In a recent teardown conducted by TechInsights, the mysterious origin of Huawei’s Kirin 9006C processor in the Qingyun L540 notebook has been unveiled, challenging initial speculations of advanced domestic semiconductor manufacturing in China. Contrary to expectations, the 5nm processor was not crafted by a Chinese company but was revealed to be manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC).
This revelation follows Huawei’s previous semiconductor developments, where the Mate 60 Pro smartphone boasted a 7nm system-on-chip reportedly manufactured by China’s Semiconductor Manufacturing International Co. (SMIC). However, the Kirin 9006C’s investigation has dispelled any notions of SMIC involvement, confirming TSMC as the processor’s manufacturer.
The geopolitical context adds complexity to Huawei’s semiconductor journey, as US export controls in 2020 severed Huawei’s access to TSMC around the time of the Kirin 9006C’s fabrication. Sanctions imposed on Chinese GPU vendors Biren and Moore Threads further exacerbated the challenges faced by Chinese semiconductor designers.
Despite these hurdles, Huawei’s technological triumphs, exemplified by the success of the Mate 60 smartphone in 2023, positioned the company as a standard-bearer for Chinese efforts to develop domestic alternatives to Western technologies. The Mate 60’s achievements propelled Huawei beyond the $100 billion revenue threshold, challenging Apple’s iPhone dominance in the Chinese market.
The Kirin 9006C processor represents a significant leap for Huawei into the 5nm territory, reflecting the company’s determination to stay at the forefront of technological advancements. The mystery surrounding how Huawei obtained a three-year-old processor is underscored by the company’s proactive approach to stockpiling semiconductors in response to global restrictions.
Huawei’s strategic investments in chip research and stockpiling and its network of domestic suppliers and manufacturing partners showcase the company’s resilience in navigating the complex landscape of international trade restrictions. The L540 laptop, introduced around 2016, aligns with Huawei’s expansion into mobile and computing devices and coincides with Beijing’s push to replace foreign technology in sensitive environments with domestic alternatives.
Moreover, some online retailers claim the L540 is designed to comply with recent stringent data security requirements in China for sensitive government organs, emphasizing Huawei’s commitment to meet evolving regulatory standards. As the global semiconductor landscape shifts, Huawei’s ability to adapt and innovate remains pivotal to its success in the highly competitive tech industry.
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(via)
