UMC, Sematech partner to propel 300-mm technology
The two parties believe UMC is a natural partner for Sematech given its large-scale 300-mm production for 90- and 65-nm foundry products. In addition, UMC reminded it is currently qualifying its 45-/40-nm process technology, and is making good progress on 32-nm/28-nm technology.
By Ann Steffora Mutschler, Senior Editor -- EDN, July 28, 2008
To focus on R&D for exploratory technologies on 300-mm wafers, including the 22-nm manufacturing node and smaller process generations, Hsinchu, Taiwan-based semiconductor manufacturing foundry United Microelectronics Corp (UMC) has joined Austin, Texas-based Sematech, the consortium of semiconductor manufacturers focused on cooperative R&D for advanced semiconductor technology.
Sematech noted that strong synergies have been created to drive the cooperation with UMC, especially with Sematech progress with its advanced technology and manufacturing programs in Albany and Austin, as well as with suppliers, universities, and research institutes around the world.
The two parties believe UMC is a natural partner for Sematech given its large-scale 300-mm production for 90- and 65-nm foundry products. In addition, UMC reminded it is currently qualifying its 45-/40-nm process technology, and is making good progress on 32-nm/28-nm technology.
Dr. Shih Wei Sun, CEO of UMC said partnering with Sematech is a win-win situation for both organizations. “The combination of UMC’s 300-mm manufacturing experience and process technology expertise and Sematech’s wealth of knowledge in the field of semiconductor R&D will help the industry better handle the challenges of migration to next generation processes,” he said in a statement.
He also noted that UMC is excited about Sematech’s commitment to 300-mm exploratory R&D and look forward to passing the benefits of this technology relationship to customers.
“UMC will be an important partner in accelerating the progress of R&D innovations into manufacturing solutions,” added Sematech president and CEO Dr. Michael Polcari.
