Carl Johnson submits: The semiconductor memory business -
he used to post here once in a while (from what I recall several years ago NAND flash was supposed to crash).
adding that production costs at a 12-inch fab are 20-30% lower than at an 8-inch fab.
even die size advantage (6F2 versus 8F2) Micron is really pushing 8 inch...In comparison, foreign competitors have a lower proportion of output from 12-inch facilities: Samsung Electronics has 50%, Hynix Semiconductor 26%, Elpida Memory 76%, Qimonda 56%, and Micron Technology 31%, the sources pointed out.
Micron is trailing because of being (overly) conservative in ramping 300mm.
Taiwan DRAM makers outflanking foreign competitors in 12-inch fab production
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Hans Wu, Taipei; Rodney Chan, DigiTimes.com [Thursday 5 October 2006]
Taiwan DRAM makers are outflanking their foreign competitors in terms of output from 12-inch fabs, with some of the major local DRAM makers obtaining 80% or more of their output from 12-inch facilities, according to industry sources.
Powerchip Semiconductor Corporation (PSC), which has three 12-inch fabs and is planning to build more, obtains 80% of its current output from its 12-inch facilities, the sources indicated.
ProMOS Technologies currently operates two 12-inch fabs, which also account for 80% of the company's current output. ProMOS is now building a third 12-inch fab.
While Inotera Memories has all of its production from 12-inch facilities, Nanya Technology, which lacks a 12-inch capability, has decided to build its first 12-inch fab, with a pilot run expected to start in the third quarter of 2007, the sources indicated.
The Taiwan DRAM makers' aggressive expansion of their 12-inch facilities is expected to help them cut costs and improve revenues and profits, the sources commented, adding that production costs at a 12-inch fab are 20-30% lower than at an 8-inch fab.
In comparison, foreign competitors have a lower proportion of output from 12-inch facilities: Samsung Electronics has 50%, Hynix Semiconductor 26%, Elpida Memory 76%, Qimonda 56%, and Micron Technology 31%, the sources pointed out. |
