Shane Freak
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Chapter 519: A Good Start (Part 2)
🕑 Added 2023-08-29 16:14:54 +0000 UTCTransformers Begin : Table of Content/Chapter List
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Finally took the bait, didn't they?
Sun Cheng glanced at Wang Yuan, and from his words, he could sense that this was a capable official.
The lithography machine is an advanced device explicitly prohibited for sale to Xia Country under the Bawa Agreement. Currently, there are only two 22nm-level Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography Machines produced by ASML in Xia Country.
It is said that a few years ago, Xia Country mobilized significant political resources to persuade the Dutch government to approve the export of ASML machines to Xia Country.
Prior to this, ASML only sold Deep Ultraviolet Lithography Machines with DUV Technology to Xia Country.
As widely known, the Deep Ultraviolet Lithography Machine with DUV Technology has a maximum process node of 28nm. Xia Country's own lithography machine manufacturing industry has only recently mastered the 32nm-level DUV deep ultraviolet lithography machine manufacturing technology.
After considering his words, Sun Cheng replied, "What you currently see is the online store items accessible with my Level 3 authorization. This online store is a technology sales center open to all internal members of P·C·F. From my personal experience, the higher the authorization level, the higher the level of online store items and technological capabilities accessible."
"I have previously purchased two units of the 14nm-level Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography Machine sold on this online store. Before your arrival, I received a notification from above. To demonstrate the sincerity of P·C·F's management, we are allowing the sale of finished products to you at the internal member price."
He paused and looked at Wang Yuan, whose eyes lit up. "The price is 150 million US dollars per unit, payable in Xia Country's currency."
"As for technology sales, the complete package of production technology for the 14nm-level Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography Machine is priced at 2.8 billion US dollars for internal members. If the country wishes to purchase, I can make the decision to sell to you, but it must be paid in full upfront. Of course, we also accept payment in the country's own currency."
The 14nm-level Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography Machine in the online store is not based on ASML's technology in the Transformers Universe.
In another world, although the timeline does not align with the Real World, the lithography machine technology has already reached the 3nm level, nearly reaching the limits of lithography technology.
However, the company that possesses the most advanced lithography machine production technology is the United States semiconductor giant, Texas Instruments.
This is not surprising because in the Transformers Universe, many of the United States' military, industrial, and technological advancements come from Sector Seven. It is through the research of Megatron's mechanical body that the United States obtained advanced technology, which can be considered as cybertronian black technology.
Therefore, many United States companies in the Transformers Universe experienced explosive growth in technology due to sharing in the research dividends of Sector Seven.
The United States had been studying Megatron's mechanical body for over a century. After the Autobots arrived on Earth, they collaborated with them and successfully hunted down dozens of Decepticon warriors.
Through various channels, Sun Cheng learned that while the Autobots officially buried the remains of the Decepticons they eliminated, the majority of them were actually divided among the major financial conglomerates that controlled the United States government. These remains were then sent to various laboratories within the military-industrial complex for further research.
So, it wouldn't be surprising if one day the United States in the Transformers Universe suddenly created their own Decepticons.
The lithography technology in Sun Cheng's hands is a series of technologies obtained by Decepticon engineers through complete reverse engineering of a 14nm-level lithography machine purchased from Texas Instruments.
Although he hadn't compared it to the lithography machines produced by ASML in the Real World, he had more faith in the abilities of his Decepticon engineers.
Moreover, the 14nm-level lithography machine provided by Sun Cheng only required a software upgrade and adjustments to some internal ports and components to successfully upgrade it to 10nm.
Selling a superior product to the country at almost the same price as ASML, without any additional conditions, showed his sincerity.
"2.8 billion US dollars..."
Not only did Wang Yuan gasp at the price, but the others had similar reactions.
But soon, Wang Yuan's lips started to move, indicating that he had something to say.
However, Sun Cheng spoke on his behalf, "No negotiations. We purchase internally at the same price, full payment. So, my suggestion is that you should consider buying one or two lithography machines first, use them for a while, and then decide whether to purchase the technology package."
Is it really expensive to spend 2.8 billion US dollars to acquire the complete production technology for the 14nm-level Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography Machine?
No, no, no. Anyone with a little knowledge in this field knows that it's a great deal.
Xia Country became the world's leading industrial exporter ten years ago, earning the reputation of being the "world's factory."
However, behind this achievement, Xia Country has been making up for the decline of the Qing Dynasty and its modern history.
From technical materials to high-tech advancements, this former East Asian powerhouse is still striving to regain its position at the top of the world.
In the past hundred years since the Xinhai Revolution, Xia Country has actually become the world leader in more than twenty fields.
But the people of Xia Country have an inherent pride in rebuilding their "Celestial Empire." Perhaps in their eyes, there are only two countries in the world: Xia Country and foreign countries.
In comparison, Xia Country still has many shortcomings compared to the United States, which holds the world's number one position in over sixty fields.
For example, in the semiconductor field, Xia Country relies on imports for 85% of its semiconductors. Last year alone, importing chips cost over 160 billion US dollars, with an expected growth of around 20% this year.
The reason why the "world's factory" needs a large number of imported chips is that the performance of domestically produced chips does not meet the standards.
Apart from insufficient design experience, there is another crucial reason: Xia Country is subject to export controls under the Bawa Agreement when it comes to cutting-edge manufacturing equipment, such as lithography machines.
Although the 14nm-level lithography machine is not the most advanced in the current world, it is still a significant leap forward for Xia Country.
But in reality, many electronic devices don't require the use of a 14nm-level lithography machine for their chips.
Sun Cheng had previously done extensive research and knew that over 60% of the imported chips in Xia Country only required manufacturing processes ranging from 32nm to 22nm.
Therefore, if the country were to purchase the complete production technology for the 14nm-level lithography machine from him, once the finished products were available, it could reduce chip imports by several hundred billion to trillions of dollars annually.
Anyone with a basic understanding of the industry knows that this business deal would be highly profitable.
Wang Yuan, who had long been involved in the procurement of special equipment at the National Asset Management Bureau, clearly understood the matter. He leaned in and whispered to Yuan Yicheng for a moment before turning his gaze back to Sun Cheng.
"Mr. Sun, we would like to proceed with the purchase of four 14nm-level lithography machines, to be paid in Xia Yuan... I would like to inquire about the delivery time and payment arrangements."
"Director Wang is straightforward. Have you seen the numbers displayed on the online store? The current remaining quantity is 2, which means there are already two finished products available. I will provide you with a domestic bank account shortly. You just need to transfer the full payment to that account, and I will notify them to proceed with the delivery."
"As for the specific delivery time, Cybertron Technology Group previously ordered one, and they were informed that it would be delivered within twenty-seven days. So, I can guarantee that it won't take more than a month."
"As for the remaining two machines, since they are not in stock, P·C·F will need to manufacture them again. It may take a little longer, but they will definitely be delivered to you within three months. The efficiency will be much higher than that of Amis!"
After receiving Sun Cheng's affirmative response, Wang Yuan didn't need to lean in and discuss with Yuan Yicheng this time.
He directly agreed, saying, "Alright, I will immediately instruct someone to transfer the purchase payment for the two lithography machines to your bank account based on today's exchange rate. Mr. Sun, the country is approaching this cooperation with sincerity. If this transaction goes smoothly, rest assured that more orders like this will come your way. I hope we have a pleasant cooperation!"
"Pleasant cooperation!"
Their hands shook in a firm handshake, and even when the captain from the Equipment Department came over before they left, he didn't mention purchasing a single item.
However, like the others, he also requested a list of over a hundred items from Sun Cheng.
Of course, he knew why. They were all waiting, waiting for the delivery of the two lithography machines that the National Asset Management Bureau had already paid for. Once they thoroughly understood the true power and capabilities of the so-called P·C·F secret organization, they would decide whether to believe in the items listed on that document.
Sun Cheng didn't mind this at all.
To him, making money and such things were trivial matters.
As long as Xia Country tasted a bit of success, they would never abandon his cause.
That was what Sun Cheng truly desired.
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