September 29, 2005 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. has joined the SEMATECH semiconductor consortium to address next-generation semiconductor technologies, including lithography and materials, both of which are crucial to future semiconductor transistor development. Officials for both companies announced the decision yesterday, following the signing of a formal member participation agreement in Giheung.
“We’re delighted that an industry leader as prominent as Samsung has joined our members, who are also industry leaders, in driving critical programs that will accelerate the commercialization of technology innovations into manufacturing solutions,” said SEMATECH CEO Michael R. Polcari. “Samsung clearly recognizes the challenges that semiconductor R&D poses for world-class chip manufacturers, and like all of our members, they appreciate the benefits of pre-competitive collaboration.”
Samsung’s membership in SEMATECH will give the company access to a wide range of technology projects that include extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and 193nm immersion lithography; front-end processes such as advanced gate stack and non-classical CMOS; and low-k and alternative materials for interconnect. Samsung will send several assignees to SEMATECH to participate in this work.
“Samsung Electronics appreciates this opportunity to participate in leading-edge R&D at the world’s most influential chip consortium,” said Byung-Il Ryu, EVP of Samsung Electronics’ Semiconductor R&D center. “The competitive advantages we expect to gain in manufacturing efficiency and advanced technology solutions will set the stage for next generation semiconductors, creating new markets and opportunities in the IT revolution.”
Samsung has been a member of International SEMATECH Manufacturing Initiative (ISMI), a SEMATECH subsidiary, since April; ISMI focuses on improving fab productivity both tactically and strategically. In addition to Samsung, SEMATECH and ISMI members include AMD, Freescale, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Infineon, Intel, Panasonic, Philips, Spansion, TSMC, and Texas Instruments. Collectively, these companies account for about half of the revenues of the world’s semiconductor manufacturers.