Tech
Foundry high-voltage process prices up
Foundry prices for high-voltage processes, required for production of LCD driver ICs and some handset chips, have been increasing due to surging demand. Eight-inch, high-voltage (30V or higher) processes at Vanguard International Semiconductor (VIS) are priced about 40% higher than standard CMOS processes, while prices for 6-inch, high-voltage processes at Episil Technologies and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) are close to quotes for standard 8-inch CMOS processes.
Foundry prices for high-voltage processes, required for production of LCD driver ICs and some handset chips, have been increasing due to surging demand. Eight-inch, high-voltage (30V or higher) processes at Vanguard International Semiconductor (VIS) are priced about 40% higher than standard CMOS processes, while prices for 6-inch, high-voltage processes at Episil Technologies and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) are close to quotes for standard 8-inch CMOS processes. According to sources, prices for 8-inch, standard 3.3V CMOS processes range between US$500 and US$1,300, depending on the number of metal layers and production technology, while prices for 8-inch, high-voltage processes start at US$700.