Lao Zhang, chairman of TSMC, looked around and said word by word: "We have nearly 100,000 TSMC."
"One hundred thousand young people have 100,000 livers, one person has one liver to save TSMC!"
"We must show all our fighting will and comprehensively attack the 10-nanometer process. We must never fall behind three stars!"
Hearing this, everyone was shocked.
It turns out that this is the Nighthawk plan, working 24 hours a day and night, doing research and development!
In the past, all three shifts were working in production, but now three shifts were working in research and development!
Especially the saying "100,000 young people have 100,000 livers, one person has 100,000 livers, and one liver saves TSMC!", which moved many senior executives.
The total number of TSMC employees is now nearly 100,000!
The chairman made such a statement and would have to continue research and development for 24 hours a day and night, which is really a matter of life and death.
Seeing that the expressions on everyone's faces were not taken seriously enough, Lao Zhang continued:
"I tell you that Samsung's 10 nanometers will likely be mass-produced in the first half of 2017, or even in the fourth quarter of 2016."
"And our TSMC 16 nanometers has been behind for half a year. If 10 nanometers are behind again, it will be over!"
"So you have to have liver!"
"We must rush to Samsung and develop a 10-nanometer process in advance!"
"Do you have confidence?"
"have!"
Everyone responded.
"Very good, five directors of the R&D department, one leads the 20-nanometer process team to continue to be responsible for the optimized mass production of 20-nanometers. One leads the 16-nanometer team to continue the research and development of the 16-nanometer process. The other three leads three teams, working day and night, and they work hard on the 10-nanometer process!"
"Yes!" everyone responded.
"No matter which team is dragged down, the senior management will be dismissed directly, and other R&D personnel will be deducted all year-end bonuses!"
"After meeting!"
As he said that, Lao Zhang turned around and left, leaving behind a group of senior officials trembling.
Everyone knows that Lao Zhang is not a joke.
The 16-nanometer backward made Lao Zhang, who was over 80, look down on his face and went to the imperial capital to apologize to Wang Yi. He was left alone for three days, but he still didn't see Wang Yi in the end.
Although the result is not bad, Lao Zhang's old face has been thrown away, and the industry is watching jokes.
The dignified chairman of TSMC is so embarrassing. If others don’t fight, then Lao Zhang will really turn against him.
After senior management is dismissed, the core R&D personnel are all TSMC talents. If they cannot be laid off, they will also be deducted for the year-end bonus!
This is by no means just a statement.
Everyone knows the meaning behind this.
So after Lao Zhang left, several vice presidents and directors immediately presided over the meeting and divided the subsequent matters clearly.
Three teams, three R&D directors, and three shift schedules are all arranged in place.
The next day, the entire TSMC began a major adjustment.
Except for the 16-nanometer process R&D team, all the others were adjusted and entered three 10-nanometer process breakthrough teams.
As for the 20-nanometer R&D, it has been completed, and only some of the people are left to be responsible for the equipment debugging and the continuous improvement of yield rates. Other backbones have also invested in the 10-nanometer breakthrough!
The entire TSMC has entered a special period.
[100,000 young people have 100,000 livers, one person has one liver to save TSMC!]
Such slogans are even more openly hung in TSMC's R&D department, headquarters building, conference room, etc.
It can be said that from the top management of TSMC to ordinary employees, you can see it everywhere.
Soon, this incident spread all over the world, and Samsung Semiconductor Headquarters immediately held a high-level meeting:
"One hundred thousand young people have 100,000 livers, one person has one liver to save TSMC!"
"Haha, TSMC is really anxious. It actually works 24 hours a day and develops a 10-nanometer process day and night!"
"It's really OK. This is to fully recover the disadvantage and completely catch up with our Samsung!"
Other senior executives nodded:
"Yes, judging by this attitude, Lao Zhang is really anxious. I heard that he went to Xingyi Technology to apologize and was left in the cold wind for three days!"
"Is that so? No wonder Lao Zhang has started to make TSMC feel sick all the time."
"Oh, it's a big trouble. The advantage accumulated by our Samsung has finally crossed the 20-nanometer process is likely to be easily recovered by TSMC."
"This is a big problem. We know TSMC's R&D capabilities. Although we don't want to admit it, we have to admit it, it is much taller than our Samsung."
"More importantly, Mr. Liang was restricted from losing the first instance. Before the end of next year, he may not be able to lead us in 10-nanometer technology research and development."
"Oh, this is the biggest problem. Without Lao Liang, our 10-nanometer process is much more difficult."
"It's okay, without Lao Liang, there are others, and Lao Liang's matter can be eased. At most, you can pay a compensation to TSMC to leave Lao Liang as a settlement."
"This is a good idea. As long as Lao Liang stays, our 10 nanometers will not be a problem. At worst, it can be handed over to other senior management in name only."
"But that's not enough. TSMC has started the Nighthawk program, and has been working on R&D for three shifts every 24 hours a day and night, so we can't fall behind."
"Yes, we Samsung also have to start the same operation. The R&D personnel also have to work 24 hours and carry out 10-nanometer process at full speed!"
"support!"
"Address!"
"It must be!"
"If this is not the case, we will be overtaken by TSMC."
"Okay, then we Samsung also work 24 hours a day and night, and we keep 10-nanometer process."
"TSMC is called the Nighthawk Project, and Samsung is called the Lieyang Project!"
"good!"
The next day, Samsung also quickly began to act, with R&D personnel working in three shifts and constantly developing 10-nanometer processes 24 hours a day.
In the first quarter of 2014, when mass production of 20nm has not yet begun, the 14/16nm competition has already been decided, and the next generation of 10nm R&D competition is in full swing.
As for TSMC's 12nm, it is actually not really 12nm.
On the contrary, it is just an upgraded version of TSMC's 16-nanometer process. It was originally named "16-nanometer+", but it became a 12-nanometer process just to make it nicer.
In essence, it is still a 16-nanometer process, which can be said to be the second generation of 16-nanometer process.
In fact, compared with the initial TSMC's 16-nanometer upgrade, it is only about 10%-15%.
Similarly, Samsung's 11nm process is not a real 11nm process.
On the contrary, it is just an optimized version of Samsung's 14-nanometer process, with an internal code called "14-nanometer++". It is also called "11-nanometer process for the sake of good sound."
But in essence it is still a 14-nanometer process. It can be said that the second generation of 14-nanometer process.
There is no way, Samsung's first-generation 14-nanometer process was launched first in a hurry, which was a bit of a failure. It was not as good as TSMC's 16-nanometer process, and had to be fully optimized to create the second-generation 14-nanometer++.
There is no secret in the circle, and Wang Yi also received the news:
"The TSMC Nighthawk project has indeed begun the rhythm of its previous life."
Wang Yi was not surprised that TSMC, in his previous life, began the Nighthawk project after being led by Samsung, and worked three shifts day and night to develop a 10-nanometer process.
Even the slogan is the same, and there are 100,000 young people with 100,000 livers...
There was no surprise, Samsung responded in a similar manner and began a research and development plan that was constantly being done day and night.
However, it seems that the previous life did not call it "Lieyang Plan", at least the news did not report it.
However, the two leading players, Samsung and TSMC, have taken action. How can Xingyi Semiconductor, a follower, remain indifferent?
That certainly won't work.
Thinking of this, Wang Yi directly called Mr. Hu:
"Old Hu, you know all the actions of Samsung and TSMC recently?"
Mr. Hu sighed: "I know, but I didn't expect these two companies to start a R&D competition. It's so heartless that it's not a good thing for us."
"Yes, the impact is too big." Wang Yi said helplessly:
"We were originally followers, but now we have crossed 20 nanometers and directly made 14 nanometers. We finally have hope to overtake on the curve. Now they rely on the number of people to start the 10-nanometer R&D competition simultaneously, so we have to lag behind again."
Mr. Hu agreed very much: "This is the biggest problem. TSMC and Samsung have more R&D engineers than us, and their foundation is richer than us. Now they have started working three shifts day and night. In the 10-nanometer stage, they will definitely be much faster than us. Chairman, we have to be forced to join the three shifts of R&D and develop the 10-nanometer process in advance."
Wang Yi nodded: "It seems that this is the only way to go. Let's continue to recruit people. The most important thing at the moment is the research and development of the 14-nanometer process, but the research and development of the 10-nanometer process must also be carried out simultaneously!"
"Don't worry, Chairman, I'm prepared. In addition to the 14-nanometer technology, it is also constantly developing and improving yield rates. On the other hand, the research and development of the 10-nanometer process has also begun. However, there are not enough manpower. After all, we are not TSMC and Samsung. We have few people and can't even work two shifts, let alone work three shifts."
Mr. Hu was a little helpless: "Even a fully woven 10-nanometer R&D team is not enough."
"This matter is indeed difficult to resolve." Wang Yi did not have a good strategy for a while.
TSMC's elite is the result of so many years of accumulation.
Samsung Semiconductor's elite are also the achievements accumulated in recent years and the people poached from TSMC.
The start time of Xingyi Semiconductor is too short, and there are much less manpower than TSMC and Samsung.
TSMC can promote five teams together, one continues to carry out 20-nanometer mass production, the other continues to develop 16-nanometer R&D, and three teams work in three shifts to develop 10-nanometer.
Samsung also has many soldiers and a wide range of generals, which can ensure that four teams can advance simultaneously. One team will continue to develop 14 nanometers, and three teams and three shifts will develop 10 nanometers.
But Xingyi Semiconductor doesn’t have that many people, let alone four teams and five teams, both teams can’t get together at the moment.
The explosion of several years cannot keep up with the accumulation of more than ten years or decades.
This is nothing to do.
"Oh." Wang Yi sighed: "I can only increase the efforts to poach people. Whether it is TSMC or Samsung, I can dig for all the talents I can. I don't have to hold back."
"What about SMIC? Recently, many R&D engineers from SMIC want to change jobs to come to us." Mr. Hu couldn't help asking.
Samsung and TSMC have high salaries and good development, which is easy to say.
SMIC has average treatment and development.
In addition, the internal relationships are complicated and the process is progressing slowly, so many people have ideas.
There is no way. Currently, SMIC has just completed the 40-nanometer process. Xingyi Technology has mass-produced 28-nanometers, and Samsung and TSMC have even started a 10-nanometer R&D competition, which directly led to the mentality of SMIC's core engineers collapsed.
We are still laying out 28 nanometers, and you have already laid out 10 nanometers. Can you bear it?
So any elite with some strength and ambitions began to think about changing jobs.
Some people want to go to Samsung and TSMC, while others still want to contribute to the rise of mainland semiconductors and choose to change jobs to Xingyi Technology.
Wang Yi was actually a little resistant to these employees before and did not want to be labeled as the backbone of his brother companies.
But now there is really a shortage of people, and we have to start the 14-nanometer process and the 10-nanometer process dual-line competition in sync with Samsung and TSMC. It is really insufficient manpower.
"Chairman, the situation has changed now. If these people want to change jobs, they will leave SMIC 100%. Even if we don't accept it, they will go to Samsung and TSMC, and the losses will be even greater. Not only the losses of our Xingyi Semiconductor, but also the losses of the entire mainland semiconductor company!"
Mr. Hu's words were sincere, and Wang Yi also understood this truth, so he had to say:
"Then let's follow normal business competition. If you are willing to change jobs, we will accept it. Try not to take the initiative to dig SMIC. As for the people from Samsung and TSMC, even if you dig, the treatment is not a problem, and the liquidated damages are not a problem. Xingyi Technology will issue it!"
"Okay, Chairman." Mr. Hu was in a good mood, that's right.
Even for brother companies, normal competition and normal job change is normal.
Besides, it was not Xingyi Technology that took the initiative to dig, but the employees of SMIC took the initiative to change jobs. Xingyi Technology had normal interviews and normal employment, and there was no problem.
The most important thing is that time is urgent and the technology war is imminent. Semiconductors are the first battlefield, and we really can't wait for SMIC to slowly rise.
In his previous life, SMIC achieved a rapid explosion after Mr. Liang joined in 2017.
Before this, SMIC's 28-nanometer Poly/SiON process was very immature, with too low yield and too poor performance.
Three months after Mr. Liang joined, SMIC's 28-nanometer HKMG process achieved full mass production, equivalent to TSMC's 28-nanometer!
It can be said that a 28-nanometer process blocked SMIC until the end of 2017.
As for 14 nanometers, it will take until 2019.
The equivalent of 7nm N+2 will take 2023!
The pace is too slow, and Wang Yi can't wait.
We can only make progress in all aspects and develop radically.
According to Wang Yi's plan, 14-nanometer mass production will be achieved in the second quarter of 2015.
Samsung and TSMC achieved mass production of 10-nanometer processes in the fourth quarter of 2016. Xingyi Semiconductor can be slower, but it also needs to achieve mass production of 10-nanometers in the second quarter of 2017.
This is acceptable within half a year of falling behind.
As for the 7-nanometer process, TSMC and Samsung used DUV lithography machines to achieve the 7-nanometer process in 2018, but the yield rate is very low.
Therefore, in 2019, EUV lithography machines were used to achieve mass production of 7nm processes, and the yield rate has improved by leaps and bounds.
Xingyi Semiconductor is about tortuous and can only be achieved using DUV lithography machines using multiple exposure technology.
Later on, you will fall behind.
At that time, we can only look at the breakthroughs of domestic EUV lithography machines and other innovative breakthroughs.
But before 7 nanometers, you can't fall behind too much.
Mr. Hu quickly arranged the matter, and Xingyi Semiconductor launched a full-scale campaign and recruited people.
Any elite who joins job-changing will be accepted as long as the transfer is fine.
Whether it comes from TSMC, Samsung, or SMIC, they all accept it, and the salary is 30%-50% higher than before!
When TSMC Samsung launched a 10-nanometer process research and development competition, Xingyi Technology began to spend money to poach people.
However, there is no airtight wall in the world. In just half a month, this move attracted the attention of Samsung and TSMC.
"Chairman, Xingyi Semiconductor has been poaching people recently. Do you think we TSMC should make some noise?"
"Blowing big customers? Are you crazy?" Lao Zhang frowned: "Our 16-nanometer process relies on Xingyi Technology's orders to hit them for such a small matter and offend big customers. What's the end?"
"Yes, this is a problem. It's just that they poached our people..."
Lao Zhang waved his hand: "We and Samsung have both pushed to the 14/16 nanometer process. Xingyi Technology is still in 28 nanometer live mud, so it must be anxious. But this thing is useless. They are too behind, so don't care. However, the core R&D personnel of FinFET process have shown me that they can't be dug up anymore."
"yes!"
Samsung is also arrogant:
"Xingyi Semiconductor has begun to poach people? Could it be that they also want to do 20 nanometers? What do they think of!"
"Chairman, would they be anxious, and like us, skip 20 nanometers and directly apply to the 14-nanometer process?"
"Hahaha."
"I'm so laughing!"
The president of Samsung Semiconductor seemed to hear a huge joke:
"Xingyi Semiconductor skips the 20-nanometer process and directly applies to the 14-nanometer process?"
"Do you think they are our Samsungs?"
"How can they have that strength?"
"It's considered that they can make 28 nanometers so quickly. As for 20 nanometers? It's not even possible to think about it for two years."
The subordinate nodded repeatedly: "Yes, it is a miracle that Xingyi Semiconductor can break through 28 nanometers, and it is estimated that 20 nanometers will be difficult."
"Well, of course, even though that's the case, the matter of poaching people must be limited, especially the core talents involved in the 14-nanometer process, cannot be put on! Let Xingyi Semiconductor continue to live in 28-nanometer mud!"
"Yes!" the subordinate responded quickly: "I will limit all the core engineers of FinFET process."
"Well, the FinFET process is the key to breaking through processes below 20 nanometers and must not be output."
With caution, both Samsung and TSMC have restricted the core talents of the FinFET process to prevent further poaching.
But unfortunately, in the past half month, Xingyi Technology has used a super high salary to poach some FinFET R&D engineers.
Especially Chinese engineers, who are highly excluded at Samsung, are naturally willing to return.
There are also some elites who are ambitious and want to help the rise of mainland semiconductors and are willing to join.
Some people just think that Xingyi Technology has a good development prospect and its treatment is much higher than that of Samsung and TSMC.
Under various factors, many engineers chose to change jobs and joined Xingyi Semiconductor.
As for the restrictions?
When a person is determined to change jobs, no restrictions make sense.
So what if there is a restriction on competition, there are many ways to avoid it.
If Samsung and TSMC want to protect their rights, they can only sue it, but the suing process is very complicated and long, and often takes several years.
If it were a big bull like Mr. Liang, they would spend time and energy to sue.
But ordinary engineers don’t have that need, it’s not time-consuming and labor-intensive.
The goal of Xingyi Technology is to these young and potential ordinary engineers.
These people have little constraints, strong R&D capabilities, and are young and develop. Even now they are just ordinary engineers, with Mr. Hu's guidance and training, they can soon become elites who stand alone.
In addition, Xingyi Semiconductor has also increased its recruitment of fresh graduates and absorbed semiconductor talents through various aspects.
Fortunately, the core of FinFET technology is invented by Mr. Hu, and no one can know more about it than him.
Therefore, the R&D speed of Xingyi Semiconductor at 14 nanometers is much faster than that of Samsung and TSMC.
After all, Mr. Hu is the founder!
The big reason why Samsung's 14-nanometer capacity is so fast is that Teacher Liang inherits Mr. Hu and has also made great contributions to the FinFET process.
In terms of FinFET process, TSMC was in a disadvantage.
However, TSMC has a deep foundation, many soldiers and widespread generals, and has stronger overall strength, so the threat is still the greatest.
The war in the semiconductor field is destined to be difficult to fight. All Wang Yi can do is increase investment, spend money on research and development, and spend money on poaching people.
Of course, the combination of industry and education must also be fully opened!
Thinking of this, Wang Yi called Jian Ziyan:
"Ziyan, Xingyi Technology will invest billions of targeted funds and carry out in-depth strategic cooperation with some universities in the semiconductor field to target the cultivation of professional talents in the semiconductor field!"
"The school list is as follows..."
Wang Yi listed all pragmatic schools such as the Seven Sons of National Defense.
These are the mainstays.
"Okay, Chairman." Jian Ziyan wrote down everything.
Wang Yi continued: "In addition, the targeted training model must be flexible and the restrictions must be relaxed. There is no need to train from undergraduate to doctoral degree. On the contrary, we will train for four years. No, the undergraduate degree will only be two years! In the first two years, we studied in the school, gave up other unimportant subjects, and only learned semiconductor-related knowledge. In the next two years, we directly joined Xingyi Semiconductor, came into contact with the most advanced theoretical system, studied at work, and grew up in work."
"The graduate students and doctoral students only study for one year, and then the second year of the graduate school, and then the second year of the doctoral school came to Xingyi Semiconductor and started working directly!"
It is now in a critical period, and Wang Yike has no time to wait for this group of people to graduate from freshman year to doctoral degree, more than ten years later.
Too slow!
Moreover, the teaching style of domestic universities is actually completely outdated and can no longer keep up with the development of the times.
It is not very useful to continue to waste time and study. It is better to concentrate on one or two years of theory, and then join Xingyi Semiconductor to directly learn the most cutting-edge and professional semiconductor technology.
There is no way, the one I learned in school is still in the 120 nanometers or even the micron era, and I have long known that it has been outdated for decades.
As for Xingyi Semiconductor's most advanced 28 nanometers, the next 14-nanometer process and 10-nanometer process, the tutors and professors in the school don't understand, and they don't know what to teach students?
How useful are those students learning these outdated 120-nanometer processes and micron processes even if they continue to learn a doctorate or even a postdoctoral fellow?
When you enter a company, you can't get started with the research and development of the 14-nanometer process, let alone the 10-nanometer process.
At that time, you have to be a low-level person, learn from the beginning and improve slowly.
Chapter completed!