China gets first 8-inch MEMS chip production line

China's first 8-inch MEMS chip production line was completed and put into operation in Shenfu New Zone, Northeast China's Liaoning province, on Feb 21.

MEMS, abbreviation for micro-electromechanical systems, refers to devices with moving parts the size of a few millimeters or smaller produced using silicon lithography. Its internal structure is generally on the order of micrometers or even nanometers. MEMS technology has great application prospects in the country's economy and military fields.

At present, the global MEMS chip market is growing rapidly. As the world's largest consumer market for MEMS chips, China's market is in short supply; and consumption is expected to grow to more than 100 billion yuan in 2023.

The 8-inch MEMS chip production line in Liaoning was researched, developed and constructed by Hanking Electronics (Liaoning) Co Ltd, which focuses on MEMS chip design, production and marketing. The production line uses leading level technology closing the technology gap with overseas counterparts.

The production line is expected to produce 20 million MEMS chips throughout the year, achieving sales of 200 million yuan ($29.73 million).

Artificial intelligence is one of the leading industries in Shenfu New Zone, and the 8-inch MEMS chip production line is an important project supported by the industrial zone, said director in charge of the management committee of Shenfu New Zone.

Shenfu New Zone will continue to support the development of Hanking Electronics (Liaoning) Co Ltd, and further expand the artificial intelligence upstream and downstream industry chain, build an integrated circuit industrial cluster and make positive contributions to enhance the core competitiveness of China's smart sensor industry.