3 ms·

I wonder if there is a market for new fabs for old processes. Make them cheap, modular, easy to setup. Then use them for the embedded market. Maybe promise long

I wonder if there is a market for new fabs for old processes. Make them cheap, modular, easy to setup. Then use them for the embedded market. Maybe promise long lifetimes or multiple proceses to support legacy. Or force everyone on one process with huge supply. Basically, the screws and washers of semiconductors.

xbmcuser 4y ago
After the ban by USA on export of some chips to China. China seems to have invested heavily in these mature nodes in the last 2-3 years not just the bleeding edge so it would be hard for non chinese companies to compete in mature nodes in the future. China was already investing in foundries but the US recent ban seem to have pushed them to invest a lot more and accelerated their ability.
shash 4y ago
Enormously so. Like, you simply can't run motors directly from a 7nm chip. Not to mention, space and radiation hardening - lots of space stuff gets done at 180/130/90...
LargoLasskhyfv 4y ago
Vishay does that right now in Itzehoe, Germany a few dozen miles north-west of Hamburg. 300mm wafers with large structures, but for MEMS , power ,and automotive, mostly. The site already does 200mm wafers, also MEMS, power and automotive. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishay_Intertechnology https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishay_Intertechnology https://jobs.vishay.com/go/Itzehoe/5510701 https://jobs.vishay.com/go/Itzehoe/5510701 Has been planned for a while, building started ca. 2 weeks ago.