5nanometer

5 nanometer (5 nm) is a semiconductor manufacturing process node used to describe the scale of transistors and other features on integrated circuits. In modern practice, the node name combines technology metrics with marketing conventions, and actual transistor dimensions vary by design and fabrication. A 5 nm process typically enables higher transistor density and improved energy efficiency compared with earlier 7 nm nodes.

Manufacturing and adoption have been led by leading foundries such as TSMC and Samsung. TSMC’s 5 nm family, commonly referred to as N5, began commercial production around 2020, and Samsung introduced its own 5 nm variants for consumer and specialty chips. In devices, the 5 nm node has been used to deliver higher performance and lower power consumption, enabling thinner and lighter smartphones, as well as more capable laptops and other electronics. Notable early implementations include Apple’s A14 Bionic and Apple Silicon products, such as the M1, which utilized 5 nm processes.

Technology and methods involved in 5 nm production rely heavily on extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography for critical layers, along with FinFET transistor architectures and advanced materials. The use of EUV reduces the need for complex multi-patterning steps required at some earlier nodes, though design and manufacturing remain highly complex and require sophisticated electronic design automation and rigorous process control.

Impact and challenges revolve around the balance of density, performance, and cost. While 5 nm offers meaningful gains in performance per watt and area, it also introduces higher mask, tooling, and fabrication costs, tighter yield management, and greater design complexity. These factors influence product cycles, supply chains, and continued research into subsequent nodes.