Powerchip Technology havd started sampling NAND flash chips built using a 40nm process to clients, according to the company.

Powerchip revealed it has successfully transitioned NAND flash production to 40nm from 75nm, and has begun sampling new products including low-voltage 1.8V NAND chips.

Originally a NAND flash contract manufacturer for Japan's Renesas Technology (now Renesas Electronics as a result of the Renesas-NEC Electronics merger), Powerchip in 2005 obtained a technology license from Renesas and has been developing in-house technology since.

In addition, as part of the company's product mix plan, Powerchip has allocated more capacity to produce panel driver ICs and niche memory for fabless IC firms and IDM vendors. Powerchip pointed out that expanding its foundry division also plays an important role in future growth.

Renesas reportedly has placed orders for driver ICs used in high-resolution panel displays with Powerchip. Powerchip also offers foundry services for specialty DRAM from Etron Technology and Elite Semiconductor Memory Technology (ESMT).

Powerchip currently runs three 12-inch fabs in Taiwan, with a combined capacity of about 120,000 wafers a month. The company was quoted in previous reports saying it allocates one-third of the monthly capacity to contract orders.

Specializing in DRAM, Powerchip expects to complete its 40nm process technology transition in the second half of 2011 and to start manufacturing products on a 30nm node in the fourth quarter. The company also sources 2Gb DDR3 chips from Rexchip Electronics, and supply from the joint venture is going smoothly following a new agreement.

Founded in 2006 as a DRAM-manufacturing JV between Elpida Memory and Powerchip, Rexchip is capable of processing more than 80,000 wafers a month using Elpida's 40nm-class node technology.

In other news, Powerchip has denied media reports that the company is in final talks with Elpida over a possible integration between it, Elpida and ProMOS Technologies.

By: DocMemory
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