Philips extends research access
"It is thanks to our previous collaboration with IMEC that important differentiators, such as our world-beating RF BiCMOS processes, our highly effective non-volatile embedded memory solutions and our best-in-class TrenchMOS devices, have been made possible," says Theo Claasen, executive vice president for Technology and Strategy at Philips Semiconductors.
The agreement will run for five years, replacing an existing agreement that was scheduled to finish by mid 2005. Philips will gain access to state-of-the-art equipment within IMEC’s existing and newly built cleanroom facilities to develop process steps on both 200mm and 300mm wafers. Philips’ past collaboration with IMEC has already seen several new process technologies being transferred to Philips fabs in East Fishkill (USA), Nijmegen (The Netherlands) and Hazel Grove (UK).
Philips now works with IMEC on three levels. First, as a core partner in IMEC’s sub 45nm CMOS research programme and in a joint research programme (JRP) with IMEC on a 45nm CMOS. This is to prepare continued semiconductor process development within the Philips/Motorola/STMicroelectronics Crolles2 Alliance. The second level is as an individual partner with IMEC in the development of Philips-specific special process technologies. Third, Philips contributes to discussions over the future direction of semiconductor research at IMEC.
