Powerchip to End NAND Flash Tie-up with Renesas, to Move Related R&D to Taiwan
April 02, 2010
Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor confirmed on
March 31 that it will buy back all shares in Vantel, a NAND flash chipset
design venture formed with Japan's Renesas Technology, according to an April 1
Apple Daily report. Renesas has recalled all employees stationed at Vantel, while
Powerchip has let go about 30 workers and ceased operation at the venture.
Nevertheless, Powerchip said that it will relocate related operations in Taiwan
and the main Japanese R&D staff will be transferred to Taiwan, too. Powerchip
is currently capable of mass producing 70nm and 50nm NAND flash chips while
40nm chips are being sampled. The company, which has already started developing
30nm chips, said that it will continue to invest in NAND flash R&D, unaffected
by the termination of tie-up with Renesas.