Globalfoundries on Track for 50% Natural Yield by Year End with 32nm Process Technology

From X-bit Labs: Globalfoundries, a joint-venture between Advanced Micro Devices and Advanced Technology Investment Company, said that it would provide additional details about its progress with 28nm and 32nm fabrication technologies at the forthcoming the Global Semiconductor Alliance Emerging Opportunities Expo and Conference (GSA Expo). Besides, the company revealed that it was on track for 50% natural yield by the end of the year with 32nm process tech.

Globalfoundries expects to start volume production of 32nm-SHP (Super High Performance) technology at Fab 1 in the second half of 2010. This technology will employ silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates and utilize Globalfoundries’ innovative “Gate First” approach to high-K metal gate (HKMG), which maximizes power efficiency and transistor scaling while minimizing die size and design complexity when compared to the alternative “Gate Last” approach. Yield progress continues with 24Mb SRAMs in double-digit natural yields on path to 50% natural yields by year-end.

“When compared against the 45nm-SHP technology we’re currently running in Fab 1, we’re seeing performance improvements of up to 50% in the 32nm generation at the same leakage levels of the 45nm generation. When you combine this with our patented Automated Precision Manufacturing (APM) technology and exceptionally low defect densities, we believe we’ll be in the leading position among foundries to bring this technology to market in volume for our customers,” said Jim Doran, senior vice president and general manager of Fab 1 at Globalfoundries.

During the transition to the 45nm technology generation, Globalfoundries reached volume production at mature yield 2-3 quarters ahead of the rest of the foundry industry, while simultaneously implementing a complex new form of lithography – immersion lithography – ahead of all other semiconductor manufacturers, according to the company.

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