TSMC positive about switch to 450mm wafers

Chang indicated that TSMC is doing broad scale development and research for 18-inch wafer production, with primary concerns being economy of production among equipment makers, chipmakers and customers. Recalling the transition history from 4- to 6- to 8- to 12-inch wafer production, Chang said every generation brought new economic value, but that the transition from 12- to 18-inch production is not obvious as compared with previous transitions. Chang stated that there are no barriers that cannot be overcome for 18-inch wafer production and that he is positive about the migration.