Silterra Demonstrates Functional 0.13-Micron SRAM

WORKING 8-MEGABIT SRAM RESULTS FROM SUCCESSFUL JDP WITH IMEC

Kulim, Malaysia & Leuven, Belgium (November 30, 2004) – The Joint Development Project (JDP) between Silterra Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. and IMEC, Europe’s leading independent nanoelectronics research center, has already resulted in functional SRAM chips at Silterra’s wafer fabrication facility in Malaysia. The device, an 8-megabit SRAM, was fabricated in the all-copper, foundry compatible 0.13-micron CMOS process technology jointly developed by both companies. 

“We are thrilled that the device works so well on the very first 0.13-micron wafer we ran in our fab,” said Bruce Gray, president and interim CEO of Silterra. “The project is right on schedule with this demonstration of the phenomenal capabilities of both companies. We are now fine tuning the process, putting the customer design kit together, and we should be ready to start production in 2005 as planned.”

A team of Silterra and IMEC engineers has worked diligently since the JDP was launched in July of this year. Two SRAM chips, an 8-megabit and a smaller 4-megabit device, were both functional on the initial development lot processed in Silterra’s fab in Kulim, Malaysia. The process, based on IMEC’s 0.13-micron technology platform, is major foundry compatible and supports up to eight layers of copper wiring. 

“The achievement of these results with Silterra in only four-and-a-half months is simply amazing,” stated Prof. Gilbert Declerck, president and CEO of IMEC. “I am very proud of the team’s flawless execution, dedication and commitment to the project. The success highlights the benefits of collaboration between IMEC and the industry.”

The new technology at Silterra, named CL130G, will enable electronics companies to produce communication, computation and digital consumer products more cost effectively and with vastly more functionality. 

Silterra plans to distribute the design kit to customers in Q2 2005 and start pilot production in July.

About Silterra Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.:

Silterra Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is a leading semiconductor wafer foundry that provides advanced foundry standard CMOS logic, high-voltage and mixed-signal/RF technologies. The company’s wafer fab has a designed capacity of 40,000 eight-inch wafers per month. Silterra, which is committed to world-class service and environmental friendliness, received Notable Mention in the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Hibiscus Award competition for Environmental Performance in 2003. The company is ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001 certified. Silterra’s headquarters and factory are located in Kulim, Malaysia, and has offices in San Jose (California), Scottsdale (Arizona), Hsinchu (Taiwan) and Munich (Germany). For additional information on Silterra or its services, please visit  www.silterra.com.

About IMEC:

IMEC is a world leading independent research center in nanoelectronics and nanotechnology. Its research focuses on the next generations of chips and systems, and on the enabling technologies for ambient intelligence. IMEC’s research bridges the gap between fundamental research at universities and technology development in industry. Its unique balance of processing and system know-how, intellectual property portfolio, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a strong network of companies, universities and research institutes worldwide, positions IMEC as a key partner with which to develop and improve technologies for future systems. 

IMEC is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium and has representatives in the US, China and Japan. Its staff of more than 1300 people includes over 380 industrial residents and guest researchers. In 2003, its revenues were EUR 145 million. Further information on IMEC can be found at www.imec.be.