The Chinese tech giant says its future Kirin and Ascend processors will leverage new design principles to deliver higher performance, even without access to the world’s most advanced chipmaking tools.
Huawei Technologies has outlined an ambitious plan to develop high-end chips with transistor density comparable to 1.4-nanometre technology within the next five years, highlighting China’s push to advance its semiconductor capabilities despite ongoing U.S. sanctions.
Speaking at a semiconductor symposium in Shanghai, Huawei introduced a new chip design principle called the Tau Scaling Law, which focuses on improving performance by reducing the time required for signals and data to move through chips. Rather than relying solely on shrinking transistors, the company aims to boost efficiency through system-level design improvements, an approach that could help overcome limitations caused by restricted access to advanced chipmaking equipment.
Huawei also announced that its upcoming Kirin processors, expected later this year, will be the first to feature a new architecture called LogicFolding. The technology is designed to shorten internal chip wiring, improve data flow, and enhance overall performance. According to the company, it has already designed and mass-produced 381 chips based on Tau Scaling principles over the past six years for applications including smartphones and AI computing.
The announcement comes as Huawei continues to strengthen its position in China’s semiconductor industry. Its Ascend AI chips have become increasingly important for domestic artificial intelligence development and are being used to power advanced Chinese AI models, including DeepSeek’s latest flagship system.
Industry experts view Huawei’s strategy as a practical response to technology restrictions, shifting focus from conventional transistor scaling to improving data movement and system efficiency. While China still trails global leaders in advanced manufacturing processes, the new approach demonstrates how domestic companies are exploring alternative paths to boost chip performance.
Huawei’s progress has also fueled optimism for China’s chip sector. Shares of chipmaker SMIC rose following the announcement, reflecting confidence in the country’s efforts to build a more self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem and reduce dependence on foreign technology suppliers.
