Huawei’s Kirin 9020 Integrates 5G, Defies Sanctions

## Huawei’s Kirin 9020 Integrates 5G Modem, Marking Technological Progress

Huawei has released the Kirin 9020 processor, a key component in its Mate 90 and Pura 80 smartphone lines, incorporating a 5G modem directly into the chip’s design. This development highlights the company’s continued investment in domestic semiconductor development amidst ongoing U.S. trade restrictions. The integration of a 5G modem into a processor is a technically challenging feat, requiring expertise in radio frequency (RF) design and adherence to global standards.

The Kirin 9020 utilizes Arm cores (up to 2.50 GHz) and a Mali-based GPU (840 MHz) and is manufactured using a 7nm-class fabrication process by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC). A key feature is the inclusion of Huawei’s Balong 6000 5G modem. Additionally, Huawei has developed its own 5G front-end module (FEM), addressing previous limitations on importing advanced radio frequency components.

The chip’s release represents a step towards greater technological self-sufficiency for China and serves as a validation of SMIC’s advanced manufacturing capabilities. The process of integrating a 5G modem into a smartphone processor is exceptionally complex, requiring substantial resources and expertise.

**Source:** Tom’s Hardware News & Reviews ([https://www.tomshardware.com/](https://www.tomshardware.com/))

Source: https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/semiconductors/huaweis-kirin-9020-integrates-5g-modem-china-made-5g-fem-chip-symbolizes-resilience-to-u-s-sanctions