Huawei Kirin 9000S features SMIC N+2 technology, 7nm process
On August 29, 2023, Huawei officially announced the launch of its pioneering Huawei Mate 60 Pro initiative, introducing the new product on its official storefront along with a detailed specification list. Notably, this represents the first instance of satellite communication functionality being incorporated into a mainstream consumer smartphone. A day later, the Mate 60 was also unveiled, with pre-orders for both models now open.
Huawei’s sudden revelation of its next-generation flagship devices has sparked fervent discussions, dominating online trending topics for an extended period. Central to this buzz is the device’s incorporation of the Kirin 9000S processor. The prevailing curiosity revolves around the fabrication of the Kirin 9000S, particularly in light of TSMC’s inability to cater to its manufacturing. Queries abound regarding its production technique, precise architecture, and specifications.
Today, TechFlowPost confirmed that the Kirin 9000S (Hi36A0) is crafted using SMIC’s N+2 technology, adhering to a 7nm process. The firm has promised a detailed technical analysis in the coming week, with its team currently preparing commentary, impact forecasts, and technical reviews. They also plan to unveil preliminary teardown images. TechFlowPost opines that if the SMIC N+2 7nm process (with integrated SRAM cache) and 5G RF front-end chipset details are disclosed, it would signify a monumental milestone and breakthrough for the Chinese semiconductor industry, potentially causing a paradigm shift on the global stage.
TechFlowPost underscores that the essence of SMIC’s new 7nm generation lies in its ability to realize mass production in processes previously plagued by yield issues. From a semiconductor process technology perspective, this marks the inaugural commercial application of a Chinese advanced process technology node supporting bitcell (embedded SRAM), paving the way for the full realization of domestic, cutting-edge SoC design and manufacturing ecosystems.
Furthermore, sources have suggested that the Kirin 9000S employs a hyperthreading design, boasting 8 cores and 12 threads— a pioneering introduction of hyperthreading technology to mobile SoCs. Rumors suggest that aside from the minor cores being based on Arm’s Cortex-A510 kernel, both the major and supermajor cores of the Kirin 9000S utilize Huawei’s proprietary architecture. The GPU is also believed to be derived from Huawei’s in-house Maleoon 910 architecture, though official confirmations remain awaited.
