7nanometer

7 nanometer refers to a semiconductor manufacturing process node. It describes the approximate size of the transistors on an integrated circuit, specifically the distance between the centers of source and drain regions of a MOSFET. This feature size, measured in nanometers, is a key metric in the advancement of semiconductor technology. A smaller process node generally allows for more transistors to be packed into the same area, leading to increased performance, lower power consumption, and smaller chip sizes. The 7nm process represents a significant miniaturization compared to previous generations. Companies like TSMC and Samsung were among the pioneers in mass-producing chips using this technology. While "7nm" is a designation, it doesn't strictly correspond to a physical dimension of 7 nanometers. Instead, it's a marketing term that reflects a generational leap in transistor density and efficiency. The development and implementation of 7nm processes involve highly complex lithography techniques and advanced materials science. Subsequent nodes, such as 5nm and 3nm, have continued this trend of miniaturization.