Taipei, Aug. 1, 2008 (CENS)--United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shih-wei Sun recently announced his company would join SEMATECH North, which would allow his company to get access to the consortium`s resources for development of sub 22nm processes.

SEMATECH is an international consortium of semiconductor manufacturers that conducts and sponsors cooperative research and development of advanced semiconductor technology.

Sun noted that his company`s relationship with the consortium would focus on research and development for exploratory technologies on 300mm wafers, including 22nm and beyond process generations. He added that 22nm and beyond process generations have become the key to the competitiveness of silicon foundry industry.
"Partnering with SEMATECH is a win-win situation for both organizations," said Sun, CEO of UMC. He added the combination of UMC`s 300mm manufacturing experience and process technology expertise and SEMATECH`s wealth of knowledge in the field of semiconductor R&D will help the industry better handle the challenges of migration to next generation processes. "We are excited about SEMATECH`s commitment to 300mm exploratory research and development and look forward to passing the benefits of this technology relationship to our customers."
Sun and his predecessor, Jackson Hu, are considered to be the engineers behind UMC`s success in drawing it closer to No.1 foundry Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) in process competition. UMC once lagged behind TSMC in the development of 0.13-micorn and 90-nm processes.

UMC is a natural partner for SEMATECH. In addition to large-scale 300mm production for 90nm and 65nm foundry products, UMC is currently qualifying its 45nm/40nm technology, and making good progress on 32nm/28nm technology.

UMC scored revenue of NT$25.2 billion (US$841 million at US$1:NT$30) in the second quarter, up 5.12% from a quarter earlier. Throughout the first half this year, the company`s revenue totaled NT$49.2 billion (US$1.6 billion), inching up 2.13% year on year. Institutional investors estimated the company`s average gross margin for the second quarter to meet the expected level of 20%. Also, they expected the company`s revenue for the third quarter to increase around 5% from the second quarter.
(by Ken Liu)