Pete's Posts

The Chip Shortage Wake-up Call

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Comments (2)
  1. Gary Dagastine says:

    U.S.-based specialty foundries like GlobalFoundries and Skywater Technologies are at a defining moment in time.

  2. Bill Martin says:

    GF stopped competing around 20-14nm and is several generations behind TSMC.
    Skywater is even farther behind at 130nm (if my memory is correct).

    The key equipment is very different and expensive at 5nm. In addition, it may require 100% automation (no humans) along with a foundation that is isolated to prevent small vibrations that can cause yield loss. Many advanced fabs try to locate away from earthquake faults, major expressways, train lines and airports as well as the major air traffic patterns. Unsure if any of the fabs the GF or Skywater have fit the more stringent requirements. Nor have the deep pockets required to finance (one reason why GF dropped out at 14nm and has not pursued smaller geometries).