With a shortage on ASML's NXT:1950i, some Taiwan-based DRAM manufacturers will not receive shipments of the equipment for another 12 months, which is hampering their transition beyond 38nm processes, according to industry sources.
The NXT:1950i is ASML's latest immersion scanner designed for producing 12-inch wafers at the 32nm node and beyond.
Previous reports cited industry sources indicating that the lead time for ASML's NXT:1950i had been extended to almost 12 months. The DRAM makers, which did not make their advance purchases, have switched to ASML's older-generation XT systems that provide manufacturing down to 38nm.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), Samsung Electronics and Toshiba - companies in far stronger financial positions - placed orders for the scanners ahead of the DRAM makers, and therefore should experience no delays in process transition, the sources said.
The inability of ASML to supply enough equipment is seen as one of the two issues that potentially might impact DRAM supply in the second half of 2010, iSuppli pointed out in its August research report.