Taiwanese semiconductor foundry United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) announced the A+ technology platform, a specialized 0.11um aluminum process manufactured in UMC's 8" fabs.
UMC is the only foundry to offer a 0.11um full aluminum BEoL (Back End of Line) process, providing its customers with a cost effective alternative to mainstream 0.13um and 0.11um copper technologies. The A+ platform is based on technology including logic/MM, RFCMOS, eFlash, eE2PROM, eHV and CIS to address integration, performance, and cost requirements.
Steve Wang, vice president of Asian sales and Corporate Marketing at UMC, said, "There are many applications still enjoying a comfort zone within 8" manufacturing facilities due to the attractive cost vs. performance benefits. For applications such as timing controllers, LCD controllers, remote controller, small panel display drivers, surveillance and medical CMOS Image sensors, etc., A+ is the perfect technology sweet spot. With its comprehensive technology portfolio, the A+ solution offers an ideal migration path for 0.18um or existing 0.13/0.11um Cu-BEoL products so that customers can differentiate their market position for increased competitiveness."
UMC added that the A+ 0.11um specialty platform "combines the most leading-edge 8" production technology with aggressive Al-BEOL design rules. A full suite of IP, HV-LDMOS, I/O devices, RF models and passive components complete the comprehensive A+ offering, with flexible 8-inch manufacturing capacity to support customer production requirements."