4nanometer

4 nanometer, commonly abbreviated as 4 nm or 4nm, is a semiconductor process node designation used to describe a generation of manufacturing technology for creating integrated circuits. It denotes a family of processes intended to deliver higher transistor density and improved performance and power efficiency relative to earlier nodes such as 5nm or 7nm. The term does not specify a single fixed physical dimension; instead, it marks a class of technologies, with actual feature sizes varying by layer and by vendor.

Technically, 4nm processes typically employ advanced lithography, including extreme ultraviolet (EUV) for critical layers, and rely on FinFET or nanosheet transistor architectures. The goal is to shrink transistor footprints and increase throughput on a given silicon area, enabling more cores, faster clocks, or lower power. The precise node definitions, design rules, and process variants differ among foundries and may include multiple sub-generations within the 4nm family.

Industry status and usage: In the early to mid-2020s, several leading semiconductor manufacturers announced or marketed 4nm-class processes, with names such as TSMC’s N4 and related iterations and comparable offerings from other providers. These processes are targeted at high-end mobile chips, graphics processors, data-center accelerators, and other performance-driven applications. Adoption depends on ecosystem readiness, including design tools, libraries, and supply chain stability.

Limitations and context: The 4nm designation reflects a marketing and technology phase more than a precise measurement. Real-world advantages come with design optimization, yield management, and manufacturing costs. As with other nodes, subsequent generations—such as 3nm and beyond—are pursued to further enhance density and efficiency.