“Alas.” Qin Tao sighed suddenly.
Zhao Ling looked at him worriedly: "What's wrong?"
“I finally realized the feeling of invincibility and loneliness in Dugu Nine Swords.”
Zhao Ling rolled her eyes at him: "Don't sigh. There are still many things in the group. If you are too busy, you can help with them."
"As long as you are here, do you still need me? I have to give you some sense of presence."
Zhao Ling rolled her eyes again. This is just like those people who eat melon seeds and spit them all over the street, and then say that they are doing it to create jobs for sanitation workers. Isn’t this so idle that it hurts?
Qin Tao was not idle, he just thought of a famous novel: "The Three-Body Problem". In this novel, a few sophons locked up the entire human technology, and no breakthrough could be made for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, this The novel hasn't appeared yet. Do you want to remind Da Liu?
Sophon's plan to lock down the earth's technology is a conspiracy. Everyone on earth knows it, but there is no way. From now on, they live under supervision. There are no secrets at all, except the secrets in the brain. But this is science fiction after all.
In the real world, the level of technology that locks others still exists. Qin Tao’s emotion just now is definitely not just because of the Three-Body Problem, but because many memories before his rebirth have returned to his mind. The scientists of that era It’s really hard. They have to do everything they can to break through the chip ban. They are a group of people worthy of worship!
Now, we finally don’t have to worry about this kind of thing happening. In contrast, we can rely on our technological advantages to lock down other people’s technology, especially the electronics industry in Wanwan. Thinking of this, Qin Tao is very proud.
Sigh, invincible is so lonely.
While he was sighing, the result of the California lawsuit came out. There is no doubt that the California District Court ruled that SMIC lost the lawsuit and required SMIC to compensate TSMC a large amount of money. Then, a few hours later, the court ruling in the eastern capital came out. TSMC was found guilty of infringement and must pay relevant patent fees and compensate a large amount of money.
The court's judgment has come out, and no one doubts the result. The key is whose judgment can be implemented!
TSMC.
"Hmph, American laws are globally adaptable. If we win this lawsuit, we will ask the Easterners to compensate!" Zhang Mou became excited again. Although he knew it was difficult to do, after all, he already had a good one. start.
“Yeah, we have to find a way to get the U.S. courts to enforce the verdict, otherwise they will become a joke.”
“It’s not good, it’s not good!” At this moment, a technician hurried over: “Our production line has stopped!”
Once the production line stops, the losses will be heavy!
Zhang Mou immediately raised his head and looked at the ceiling. There was electricity.
The most common problem when a chip factory stops production is a power outage. Although a power outage does not lead to equipment scrapping like glass factories and steel plants, once a power outage occurs, the chips under production will still be damaged, which is a huge loss. And now, if there is no power outage, how can production be stopped?
“Why did the production line stop?”
“I don’t know, all the equipment is not working.”
“Hurry, go and troubleshoot immediately!” Zhang Mou shouted to his men. Both Hu Ming and Jiang Yi had technical backgrounds. Of course, they were the best at dealing with this kind of technical problems.
Moreover, the two were still in a competitive relationship. After hearing Zhang Mou's words, Hu Ming stood up. Just when he was about to pat his chest and promise that it would be repaired, Jiang Yi had already jumped out and ran to the production line first.
So Hu Ming also ran out.
When Zhang Mou passed by, both Hu Ming and Jiang Yi were checking on the production line, but nothing could be found. The machine was all normal, but it just wasn't running. What was going on?
“Could he be infected with a virus?” Zhang Mou asked.
"Impossible, our production line cannot be infected with viruses, unless..." Hu Ming suddenly thought of something, his face changed drastically, and beside him, Jiang Yi had quickly turned on the computer and started operating it.
A few minutes later.
“EDA software has failed.” Jiang Yi said: “Our machines all need EDA software to run. Now, these software cannot be used.”
“Why?” Zhang Mou asked.
“I don’t know, the software is produced by Goose Factory. We have to call Goose Factory and ask.”
Hu Ming picked up the phone and called. He originally planned to exchange a few words, but instead heard the cold words inside.
“What, disable our software, why?”
“The orders of your capital court, your capital court cannot control us!”
“What can I control you? Damn it, technology has no borders, how can you do this?”
Hum Ming put down the phone and looked ugly.
“What’s going on?” Zhang Mou asked.
“Goose Factory claimed that the court in their capital city issued an order to them, requiring us, TSMC, to ban their software until we pay high fines and patent fees in accordance with the court’s decision.”
“Disable software? Why do they do this?” Zhang Mou was furious.
“Because the software is theirs.”
“Then the worst we can do is find another one.”
“Then we have to set up a software company first.”
“What? Isn’t there a similar software company in the West?”
“There used to be some, and there are a few now, but they are all very backward, and the software cannot run on Loongson computers.”
Zhang Mou finally understood. Orientals either don’t do it, or they do it absolutely. This is to force them to pay fines and patent fees!
"We will never give in. We want to tell the whole world that we must not let the Orientals become big. Otherwise, they will unscrupulously use their advanced technology to persecute us!" Zhang Mou said: "The Orientals do this. Just stand on the opposite side of the world!”
Jiang Yi sighed: "I heard that people from VIA just went to SMIC for inspection."
VIA Corporation?
This company is also one of the top chip manufacturers in Wanwan. The best thing is that they are still making processors!
VIA originally made north and south bridge chips to support Intel and AMD processors. Later, after Dongfang's Loongson came out, they also made matching chipsets for Loongson. VIA relied on these orders to develop rapidly. , later, after they acquired CYRIX, they obtained the X86 production qualification. They invested heavily and developed the VIAC3 processor. This processor has reached the level of Loongson 2, and there is still some gap between it and Intel. However, Due to its low power consumption, it has been widely used in some mobile devices.
At this special time, what do VIA personnel want to do when they go to SMIC?
“Today, we meet again in Huating. We are all elite companies in the same industry, and we will work together to develop together in the future!” Zhang Rujin said enthusiastically. "Yes, we have Loongson and you have VIA China Chip. We are both national enterprises and we are all making our own chips!" Mr. Ni was also very excited.
"You two are so proud. We are here to learn from you. After all, our processor technology is far behind yours." Chen Wen's wife Wang Xue said with a smile: "Of course, cooperation is for sure, we have always been Extensive cooperation has been carried out before, now and in the future."
"We are here this time to purchase 90-nanometer photolithography machines and etching machines from you. With these machines, our products will be able to evolve to the 90-nanometer process level, and their performance will be even better. Building." Chen Wen said.
Only Dongfang was the first to break through the 90-nanometer process, and South Korea was the second. As for VIA, it simply does not have the ability to independently develop photolithography machines and etching machines. It can only outsource them. Dongfang is the best choice, and what's more, Dongfang is the best choice. The key thing is that Dongfang is still willing to sell to them.
“Of course, after receiving your application, we have started production. As long as you sign the contract and pay the full payment, you can take the equipment away directly.”
take away! This is Eastern Speed!
Wang Xue and Chen Wen looked at each other and saw the excitement in each other's eyes. Great, they went back to adjust the production line and can start making 90-nanometer chips!
“However, wouldn’t you consider setting up a chip factory here?” Zhang Rujin said: “Let’s make it bigger and stronger together.”
Coming to the East?
The two shook their heads: "I'm sorry, the company was founded in Silicon Valley. However, in order to revitalize our hometown, we decided to move the company back to the new store. Now, we have no plans to move."
"Oh, forget it. Originally, I wanted to say that if you set up a factory here, then we can guarantee that you will have access to the world's most advanced manufacturing technology, which will be a long way ahead of other companies." Zhang Rujin said: "If it is On your side, then we have to slow down this speed.”
Wang Xue and Chen Wen took a deep breath: "Is it the 65-nanometer production process?"
90nm is already advanced enough, but Dongfang has always been one generation ahead. They are willing to export the 90nm process because they already have a mature 65nm production process on hand. At the same time, they are definitely still researching more advanced processes. It is said to be 45 nanometers, which is impressive just thinking about it. It has always been at the leading level and cannot even catch up!
“Yes.” Zhang Rujin said.
Handing an ear hook and giving a sweet date is a common method. It can be used not only on children, but also on adults and even large companies. It is just separated. The one who gets the beating is TSMC, and the one who eats the dates is VIA.
VIA has always had a good relationship with Dongfang, and now of course we have to give them benefits. At the same time, this also has a deeper purpose.
When the 90-nanometer process began to appear abroad, we exported this kind of production equipment. In this way, the equipment that competitors spent huge sums of money to develop cannot be sold, because the Eastern ones are more mature and have been used for several years. Foreign lithography machine manufacturers continue to work hard and are tinkering with the 65-nanometer process. We will sell production equipment for the 65-nanometer process. After a few times, all our competitors will have to surrender.
Now they have promised to export this kind of equipment to VIA, but they have to build a factory in the East. Building a factory will take time, at least two or three years. After it is completed, the 65-nanometer process will be ready for big sales, which will put VIA at risk. This is Mr. Qin's plan to bring it to the mainland and further attack the manufacturing industry in Wanwan.
In short, let all the industries in Wanwan be destroyed, let them degrade to an era where they can only sell agricultural products, and see if they still have the ability to make waves.
However, Wang Xue and Chen Wen were still very cautious. Faced with this temptation, they still did not agree directly: "We need to go back and discuss this matter."
Seeing the two people evading, Zhang Rujin did not continue to press, and said with a smile: "Okay, then we look forward to your reply. We also look forward to your ability to develop a more powerful processor to give customers more choices. .”
Internationally, there is a very important rule called antitrust. No industry can have only one giant. Otherwise, the industry will not progress and will only stagnate due to monopoly. Customers will have to bear high prices to purchase products gradually. Something backward.
The merger of large international companies also requires the consent of other countries.
Now, in the field of processors, the decline of Intel is necessary, and AMD also relies on SMIC to develop. The two parties are considered a cooperative relationship, so there must be other processor manufacturers.
So, it is necessary to support a new one, needless to say? It must be a company owned by Taiwanese compatriots with the same yellow skin and dark eyes.
“Thank you. We also hope to develop a processor with more advanced performance. However, we still have some hesitation on the route.” Chen Wen said.
"Really? If you have any hesitations, you can come and listen. Maybe we can help provide advice together." Mr. Ni said.
"It's just a matter of route." Chen Wen said: "The Cryix company we acquired obtained the X86 license, so we started producing processors with the X86 structure. But now, we feel that your Loongson architecture is the future trend, and various software They all run on your platform. If we continue to develop the X86 architecture, I'm afraid we will be pulled further and further away from you. If there are no suitable programs to run in the future, then our processors may lose the market."
Architectural issues and instruction set issues, these are the most critical.
The Loongson processor uses Loongson's own architecture and instruction set, which is a RICS architecture. It is different from X86 and the program runs differently. Now, more and more software is running on Loongson. Their VIA processor The market will become smaller and smaller.
However, this is a very important matter and they must consider it carefully. This is even more complicated than moving the production line to the mainland.
"I suggest that you should continue to develop the X86 platform. After all, our Loongson cannot be the only one in the world. X86 processors will continue to develop. Many countries may even introduce relevant laws to force relevant departments to use non-Loongson processors. Devices, these are all your market."
With one word from Mr. Ni, the people on the other side suddenly became enlightened.
That’s right, that’s it!
There cannot be only one kind of processor in the world. In addition to Loongson, there must be X86. Therefore, the X86 platform needs to continue to develop! VIA Corporation was originally developing the X86 platform and will continue to develop it in the future!
“However, we only have the past instruction set. If Intel comes out with a new instruction set and does not license it to us, will it gradually lead us to a dead end?” Wang Xue asked.
"Of course not. In the field of processor R&D, you are already on the same starting line as Intel. If you set up factories in mainland China and introduce our 65-nanometer production line, you will still surpass Intel. They can increase their You can also increase your instruction set, and by then forcing Intel and you to mutually authorize each other, you can solve this problem. Moreover, if everything goes well, there may be no Intel in the world in the future."
The two people's eyes lit up.
Relying on its patent advantage, Intel can prevent other processor manufacturers from entering this market, even if it obtains the authorization of the X86 instruction set, because as technology advances, the instruction set needs to be increased. If subsequent instruction sets are obtained Without authorization, it will eventually be disabled.
Intel is the creator of X86 and has always been in a leadership position. Even VIA has to look up to its opponents. Now, Mr. Ni is telling them that Intel is nothing great. When Intel is squeezed out in the future, you will be on the X86 route. Boss!
"As for the software problem, it shouldn't be a big problem." Mr. Ni continued: "According to Moore's Law, the performance of computer chips will become more and more powerful, and eventually there will be excess performance. At that time, only a binary translator will be needed. "
In future generations, mobile phone chips will be able to run Windows software. How is this possible? Of course, this low-level translation method is used. Although this will cause the program to run slower, since the hardware performance is strong enough, this loss is still affordable.
“In fact, now, when we are moving towards 64-bit processors, we can use this similar technology.” Mr. Ni continued.
The frequency war is over. What is the development direction of processors next?
Of course it is developing towards 64-bit!
The first microprocessor in history, 4004, was four-bit, the later 8008 was eight-bit, the 8086 was 16-bit, and the later ones were 32-bit, until now.
What is this number of digits? It is the width of the data bus and address bus used by the CPU to communicate with the outside world. 32-bit is 32 bits wide. 64-bit is twice as large, which means that 2 times the data can be extracted at one time. At the same time, it can also support larger Memory.
In the 32-bit era, the maximum memory supported by the computer is 2 to the 32nd power, which is 4GB of memory. And 64-bit is not twice it, but 2 to the 64th power, and the conversion unit is 2147483648GB.
It didn't matter in the past. After all, the memory was only a few megabytes, so you would hardly encounter this problem. But when the memory stick started to be measured in G, the 32-bit processor began to encounter memory bottlenecks, so next, it must be Developed to 64-bit.
How to use this technology is very important.
PS: Thank you all book friends for your great support. During this period, Heroes of East China feels exhausted mentally and physically. . . Fortunately, the child's condition was under control and he was still being treated in the hospital. Seeing the child smile, I felt that all the efforts were worth it. Updates will be kept as constant as possible for everyone. Fortunately, Daguo Industrial has many manuscripts. .
The little boy in the bed next to him has been suffering from fever. The doctor recommended lung washing, which sounds scary. . Please take good care of your children and hope this round will pass as soon as possible. .