Chartered implements CMP

10/01/1998

Chartered implements CMP

Chartered Semiconductor`s CMP program is seeing rapid growth as it brings up 0.35-?m and below processes, but the Singapore foundry is finding that a lack of local consumables support has become a critical issue in implementing the CMP process throughout its fabs. Jiazhen Zheng, Chartered section manager for R&D/CMP, cited several support issues of concern, including long response and repair times, lack of local warehouse supply, and insufficiently trained field service engineers and support engineers. Moreover, cost of ownership rises with the lack of local supply.

In another development, Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, Singapore, and Pivotal Technologies LLC, Pasadena, CA, have signed a joint marketing agreement that allows the two companies to comarket analog and mixed-signal IP developed by Pivotal for Chartered`s foundry processes. Pivotal will offer its OptiMix line of silicon-ready analog and mixed-signal components, such as phase lock loops, crystal oscillators, charge pumps, and other analog interface support elements for system-on-a-chip designs. - P.N.D.