Reborn: Billionaire in College

After getting engaged and staying in Dongjiang for a while, Chen Pingjiang rushed back to Shanghai without stopping.

Tomorrow, May 5, Huaxing International's 6mm (300-inch) wafer factory and design service center in Shanghai will officially start construction.

Prior to this, Huaxin International had obtained the right to use the land in Qiaolin, Linpu Economic Development Zone, Shanghai, for a period of time. All approval procedures for the construction of the delivery room were completed in the shortest possible time through the green channel.

The total investment of the project is about RMB 487 billion, and it is divided into two phases. The first phase is expected to be completed in the first half of 2013 with an investment of RMB 214 billion.

The first phase of Huaxin International's project in Shanghai covers an area of ​​24 square meters, including the FAB3P1 production plant and supporting buildings and structures, with a total of 4887 foundation piles.

The company's main operations include manufacturing 12-inch integrated circuit wafers, integrated circuit packaging series; technical testing; and technical development, technical services, and design services related to integrated circuits. After the completion of the first phase of the factory, it is expected to achieve a monthly production capacity of 8 12-inch wafers.

The specific difference between the so-called 12-inch and 8-inch wafers is that 12-inch wafers can accommodate more circuit patterns and are suitable for the production of larger-scale integrated circuits.

In addition, 12-inch wafers are usually used for logic chips (such as CPU, GPU, etc.) and memory chips (such as DRAM, NAND, etc.) that require high performance. These products are usually used in high-performance computing and personal electronic devices. 8-inch wafers are mostly used to manufacture lower-end chips, such as the Internet of Things, automotive electronics, and some graphics cards. These applications have relatively low requirements for cost and performance.

In terms of application areas, 12-inch wafers are mainly used to produce high-end chips required for high-performance computing and personal electronic devices. 8-inch wafers are more commonly used in industrial control, automotive electronics, the Internet of Things and other fields that do not require high costs and performance.

To put it bluntly, 12 inches is better than 8 inches.

Chips like 4G and 5G are all produced in 12-inch wafer fabs.

Zhang Rujing and Liang Mengsong, as co-CEOs, also rushed over.

As soon as he saw Chen Pingjiang, he smiled and said, "It's very fast."

Chen Pingjiang nodded and said, "It won't be any faster."

During this month, Mr. Zhang went to the United States, and Mr. Liang traveled around Taiwan.

Zhang Rujing said: "I have contacted about 200 people. Most of them have no problem. They will submit their resignations in the near future and take a break after resigning. Once the factory is operational, they will come over."

Liang Mengsong also nodded: "I have also confirmed 100 people here, all of whom are former colleagues and friends, as well as my students. Mr. Zhang and I estimated that we should be able to bring in another people later."

Chen Pingjiang's face was full of joy, as having an old man in the family is better than a treasure.

These two did not expect to make so much money in just one and a half months. It is conceivable that their prestige is very high.

"Mr. Morris Chang will know soon, right?" asked Chen Pingjiang.

Zhang Laodao: "We are here, so we are not afraid of him knowing. Even if he knows, it is useless. We don't have any products at the moment. He can't sue us even if he wants to. Unless we officially start production and the production capacity expands quickly, threatening TSMC's interests, he will sue us, and it is inevitable."

Mr. Liang jokingly asked Chen Pingjiang: "Are you afraid? The factory hasn't even been built yet, but it's already being targeted."

Chen Pingjiang sneered: "Afraid? What are you afraid of? If you dare to make chips, I have thought about this day."

Just as Chen Pingjiang said, there is nothing to be afraid of at all.

Even if it is not targeted by TSMC, it will be targeted by the American government in 10 years, so what difference does it make?

And if they can develop their own patents amidst the ongoing sanctions and suppression, there will be nothing to worry about with TSMC.

As for the American government, it will be hit whether it sticks out or not. What Chen Pingjiang has to do now is to race against time.

TSMC previously sued SMIC in the United States, claiming that it infringed on its patents. As long as Chen Pingjiang does not sell chips to the United States, he will not be afraid for the time being.

But in a lawsuit in the country, it is hard to say who will win or lose.

There will be some arguments by then.

If someone asks, why do we have to infringe on TSMC's patents?
It’s very simple, the road is there, and people have set up checkpoints.

If you want to get through, you have to pay a toll, and TSMC is not an ordinary bandit. Even if you pay, it will not authorize the patent to you.

After all, he makes his living from this, so he certainly doesn't want any other competitors.

The reason why IMB is willing to cooperate with SMIC is simply because they are no longer able to do chip manufacturing, and it would be better to sell it for some money than to keep it.

If you want to get through, you can only use his patent secretly, and then argue with him after he is found out.

The only way to solve the problem is to develop new technologies ourselves and exchange patents with the other party.

The stick of sanctions will eventually fall one day, and it cannot be changed by human will.

What Chen Pingjiang can do is to accumulate enough capital before the sanctions so that he can survive healthily like Huawei.

This is the ideal state!
So Huawei is really strong. It is a miracle that it can survive after so many rounds of sanctions.

We can't be too harsh on SMIC. If you use their technology, you have to be obedient, otherwise you will not be able to get raw materials or even lithography machines.

How can the factory operate in that case? I’m afraid it will be closed soon.

If ASML goes crazy, it will directly lock the lithography machine in the background.

Chen Pingjiang is not worried. If it gets to that point, ASML will inevitably be retaliated against.

ASML is not stupid either. It always wants to bypass the Americans and sell lithography machines here, but it does not want to completely lose the mainland market.

Therefore, self-research is the way to go.

…………

This time along with Zhang Rujing and Liang Mengsong, there are also some key personnel who will hold important positions in Huaxin in the future.

The group of people accompanied by Chen Pingjiang had a good drink that night.

At eight o'clock the next morning, everyone took a bus to Linpu.

The groundbreaking ceremony is of a very high standard, and the top leaders in Shanghai will be present in person.

Chen Pingjiang and the other two sat in the first MPV and talked about their future plans.

Zhang Laodao: "I think we should first obtain 40nm and 32nm licenses from IBM through technology transfer or cooperation, and then focus our R&D on 32nm and achieve mass production of 40nm as soon as possible. This will not only help us accumulate customers, but also reduce the company's operating pressure."

Chen Pingjiang nodded and turned to ask Mr. Liang: "What do you think?"

Liang Mengsong smiled and said, "Old Zhang and I have the same idea."

"Why not try 28 nanometers?" Chen Pingjiang asked curiously.

"Uh..." The two elders looked at each other and smiled bitterly.

"We will be lucky if we can break through 32 nanometers in the shortest possible time. As for 28 nanometers, we dare not even think about it. Currently, only TSMC is leading in R&D and is expected to go into mass production this year."

Mr. Zhang also said: "It's mainly because it's too difficult."

At this point in time, 28 nanometers is the most advanced and is the advanced process of this era.

28纳米就是一个大节点。与40纳米工艺相比，28纳米栅密度更高、晶体管的速度提升了约50%，每次开关时的能耗则减小了50%。

Chen Pingjiang thought about the wording in his mind and said: "I have learned about exposure technology before. At that time, I was curious why we didn't use multiple exposures to improve the efficiency and accuracy of lithography."

Multiple exposure means using multiple masks to perform multiple photolithography operations on the same wafer, superimposing different patterns together to form a more subtle pattern. This is equivalent to stitching together a more detailed image using multiple films.

Mr. Liang smiled and said, "It seems that Pingjiang, you do know about it, but you may not know it completely. I have heard of two exposures in the industry, but I don't think there are any that can be done multiple times. It's not that it can't be done, but the yield of the chips produced is too low and the cost is too high, which ultimately makes it more costly than worthwhile. Assuming that our yield of one exposure is the same as TSMC's, both can reach 90%, the yield of the chip after four exposures is 0.9×0.9×0.9×0.9, which is 65%."

"The yield rate is too low. What price should we sell it to customers? Will customers accept our price in the end? So it is better to buy the latest DUV lithography machine and perform one exposure."

Chen Pingjiang smiled and nodded, "I was just talking casually. Suppose you use a mask to carve a rough pattern on the wafer, then cover the pattern with a layer such as silicon oxide, and then use another mask to carve a finer pattern on the hard material. Finally, remove the hard material and the excess parts, leaving only the final desired pattern. This is equivalent to using two films to enlarge and reduce an image respectively, and then overlap them together."

"Of course, we are just chatting nonsense. I don't understand it either. I hope you two elders don't laugh at me."

Who would have thought that as soon as Chen Pingjiang finished speaking, Zhang Rujing and Liang Mengsong opened their mouths wide and looked at Chen Pingjiang as if he were a monster.

"Did someone tell you this or did you think of this?"

Chen Pingjiang waved his hands in a fake manner: "I won't say any more, haha, you said I don't understand."

The next second, Mr. Liang grabbed Chen Pingjiang's arm and asked, "The solution you mentioned is very likely to be realized. Even if it is not as good as using a better DUV for production, it is definitely a solution that can achieve the goal."

Chen Pingjiang acted as if he was surprised. "Really? I really don't know. I was just saying it casually. I've read some books on this before, and I've fantasized about it."

Zhang Rujing was also amazed: "This may solve part of the yield problem. If it doesn't work, we can do a similar operation again."

"Absolutely. This is equivalent to exposing it twice, but we have to develop a set of special equipment."

Zhang Rujing and Liang Mengsong looked at each other and saw hope for Huaxin International to overtake others.

An extraordinary look flashed in the eyes of both of them at the same time.

What a genius idea.

The two of them didn't even have the heart to attend the subsequent groundbreaking ceremony, and they were eager to go to Fudan University's laboratory to verify it.

Liang Mengsong looked at Zhang Rujing and said, "Mr. Zhang, we need to build a laboratory in advance and cannot wait for the factory to be completed. We should strive to complete the research and development of related technologies before the factory goes into production, and apply for patents." Zhang Rujing nodded and said, "I agree. But this is actually a shortcut. We should not neglect normal research and development."

"Of course. But you can't deny that it's a good idea. It bypasses many patent restrictions and produces the same product. Moreover, it can also be used in later advanced processes. When we can get on the same starting line as TSMC, we can fully focus on the research and development of 14-nanometer or even 7-nanometer chips."

The two rubbed their hands together excitedly. "Pingjiang, it's a pity that you don't do chip research and development. Otherwise, the chip industry would definitely have another great guy."

Chen Pingjiang laughed foolishly: "Forget it. If I just research chips, no one will invest in me."

While saying this, Chen Pingjiang couldn't help but wipe away the cold sweat in his heart.

Damn, it’s so difficult for an outsider to give advice to insiders.

Fortunately, I have seen Huawei's quadruple exposure technology before, so I can talk about it with a limited understanding. I can't be too professional, because if I am too professional, people will definitely see the problem, but I can't say nothing, because that would be the same as saying nothing.

inside the car.

Liang Mengsong and Zhang Rujing had a heated discussion, constantly verifying the feasibility of various technologies. Chen Pingjiang didn't understand anything and was like an outsider.

After finally arriving at the destination, I quickly got out of the car to get some fresh air.

A red carpet several hundred meters long extends directly from one end of the road.

It extends all the way to a huge sand table.

This 20-square-meter sand table alone costs a lot, 3 yuan per square meter, which means 20 yuan for 60 square meters.

It may look small, but it is very difficult to make. The larger the size, the longer it takes to polish.

Of course, Chen Pingjiang didn't have to spend this money, as it was a gift from the Shanghai Municipal Government.

At 10 a.m., under the scorching sun, the groundbreaking ceremony officially began.

As the only investor, Chen Pingjiang kept shaking hands with various leaders.

The ceremony lasted until noon.

In the afternoon, they were still busy. The two elders pulled Chen Pingjiang aside to discuss the issue of equipment purchase.

Wafer factories are money-eating beasts, and the factory buildings and plant areas are not valuable. The only valuable things are the various equipment. Most of these equipment must be purchased from abroad. Considering the time for factory production and transportation, some big guys have to make preparations now.

If we wait until the factory is completed before placing an order, it will be a waste of time.

Chen Pingjiang asked: "What about the lithography machine?"

Liang Mengsong smiled and shook his head: "It's difficult. According to the ban list updated by the Wassenaar Arrangement last year, the most advanced equipment is not allowed to be sold to China. Basically, only products two generations behind can enter the country. Now the most advanced NXE:3100 model EUV cannot be bought even if you have money. You can only buy DUV. I checked it out and the XT:1900i produced four years ago is not on the ban list, which means we can buy it."

Chen Pingjiang was helpless after hearing this. No matter how many times he went around, he couldn't get around the Wassenaar Arrangement. He didn't realize it before, but only when he really entered this industry could he feel the frustration.

You can only buy other people's products from four years ago, which is basically two generations behind.

Seeing Chen Pingjiang's frustration, Zhang Rujing smiled and patted Chen Pingjiang on the shoulder: "Don't be depressed, it's enough for us at present. The XT:1900i is enough to produce 40-nanometer chips. If we use the quadruple exposure technology you mentioned this afternoon, Lao Liang and I also think there is a lot of room for development at 28 nanometers."

Chen Pingjiang took a deep breath and nodded: "It's the only way. Who of the two elders will take action?"

Liang Mengsong pointed at Zhang Rujing and said, "It has to be Mr. Zhang."

"Well, I'll go. I purchased a lot of their machines when I was at SMIC, and I have a good relationship with the president of the Beijing branch, Riemeck. It shouldn't be a big problem, and it can help us save a lot of time. Of course, we have to make a backup plan, and if it doesn't work, we can only buy Nikon."

Liang Mengsong smiled and said, "Pingjiang, that's Lao Zhang. If it were someone else, even if they could buy it, they would have to wait in line for a year or two. You don't know how many rules ASML has. If a new customer wants to buy a lithography machine, they must first register and fill out an application form. It will be reviewed by the president of the China region first, and then submitted to the Netherlands headquarters for further review. During the review period, a special person will come to the wafer factory for an on-site inspection and check the funds in our bank account. Only if there are no problems in all aspects will it be approved."

Chen Pingjiang was so angry that he almost laughed. How could there be such a cowardly buyer in the world?

To put it bluntly, they come to inspect the site to prevent you from having the opportunity to resell it to other state-owned enterprises or domestic research institutes. If you want to buy in such places, you can only buy second-hand.

"Don't be discouraged, maybe there is good news? After all, we are now a foreign-funded enterprise with a clean background in all aspects."

Chen Pingjiang asked again: "Is it possible to buy an etching machine?"

Zhang Rujing nodded and said, "It's true that we can't buy the most advanced ones from abroad, but we don't need to buy them from them. Lao Yin, the CEO of AMEC, and I have a good relationship. He told me that they are expected to develop 45-nanometer dielectric etching equipment by the end of this year. Anyway, it will take time for us to build our factory, so this is just right."

Mr. Yin’s full name is Yin Zhiyao, and he is almost 70 years old.

When he was young, he served as the Chief Technology Officer of the Plasma Etching Equipment Product Headquarters at Lam Research, so his technical strength is very strong.

In 04, he chose to return to China to start a business and founded SMIC.

He started out by leading a team of 15 people, fighting hard to invent a domestic etching machine, breaking the American technology monopoly, and gradually growing into a world-class etching giant.

To be honest, the etcher is the only semiconductor equipment that the United States has not restricted for China, because the 5 etcher produced by SMIC later was the world's top level, and the United States had no way to restrict it!
Europe and the United States are really good at this.

When you don’t have it, they try their best to restrict you and prevent you from getting it. When you have it, they immediately lift the ban, hit you with a low price, and then sanction you.

After returning to the hotel, Chen Pingjiang thought about it and called Bu Housheng over. Bu Housheng was either in Hong Kong or Shanghai, so he came quickly.

"Mr. Chen, is there something you need from me so late at night?" Bu Housheng was still wondering what urgent matter it was that required someone to contact him at eight o'clock in the evening, even after dinner.

Chen Pingjiang said, "You know about my investment in the wafer factory, right? Sell the Class II stocks you have first and raise 500 million US dollars for me. I happen to have 500 million on hand, so 1 billion together will barely cover the initial expenses."

"Okay, no problem, but I have to cash out in batches. If I dump the stock all at once, the stock price will drop sharply and I won't make much profit." Bu Housheng thought for a while and said, "It will probably take a month."

"Well, I plan to borrow some money from the bank in the near future. I will give you the cash I get when the time comes, and you can help me invest in a few companies. Remember what I say."

Bu Housheng quickly found a piece of white paper and took out the pen he carried with him.

“Northern China Innovation.”

“SMIC.”

"Huate Gas."

"Shanghai Microelectronics."

"..."

Chen Pingjiang listed seven or eight names that he remembered, and he couldn't remember more. Without exception, these were all supply chain companies involved in chip manufacturing.

This is just the limit of what Chen Pingjiang can do. Apart from providing a little financial support, there is nothing else he can do.

The most core lithography machine still relies on support from the national level, which is not something Chen Pingjiang can handle alone.

As for the so-called photolithography factory, Chen Pingjiang felt that it might be quite difficult.

When Bu Housheng heard such a long list of names, his brows furrowed more and more.

I don't know what's wrong with my boss, he's focusing all his attention on the wafer factory. This is a thankless job and there's no way you can make money quickly by just investing in the stock market.

It is obvious that only by putting this money in the stock market and investing can you make more money easily.

They insisted on making it into a physical entity, and the most difficult wafer factory at that, which simply left Bu Housheng speechless.

He felt that if he were Chen Pingjiang, he would use family funds to frantically buy stocks of companies like Apple and Google, hold them for a few years, and then make money without doing anything.

Even with so much money being invested in wafer fabs now, there is no guarantee of any good results. The most likely scenario is that even if the wafer fab is built, it will still lose money in subsequent operations, thus becoming a difficult problem that cannot be solved.

When that day really comes, it won’t be too late to cry.

It’s not scary that the money is put in, but time is also wasted.

As a professional manager with morals and ideals, Bu Housheng couldn't help but say, "Mr. Chen, forgive me for being blunt. You may not like what I say, but I have to say it."

"Some of these companies you mentioned may be good, but it's really not worth taking out a loan to invest in them. The interest rates are so high now. How many years will it take for these companies to produce research results? Five to ten years? I still think that money should be put in the most suitable place, the capital market is the most suitable."

Even though Bu Housheng expressed an opinion that was contrary to his own, Chen Pingjiang still admired his courage to speak out.

"You're right. I know what you know, too. But if I don't do something or you don't do it, who will do it? Someone has to do it. Someone has to fill the gap."

“State-owned enterprise.”

Chen Pingjiang laughed dumbly: "State-owned enterprises are quite good in other industries, but they are not good enough in the field of lithography machines and semiconductors. Let's talk about the simplest way. How much are the R&D staff in state-owned enterprises paid? How much are the R&D staff in private enterprises paid? It is a pipe dream to expect people to work without paying them and to expect them to work overtime."

“Some industries are destined to require countless people to step in and spend time and money to build them.”

Bu Housheng nodded and thought to himself, his boss has gone crazy, there is no point in trying to persuade him.

I don't know what he is so anxious about.

Chen Pingjiang ignored the micro-expression on Bu Housheng's face. It was normal for Bu Housheng to have such thoughts. If he didn't have that memory, perhaps he could work in the Internet or finance and make money without doing anything.

How cool is that? (End of this chapter)