Because there aren't that many customers for these tools. And they need constantly updating/replacing as each new node reveals a problem what has to be dealt with in the design phase. You probably had the low entry-pricing for your first chip, but now you're on your fourth you'll be expected to pay the full whack for the tools you need. But wait until you go sub 20nm and need the advanced TCAD toolsets. Those really are eye-wateringly expensiveThis is a very good point. It IS eye wateringly expensive to develop silicon. The software tools are astronomically expensive. I really don't know why - monopoly market I suspect.
Statistics: Posted by MikeDB — Wed Oct 01, 2025 10:42 pm