Analysts: TSMC still faces 40-nm problems

Mark LaPedus, EE Times
(11/06/2009 4:54 PM EST)

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Silicon foundry giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC) is still having yield issues with its 40-nm process, according to analysts.

TSMC's 40-nm yield problems surfaced earlier this year, but the company claimed it largely resolved the problem. However, during a conference call on Thursday, graphics chip maker Nvidia Corp. discussed 40-nm capacity and yield constraints at its foundry partner--TSMC.

Advanced Micro Devices Inc.'s graphics chip group is also seeing similar problems at TSMC, but not all are suffering with lackluster yields. John Daane, president, chief executive, and chairman of the board of Altera Corp., said that the FPGA house has been shipping parts, based on a 40-nm process from TSMC. ''The yields are good,'' Daane told EE Times.

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