News Article
New report examines 450mm wafer fab economics
Unbiased report compares 300mm and projected 450mm cost structures.
Wright Williams & Kelly, Inc. (WWK), a cost & productivity management software and consulting services company, announced today the availability of an unbiased report examining the cost structures of 300mm and 450mm wafer fabs.
In April 2007, WWK conducted the first survey of semiconductor industry professionals asking, among other things, about the expected arrival date of 450mm wafers. The most common answer was 2013 or later, which was the last date specific choice. However, WWK was surprised to find that nearly 40% answered that 450mm wafers would never happen. Subsequently, WWK decided to look closer at 450mm wafers and their impact on semiconductor manufacturing economics. The findings of that study are presented in the report entitled, “An Economic Comparison of 450mm and 300mm Fabs.”
“Given the historical framework of the aborted introduction of 300mm wafers and the dire impact that had on the supply base, it is easy to see why equipment companies are taking a hard line on who will pay for the next wafer size jump,” states Daren Dance, Vice President of Technology at WWK. “We have endeavoured to look at the issue of transitioning from 300mm to 450mm wafers from an unbiased perspective that is neither funded nor supported by suppliers, IDMs, or foundries. We believe this report is the first honest examination of the economic and other driving factors that will support or refute the move to 450mm wafers.”
In April 2007, WWK conducted the first survey of semiconductor industry professionals asking, among other things, about the expected arrival date of 450mm wafers. The most common answer was 2013 or later, which was the last date specific choice. However, WWK was surprised to find that nearly 40% answered that 450mm wafers would never happen. Subsequently, WWK decided to look closer at 450mm wafers and their impact on semiconductor manufacturing economics. The findings of that study are presented in the report entitled, “An Economic Comparison of 450mm and 300mm Fabs.”
“Given the historical framework of the aborted introduction of 300mm wafers and the dire impact that had on the supply base, it is easy to see why equipment companies are taking a hard line on who will pay for the next wafer size jump,” states Daren Dance, Vice President of Technology at WWK. “We have endeavoured to look at the issue of transitioning from 300mm to 450mm wafers from an unbiased perspective that is neither funded nor supported by suppliers, IDMs, or foundries. We believe this report is the first honest examination of the economic and other driving factors that will support or refute the move to 450mm wafers.”
