Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has
reportedly produced three times more 28nm process chips so
far in the third quarter than in the second quarter.
More of the capacity installation means the foundry giant
is preparing for seasonal demand surges.
According to
Taiwan Economic News, in the first half
of this year, TSMC spent over US$3.6 billion on expansion,
with 28nm capacity being the primary expansion target. As
the company has set capital expenditure for this year at
US$8-8.5 billion, the company still has around US$5 billion
available in the second half for adding leading-edge
capacities.
Based on the company's expansion pace, industry executives
estimated TSMC will be able to ease shortage of its 28nm
process supplies in the fourth quarter.
According to capital-equipment suppliers, TSMC's yield rate
of 28nm process production has reached over 80% after six
months of adjustments, making the company's 28nm production
yield rate the highest of all first-tier chipmakers in the
world.
The company's Fab 15 foundry module, which is TSMC's
primary 28nm process tool, is estimated to end the third
quarter with installation of 69,000 wafers of 28nm process
capacity, which is likely to further increase to 135,000
wafers in the fourth quarter.