NXP to leave Crolles2 Alliance
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NXP Semiconductors has confirmed what many industry observers had been predicting; it will not extend its current cooperation in the Crolles2 Alliance beyond the initial term expiring at the end of 2007.
According to the company, it has decided to pursue a ‘different path’ for the development of its future process technology. Meanwhile, NXP says it will work together with the Alliance partners in 2007 to complete the current program on 45nm cmos and effectively manage the transition.
The ‘different path’ cited by NXP is a closer relationship with TSMC. Alongside undertaking advanced cmos R&D, the two companies will enter a ‘manufacturing partnership’.
“We’ve chosen to strengthen our cooperation with TSMC, in the area of advanced cmos development,” stated Frans van Houten, NXP president and ceo. “This move will enable NXP to concentrate more on creating innovative, differentiating process options, such as embedded non volatile technology in 45nm for our state of the art SoC products, while building on the process platform from TSMC. It underlines our commitment to be a leader in advanced cmos system chips.”
The Crolles2 Alliance was formed in 2000 and renewed in 2002 when Freescale joined the existing alliance of STMicroelectronics and NXP to create and manufacture future generation technologies and SoC solutions more quickly and more cost effectively. TSMC joined the Alliance in 2001 as an associated partner.
