|
|
 |
|
|
Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing and
Singapore Research & University Organizations Complete Cooperative
Development Program
SINGAPORE -- May 6, 1999 -- Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing,
the Institute of Microelectronics (IME), the Institute of Materials Research
& Engineering (IMRE), the National Science & Technology Board
(NSTB), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and National University of
Singapore (NUS) have announced the successful completion of a three-year
collaborative development effort in semiconductor manufacturing
technologies.
The success of the program lays the foundation for ensuring a smooth
transition to further collaboration that will address implementation of CMOS
0.18-micron manufacturing processes later this year.
Begun in 1996, the collaborative project successfully implemented CMOS
0.25-micron manufacturing processing refinements that support applications
ranging from telecommunications, data communications and high-end computing
to mobile computing and consumer electronics. The program has also produced
more than 60 patent applications, an equal number of published scientific
papers, and a host of graduates with advanced degrees in semiconductor
manufacturing technologies.
Significant advances have included the development of 3.3- and 2.5-volt
processes that offer low power and fast transistor performance, which
improve overall integrated circuit (IC) performance. In addition, the teams
optimized IC designs by creating "borderless" chips with tightly packed
layouts that shrunk the overall size of the chip.
"By forming partnership networks, Chartered supports its global customer
base with an array of services that address the complete semiconductor
product development cycle," said John Martin, Chartered vice president of
research & development. "Our customers benefit from the research
resources available to us in Singapore, while the prestigious organizations
here gain exposure to the innovative technologies developed by Chartered’s
world-class customer base."
Continuing, Dr. Martin said, "The support of NSTB and participation by
Singapore’s finest research organization and universities have resulted in
the creation of expert technologists and a patent portfolio that distinguish
Singapore’s semiconductor industry. Once again, a Chartered partnership has
demonstrated that the power of one can be multiplied into the power of many
through cooperation."
Professor Hang Chang Chieh, chairman of the steering committee for this
project, deputy chairman of NSTB and deputy vice-chancellor of NUS, said,
"The successful completion of this project is an excellent testimony of the
top-rate expertise and capability which can be offered by the established
technology infrastructure in Singapore. Chartered has brought with them
expertise in deep-submicron research and industry-leading manufacturing
process capabilities. These capabilities -- developed internally and through
joint ventures and technology development agreements with the industry’s
leading players -- benefit Singapore's semiconductor industry. In turn,
Singapore’s research organizations and universities have played a key role
in providing complementary research work and developing talents to meet the
human resource demands of global semiconductor companies."
Said Professor Lim Mong King, deputy president of NTU, "NTU is pleased to
have actively participated in this project. Besides benefiting tremendously
from this project, the students were also able to contribute their ideas and
knowledge, some of which have been integrated into the 0.25-micron process
flow."
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).
About NSTB
NSTB is the agency driving Singapore's transformation into a
knowledge-based economy through promotion of R&D activities. Established
by the Singapore government in 1991, it is a statutory board under the
Ministry of Trade and Industry.
The Board's mission is to champion and facilitate initiatives to develop
a conducive environment stimulating knowledge creation in, and the
enterprising use of science and technology. Two of its major developmental
thrusts are
- to catalyze R&D activities and develop core technological
capabilities in multinational and local companies located in Singapore
- to strengthen Singapore’s technology infrastructure to build up a
cache of expertise for the industry to draw upon, and to develop
economically-strategic R&D to position industries for long-term
competitiveness
About IMRE
The mission of The Institute of Materials Research & Engineering (http://www.imre.org.sg/) is
to promote economic growth and create knowledge-based enterprises through
strategic and innovative applications of advanced materials and processes.
IMRE's research programs include Microelectronic Materials, Advanced
Polymers, Advanced Batteries, Optoelectronics and Photonics.
IMRE has a strong collaboration with industry, and its collaborators
include Siemens AG to jointly develop organic light-emitting displays
(OLEDs) on flexible substrate; an inter-institutional collaboration with
British Gas Asia Pacific to develop polymeric membranes for natural gas
purification; and with Hitachi Chemical DuPont Microsystems to study
photosensitive polyimides. IMRE's vigorous local and international
partnerships with universities, research institutes and industry provides us
with the resources, capabilities, and knowledge capital to create technology
leadership.
About IME
Institute of Microelectronics (IME), a National Research and Development
Institute, specializes in areas related to Microelectronics, from deep
submicron process development to multimedia and communication systems
implementation. The key strategic areas of R&D consist of
Miniaturization, Smart Sensor Technologies, Deep Sub-Micron Integrated
Circuit Technology, Advanced Services and Training. With these capabilities,
IME is able to provide Total Solutions to problems and projects in
microelectronics. This has attracted both the Multi-National and Local
Companies to work with IME. At the same time, it has also drawn foreign
talents to come to work in IME. For more information on the Institute of
Microelectronics, please refer to IME's website http://www.ime.org.sg./
About NTU
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is Singapore's university of
industry and business. Its learning environment is characterized by the
promotion of enterprise and working links with industry, commerce and the
professions, and by a creative, enquiring and analytical approach that
encourages innovation and professionalism.
The vision for NTU is that of an internationally renowned university with
a vibrant multinational community of academics and students; a center of
international research collaboration; a regional center of tertiary
education; and where our students leave as graduates with more open minds as
a result of their exposure to the international elements of their courses
and social interaction in NTU.
NTU was set up in 1991. It received its first batch of engineering
students in 1982. Despite its short history, NTU's professional education in
engineering has long gained international recognition. As early as in 1985,
the Commonwealth Engineering Council commended NTU's engineering curriculum
as a model for other engineering institutions to follow.
About NUS
Cutting Edge Research - NUS is a modern, vibrant and dynamic institution
that has assiduously built up a strong commitment to quality teaching and
research. It enjoys an established reputation as a hub of cutting-edge
research and technology, continually forging ahead in research consistent
with its strategy of maintaining high research output in all disciplines and
pursuing multi-disciplinary research activities that serve national and
international interests.
With more than 2,600 teaching and full-time research staff, some 80% of
whom have PhDs, NUS plays a pivotal role in the promotion of research and
development in the nation's advancement. The University plays host to several
national research institutes and centres which have made significant
contributions to the advancement of cutting-edge research in the fields of
engineering, medicine, science and information technology. In addition, the
University has more than 40 faculty-based research institutes and centres
which strengthen and support R&D collaboration with industry and external
organizations. The thriving research environment and active research
collaborations have produced notable research findings in the various
disciplines, many of which have been patented or transferred to industry for
commercial development. Staff research results have also been commercialized
with the formation of spin-off companies and technology ventures. To learn
more about NUS, please visit our NUS website at http://www.nus.edu.sg/
|
|
|
|
