Huawei's new laptop uses older China-made chip, US curbs stall SMIC, report shows
BEIJING: Huawei Technologies' new MateBook Fold laptop is powered by an older-generation chip made by
SMIC
, highlighting how U.S. export curbs are hindering China's top foundry from advancing to next-generation semiconductor manufacturing, Canadian research firm TechInsights said on Monday.
There was widespread speculation in the industry that Huawei would use SMIC's newer 5nm-equivalent N+3 process node chip in the MateBook Fold that, according to TechInsights, marks Huawei's "most aggressive entrance into full-stack computing; chip design, OS development, and hardware integration".
However, the laptop instead features the Kirin X90 chip, built on the same 7nm N+2 process node that was first introduced in August 2023, TechInsights said in a report.
"This likely means that SMIC has not yet achieved a 5nm equivalent node that can be produced at scale," it said.
"U.S.-imposed technology controls are likely continuing to impact SMIC's ability to catch-up to current foundry leaders in more advanced nodes across chips for mobile, PCs, and cloud/AI applications," TechInsights added.
The MateBook Fold, which does not have a physical keyboard and features an 18-inch OLED double screen, was one of two new laptops Huawei launched last month. The devices are part of Huawei's broader push to build a self-reliant ecosystem amid U.S. efforts to limit its access to advanced chips.
The laptops are the first to be sold with Huawei's Harmony operating system. It has not officially disclosed the processor used, though past models have used Intel chips.
Huawei did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Reuters reported last year that the U.S. revoked licences that had allowed companies including Intel and Qualcomm to ship chips used for laptops and handsets to Huawei.
The U.S. curbs limited SMIC's access to advanced chipmaking tools, including extreme ultraviolet lithography. China-based foundries have to now rely on less efficient multi-patterning techniques that reduce yield, the report said.
The report noted that Huawei's 7nm chip is several generations behind those used by Apple, Qualcomm, and AMD. It added that China remains at least three generations behind the global semiconductor frontier, as foundries like TSMC and Intel prepare to roll out 2nm process technology within the next 12 to 24 months.
Earlier this month, Huawei CEO Ren Zhengfei told Chinese state media that Huawei's chips were just one generation behind that of U.S. peers but the firm was finding ways to improve performance through methods such as cluster computing.
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As per sections 7Q and 14B of the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, the employer is liable to pay damages and higher interest rate on amount due from damages and penalty rates differ according to the duration of the delay. If the duration of default is less than two months, the employer has to pay 5% per annum of the total contribution to the employee's fund. A default of 2-4 months will incur damages at 10% per annum, which rises to 15% for delays up to 4-6 months. If the employer fails to deposit PF dues for over six months, the penalty is 25% per annum of the total contribution. However, the damages are restricted up to 100% of the amount due. Simple interest at 12% per annum is payable on the due amount for the entire period of the EPFO portal and click on the 'For Employees' section under the 'Services' section on top of the on 'Member Passbook' under 'Services'.Enter your UAN and password. 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This resulted in his PF transfer getting blocked. For five years, Jain's entire PF corpus was stuck—and interest thereon went unpaid—as he ran from pillar to post in many failed attempts to get his passbook reconciled. He finally got his PF transfer processed towards the end of last year, along with unpaid insist that the onus is on employees to remain vigilant about discrepancies in their PF contributions.'Regular monitoring by the employee is required for early detection of these issues,' says Jain, adding, 'The employee often realises the gaps only at the time of applying for withdrawal or transfer, at which point it may be difficult even for the employer to correct the records.'If this sounds like a task, don't fret. Missing or delayed contributions are fairly easy to spot. Here is what you can your passbook on the EPFO portal or UMANG app to keep tabs on the deposits to your EPF account on a monthly basis. Any discrepancy in contributions will be reflected in the passbook. The member must activate his/her UAN to access the e-passbook. Members also receive SMS on their registered mobile phone on credit of monthly contribution to their PF account, though this system unfortunately doesn't always work. Employees may also verify their salary slips to see if the amounts match with the PF you find any gaps, bring it to your employer's attention immediately and seek rectification. For record, send a written communication to your HR with evidence of your EPF passbook. 'In cases of genuine administrative lapses, the employer may simply clear the dues or issue a clarification letter to the EPFO citing reasons for the gaps,' avers if the employer is non-compliant, you may have to escalate the matter to the EPFO directly. You may file a grievance on the EPF i Grievance Management System (EPFIGMS) portal or file a written complaint with the regional PF authorities. Submit relevant proof that EPF deposits have been deducted but not deposited in the EPF account. Your salary slips and EPF passbook entries should be enough evidence in most cases. If the employer is in default, the EPFO has the power to investigate and seek corrective actions by the employer, failing which it can impose damages and penalties on the company. The EPFO can file a complaint with the police under Section 316 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for action against the the problem persists, try filing a grievance with the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS). Finally, if nothing else works, consider approaching the courts. 'If the employer continues to default and refuses to comply, employees can seek legal remedies,' Jain of Share Samadhan on the nature of the discrepancy, it may take anywhere between a few weeks to a few years to get the issue resolved. Prolonged delays can severely hamper your financial well-being. 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