Sony has joined IMEC as
a core-lite partner in the research programs which target asset-lite IC companies.
IMEC's core-lite program offers early insight to fablite and fables companies
on all aspects of scaling CMOS to sub-32nm. Sony's main focus will be roadmap
definition, technology understanding and insight, early feedback from technology
to design and circuit etc.
For that perspective, Sony has started to participate and cooperate in all
CMOS-related technology R&D within IMEC’s industrial affiliation programs.
For this, Sony has a team of on-site residents based in Leuven, Belgium, who
actively cooperate in the IMEC programs.
The announced partnership illustrates that throughout 2009, IMEC's core sub-32nm
CMOS program is expanding its scope, optimizing its value offering for various
business models of IC manufacturers. From its core focus to research and develop
future scaling opportunities for CMOS technologies both for memory and logic
applications, several opportunities have arisen to offer learning value towards
IC companies operating in the fablite or fabless model. These companies consider
early insight in new IC process technologies crucial for their future product
development.
In order to optimize and strengthen its offering further, IMEC has defined
additional activities specifically touching the technology-design interactions,
which are currently ramping up in cooperation with all existing partners.
In its core program, IMEC works together with leading IC companies on future
CMOS technologies. Key partners in 2009 are Intel, Micron, Panasonic, Samsung,
TSMC, Elpida, Hynix, Powerchip, Infineon, NXP, Qualcomm, Sony, ST Microelectronics.