Lucent Technologies, Chartered Semiconductor Collaborate on Advanced Copper, Aluminum Interconnects for Next Generation ICs

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- March 8, 1999 -- Lucent Technologies and Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing today announced an agreement to jointly develop fabrication processes for high-performance copper and aluminum interconnects in next-generation CMOS (0.18-micron/0.16-micron) integrated circuits. The companies expect to begin prototyping new devices in the fourth quarter of this year.

As part of the collaboration, the two companies will merge their development efforts on Lucent's 0.16-micron and Chartered's 0.18-micron technologies, to deliver a common manufacturing process platform using advanced low-k dielectric aluminum and copper interconnects. A team of Lucent and Chartered engineers will develop the processes at Lucent's R&D facility in Orlando, Florida, then transfer them to Silicon Manufacturing Partners (SMP) -- Lucent and Chartered's joint-venture fab in Singapore -- for volume manufacturing. The two companies will also be able to implement the advanced processes in any of their individually owned fabs.

The jointly developed interconnect technologies will be combined with transistor technologies from either Chartered or Lucent to satisfy the specific needs of their individual customers. The resulting processes will be optimized for ICs used in data communications, mobile communications, graphics, and consumer electronics -- designs which benefit from high density, low-power consumption and cost efficiency.

Last week, Chartered announced the first four participants in a new partnership network of leading electronic design automation (EDA) and intellectual property (IP) companies which will support implementation of Chartered’s 0.18-micron processes for customer requirements.

"Our joint development work with Chartered will help us make advanced interconnect technologies with a common tool set available at Silicon Manufacturing Partners and at our other fabs worldwide," said Mark Pinto, chief technology officer for Lucent’s Microelectronics Group. "That gives us more flexibility to match manufacturing demand with fab capacity and availability, in-turn helping us deliver customer orders more quickly."

"The combination of Lucent's advanced interconnect technology and Chartered's own foundry optimized processes will give customers the best of two worlds," stated John Martin, vice-president of technology development at Chartered. "We can provide a leading process from a blue-chip supplier with systems expertise, and at the same time, deliver a process that is foundry-friendly and optimized to the requirements of our diverse customer base."

Mrs. Lee Ying Adams, assistant chief executive, Singapore National Science and Technology Board, said, "This joint development collaboration is significant as it will elevate the level of technology capability and expertise in the wafer fab industry in Singapore. The Chartered/Lucent collaboration will shorten the development process. And in the semiconductor industry, fast time-to-market is an important business consideration."

Lucent and Chartered formed their manufacturing joint venture, called Silicon Manufacturing Partners, in January of 1998. The 8-inch fab, which is delivering prototypes, features a 46,000 square-foot clean room that can generate up to 26,000 wafers per month.

About Lucent

Lucent's Microelectronics Group designs and manufactures integrated circuits and optoelectronic components for the computer and communications industries. More information about the Microelectronics Group is available from its web site at http://www.lucent.com/micro.

About Chartered

Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing (www.charteredsemi.com) is a leading dedicated foundry, offering advanced wafer manufacturing processes for a broad range of CMOS logic, memory and mixed-signal technologies. Through alliances with complementary service providers, Chartered helps customers gain access to best-in-class services ranging from design to assembly and final test of packaged chips.

Known for quality processes and exceptional customer service, Chartered is a recipient of Semiconductor International Magazine's Top Fab award. Headquartered in Singapore, the Company operates sales and service offices worldwide. Chartered is a member company of Singapore Technologies, a technology-based multinational conglomerate with 1997 revenues of S $5.4 billion (US $3.4 billion).

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