November 27, 2007 – Toshiba and NEC Electronics say they will extend their work on 45nm process technology to collaborate on developing 32nm system LSIs, in order to continue to speed up development and share cost burdens.

“Derivative and differentiated” processes will be discussed separately, and the two companies also are in talks over whether to form a joint manufacturing concern, with a decision expected sometime next year, notes the Nikkei daily.

The two firms have worked together on 45nm LSIs since Feb. 2006, with work done at Toshiba’s Advanced Microelectronics Center in Yokohama. Mass production of 45nm devices is expected as soon as next fiscal year.

In addition to the interesting nugget about possible joint manufacturing work, what’s also notable in this partnership is that it does not involve Fujitsu, who as recently as July was part of the plans. The Nikkei daily notes, though, that although Toshiba and NEC are ready to go it alone, they are still in negotiations with Fujitsu to keep the partnership alive.