The development of the advanced chip production techniques generally went through several stages from the initial project establishment to the final success.
Tape-out: Production of the first usable chip.
Trial production: Attempt mass production. The first batch of usable chips would be produced after achieving certain results.
Mass production began: The product yield met the standard set out and the product could be continuously manufactured in large quantities. This is the most desired result of the chip foundry.
So, what was the progress of the research into the 7-nanometer production techniques?
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