A new chip-design tool kit devised by three of the world's top electronics makers could bring state-of-the-art chips to the production lines of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC,
The tool kit is made up of design rules and blueprints made to help chip developers create new products as quickly as possible. By using a standard design that would hopefully be used by a multitude of other companies, foundry manufacturers such as TSMC will be able to produce chips faster and at lower cost.
The new technology will help increase the amount of good chips lifted off each wafer, reducing waste.
"The foundry can ramp up volume production more quickly, with less engineers needed for each [new chip product]," said George Wu (
"It will provide opportunities to gain new customers," said Tseng Jin-hao (
The design kit was developed by European giants STMicroelectronics NV and Royal Philips Electronics NV, with US-based Motorola Inc set to help companies build "system on chip" (SoC) at the tiny level of 90 nanometers. SoC chips combine many functions, such as graphics, memory and logic, all on one chip.
TSMC has also worked with the three multinational companies to ensure that the design is easy to manufacture. One of the main problems in developing new semiconductors is that they are often not easy to mass produce. Chips that are truly revolutionary sometimes never make it to market since they are too difficult to manufacture, making them too costly.
By cooperating on a design kit and manufacturing process technology, the four companies could have a major impact on the future of chipmaking. The design kit allows new companies to create a chip without starting from scratch. All chips would come from an easy to produce mold based on a standard manufacturing process, driving innovation as companies develop smaller, higher-powered chips.
According to Maria Grazia Prestini, director of media relations at STMicroelectronics, TSMC has played an important role in the development of the manufacturing process. She also clarified the agreement and how licensing fees would be divided by the partners.
She said Motorola, ST and Philips developed the design kit as a product to be used alongside the manufacturing process, making it distinct from TSMC's 90nm project.
"The manufacturing process has been co-developed by the four partners and is also co-owned by the four partners," she said.
Chipmakers other than TSMC could be licensed to use the new technology process, she said.
"Each company is allowed to make chips in other foundries, provided that this foundry is able to manufacture them using their own technology," she said.
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