I wondered how 7nm compares to the size of single silicon atoms. Google says the van der Waals radius of a silicon atom is 210pm. This translates to around 30 atoms for 7nm, considering about 20% spacing between atoms. However I am not a chemist, so perhaps I am wildly off. Anyone here can give some elucidation?
In terms of TSMC Roadmap, We have<p>10nm > 2017
7nm > 2018
7nm+ > 2019
7nm EUV / 5nm > 2020<p>Is the same thing they said 16nm was the last major node, but TSMC, after 4 - 5 iteration of 16nm, with one of them now called 12nm, has gotten cheaper. And it seems they have plans to further reduce the cost of 16/12nm.<p>I expect the same for 7nm. Both 12nm and 7nm will be much more affordable in 2020. Right now the uncertainty is 5nm and 3nm. Both are technically achievable, the problem is cost. At the moment 5nm+ cost structure looks like exclusive to certain industry and clients. Unless they bring in 450mm wafer but i have no idea how that is working out.<p>And 28nm remains the cheap and cherrful solution with no replacement in sight.