TSMC set to continue strong growth, driven by ARM based products
1 min read
TSMC will continue to outgrow the semiconductor market and its rival foundries, according to European president Maria Marced (pictured).
The company expects to produce 13.6million 8in equivalent wafers in 2011, up from last year's 11.3m. Revenues will also rise significantly from 2010's $13.3billion, driven by what Marced called a 'buoyant market'.
"Revenue growth is being driven by two things," Marced claimed. "The growing role of ARM is one, because ARM is closely linked to foundries, and by independent device manufacturers (IDMs) outsourcing more and more."
Europe continues to be an important element of TSMC's business, with revenues growing by 49% in 2010. Stand out companies included Nordic Semiconductor, Dialog and CSR. And IDMs are becoming fabless over time," she added. Meanwhile, the company has doubled its head count in Europe, not only at imec, its main research site, but also by putting more people into universities to undertake such tasks as materials research.
Marced noted that TSMC will move to volume production on 450mm wafers in 2015. "We have firm plans to a 450mm pilot line in Fab12 phase 6, which will start with 20nm devices in 2013/2014. Volume production will be in Fab 15 in 2015/2016." This is one reason why TSMC's capital expenditure in 2011 will reach $7.8bn, with an R&D investment of $1.1bn.
Meanwhile, TSMC's 28nm process is 'ready for prime time', said Marced. "We have around 70 tape outs planned and 28nm will represent around 5% of TSMC's revenues by the end of this year."
