Increased concern over TSMC's 40nm process

Posted on Thursday, July 02 2009 @ 13:41 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
FBR Capital Markets reports Taiwanese foundry TSMC is hit by double ordering and still suffering from very bad 40nm yields. Analyst Mehdi Hosseini claims yields of TSMC's 40nm process are as low as 20 percent to 30 percent:
''In fact, not only do our checks suggest 40-nm yields but, to our surprise, these have remained below 30 percent, affecting shipments in 2H09,'' he said in the report. ''We believe yields are as low as 20 percent to 30 percent, which may explain the recent management change. We think some key customers who are increasing 40-nm tape-outs have already started to evaluate other foundries (UMC) in case yields do not improve soon.''

TSMC recently acknowledged that it had 40-nm yield issues, but claimed those problems were largely fixed. The ''management change'' involved a recent shake-up at silicon foundry giant TSMC.


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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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Re: Increased concern over TSMC's 40nm process
by Anonymous on Thursday, July 02 2009 @ 14:05 CEST
Folks may also want to be concerned that the "quality" and "longevity" of said 40nm parts that DO function may be at risk down the road...