I think you see movement to higher end processes even in non-high end stuff. There are lower-end[1] and higher-end[2] microcontrollers moving to more advanced

I think you see movement to higher end processes even in non-high end stuff. There are lower-end[1] and higher-end[2] microcontrollers moving to more advanced processes. And due to the unique manufacturing requirements of those(building flash memory on chip), only a few companies can manufacture those.And this especially true since micro-controllers don't make that much money for fab owners. You see the same story in medium-performance-asic's, fpga's, memories ,etc. In the end, even when you don't have to move to newer(and rarer) manufacturing processes , it give you better prices, lower power and more capabilities. So it tends to happen. [1]infeneon manufactures cortex-m0 on 65nm.32-bit , price: 0.25euro-1.25euro. Included for example a math co-processor for better motor control. [2]Renesas manufactures higher end microcontrollers on 40nm and working on 28nm. [3]Marvell does 55nm microcontroller with large ram, which it targets to internet controlled home appliances.