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by DoctorOetker 184 days ago
How does one even smuggle an ASML machine? I'd assume the machine stops working if the GPS position doesn't compute, at end of life I wouldn't expect ASML to allow these devices nor their components to end up on the second hand market, I'd expect the future transfers to require continued permission of ASML, much like weapons distribution.
3 comments
cryptonector 184 days ago
The machines live indoors, far from being able to see GPS signals. Sure, you could require that there be an antenna run to the roof, but you can spoof that stuff.

The thing that helps prevent smuggling of ASML machines is that a) there are few of them (i.e., people would notice), b) it requires tremendous effort to move them at all, let alone without anyone noticing.

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DoctorOetker 184 days ago
it might contain accelerometers, which burn away cryptographic fuses ( setting them all '1' or all '0' so to speak)?
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scrlk 184 days ago
Considering that these tools are installed in seismically active areas [0], the last thing a customer would want is for the tool to zeroise itself because of an earthquake.

[0] https://www.reuters.com/technology/tsmc-says-all-its-sites-o...

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DoctorOetker 184 days ago
earthquakes tend to be predicted a few minutes beforehand, so plenty of time for ASML to sign a temporary exception order for their machines.
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bgnn 184 days ago
These machines are not like John Deere tractors. If you own the hardware, you own it. They won't be connected to internet. Security first!

Smuggling part is happening on the old machines before EUV. There's a lot of them available on the second hand market thanks to Europe and US keep shutting down their old fabs. I don't think any DUV machine is smuggled. Even if they physically smuggled one, you need a team of ASML engineers to set it up and calibrate. You can guess what ASML will do in this case.

By the way, let's don't forget: ASML doesn't have any problems with China. They are incredibly annoyed with US and Dutch governments. This is potentially the biggest market they are missing out. Even then, they won't tolerate a summugling operation.

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maxglute 184 days ago
I don't think entire machine, more components to keep current machines, some export controlled after purchase, running.
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