obviously relies on ASML. But a foundry is a complex beast. You don't simply place an order with ASML, set up a clean room and when the machine arrives pre

TSMC obviously relies on ASML. But a foundry is a complex beast. You don't simply place an order with ASML, set up a clean room and when the machine arrives press the on-button. There are A LOT of other processing steps that have to work properly (lithography is only one of them, albeit arguably the most complex one). What TSMC does is HARD. Just as TSMC cannot build their on EUV machine, ASML wouldn't be able to run their own fab.

deltaonefour 5y ago
Of course. Never stated otherwise. However what TSMC does is arguably more easily replicate-able by another foundry (say Samsung or Intel) than the EUV machine. That being said, my main point wasn't to say that ASML has an exclusive monopoly over EUVs and therefore all chips... far from it. I was only illustrating the complexity of the supply chain. Many different entities have monopolies and the landscape constantly shifts.
- ksec 5y ago
  As ASML CEO once said "Dont ask me about how well our EUV TwinScan is working, ask TSMC, they know more about our machine than we do."