Most Viewed Stories for the Week of Nov. 9, 2009
David Lammers, News Editor -- Semiconductor International, 11/13/2009
TSMC vs. SMIC — perhaps the largest trade secrets trial since Polaroid vs. Kodak — resulted in dramatic changes at SMIC, China's flagship foundry. With a new CEO and a newly clean IP slate, SMIC's fortunes appear on the upturn despite losing at trial. Applied Materials surprised with its good fourth fiscal quarter, and with plans to lay off another 1300-1500 people. The 450 mm program at ISMI worked with Nikko Metals to develop hybrid 450 mm wafers, designed to save costs and spur equipment development.
Richard Chang Fired as SMIC CEO; David N.K. Wang Takes Helm
David Lammers, News Editor — Semiconductor International, 11/10/2009
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Richard Chang, the founder of Shanghai-based foundry SMIC, was forced out as CEO following a settlement between TSMC and SMIC in their long-running intellectual property trial. As part of the agreement, TSMC acquired a "substantial portion" of SMIC's stock.
Applied Cutting Staff as Demand Improves
David Lammers, News Editor — Semiconductor International, 11/12/2009
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Applied Materials CEO Mike Splinter said the company remains cautious about the recovery, amid improved orders for the fiscal fourth quarter. The company will cut staff by 10-12%, depend more on suppliers, and build more equipment in Singapore and Tainan, China, Splinter said following release of its fiscal fourth quarter financial results.
TSMC vs. SMIC Ends With $200M Settlement
David Lammers, News Editor — Semiconductor International, 11/9/2009
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The trade secrets trial between foundries TSMC and SMIC ended Monday, with SMIC agreeing to pay $200M and additional stock and warrants to TSMC. Last week, the jury in the two-month-long trial held in California Superior Court in Oakland, Calif., found that SMIC had misappropriated TSMC's intellectual property, including trade secrets related to 130 nm process technology.
TSMC to Take No Day-to-Day Role in SMIC
David Lammers, News Editor — Semiconductor International, 11/11/2009
SMIC announced the terms of its legal settlement with TSMC. After founder Richard Chang was replaced as SMIC CEO, sources speculated that TSMC would play a behind-the-scenes role at the Shanghai-based foundry. SMIC will grant TSMC stocks and warrants worth ~10%, but TSMC will not have a seat on the board or take an active role in day-to-day operations, SMIC said.
Nikko Metals Offers Hybrid 450 mm Wafers
David Lammers, News Editor — Semiconductor International, 11/6/2009
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Nikko Metals, a subsidiary of Nippon Mining and Metals, is readying hybrid 450 mm wafers that sinter a 300 mm single-crystal silicon wafer inside a 450 mm polycrystalline wafer. The goal is to save money for companies developing process equipment targeted to the 450 mm wafer diameter.
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