Chinese state-owned 12-inch wafer foundry
Shanghai Huali Microelectronics and the European research institute IMEC (Interuniversity
Microelectronics Center) have signed an agreement for collaboration on 65nm
CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) process technology, EE Times
reported on May 25. Huali and IMEC researchers are expected to begin
collaboration at IMEC's facilities in Leuven, Belgim, to come up with a 65nm
manufacturing process tailor-made for Huali.
Huali is a joint venture by the Shanghai
government, Huahong Group, Grace Semiconductor Manufacturing, and other
investors. With an overall investment of 14.5 billion RMB (US$2.1 billion;
US$1=6.8 RMB), Huali is projected to engage in IC manufacturing on 45nm to 90nm
processes. In addition, along with the announcement of collaboration with Huali,
IMEC has set up its China base at the Zhangjiang High-Tech Park in Shanghai.