News Article
IP purchase will further 90nm process knowledge with NROM technology
Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), and Saifun Semiconductors (SFUN) have announced that the two companies have signed an agreement whereby Saifun will acquire the IP and know-how of 90nm process technology.
Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), and Saifun Semiconductors (SFUN) have announced that the two companies have signed an agreement whereby Saifun will acquire the IP and know-how of 90nm process technology. This IP purchase is the first part of a development co-operation which will continue to next generation advanced technologies.Samples of the first SMIC Data (NAND) flash product based on the 90 nm process technology have already been shipped and the product is expected to reach the market later this year. The 2Gb product, based on Saifun NROM technology, is the highest density of Data flash in the same technology node. The next product to follow will be of 8Gb density, based on Saifun Quad NROM four-bit-per-cell technology, and is scheduled to reach the market early in 2008.Both companies are investing in the productisation of high-density Data flash and in developing broader applications utilising the advantages of Quad NROM 4-bit-per-cell technology."We see great potential with NROM technology. The development of the first NAND product is just the beginning of the successful cooperation with Saifun. This agreement further cements our partnership to penetrate the NAND Flash market," commented Dr. Richard Chang, CEO of SMIC."This agreement marks an important milestone in our relationship with SMIC as they launch their first product to the very challenging Data, or NAND, market, based on our NROM technology." commented Dr. Boaz Eitan, Chairman and CEO of Saifun Semiconductors . "It is particularly important for Saifun as it will enable us to expand our IP portfolio of process technology for the benefit of our licensees."As we move forward, we look forward to with SMIC on more advanced processes and applications," continued Eitan working, "and are confident that the combination of Saifun NROM technology and SMIC technical expertise and manufacturing capabilities place both companies in an excellent position to offer the best cost performance products to the market."
