The pause that refreshes

Article Abstract:

Taiwanese semiconductor companies are adjusting to a slump in semiconductor demand and price declines through a variety of means. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co and United Microelectronics Corp (UMC), the largest Taiwanese semiconductor producers, are delaying or considering delaying a number of expansion projects. UMC is focusing on its foundry business while Winbond Electronics is putting more emphasis on becoming a systems-oriented supplier and producing logic chip sets using licensed microprocessors. Macronix International would like to transition from memory devices to value-added logic and memory products as well as improving systems expertise through alliances with top systems companies. Macronix has enjoyed successful sales in Japan and the US, and is developing data communications chips and other products in an attempt to diversify.

Taiwan, International aspects, Column

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Buying spree checks pricing free-fall

Article Abstract:

1996 brought a DRAM chip price crash after several years of hefty margins. The price crash has been a boon for OEM buyers, especially PC manufacturers who have loaded their machines with the inexpensive memory. However, the heavy buying activity, combined with moves by chipmakers to cut capacity, has started to stiffen prices and reduce supplies. DRAM manufacturers say pricing for 4Mb x 4 chips, which are often used in memory modules, is particularly close to bottoming out as PC makers start providing 32MB minimum on their computers. Texas Instruments says balance between supply and demand could be achieved by the end of 1996. There could even be spot shortages of certain DRAM configurations if customers do not communicate their needs to manufacturers, according to Samsung Semiconductor.

Prices and rates, Dynamic random access memory, DRAM (Dynamic random access memory), DRAM, Market Trend/Market Analysis

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Is ferroelectric RAM about to come of age?

Article Abstract:

Ferroelectric RAM is an attempt by chip makers to combine the benefits of RAM, which includes low-cost and unlimited read/write capability, with the non-volatility of ROM. By placing a ferroelectric material on a RAM chip, it becomes polarized and remains so until it is directed to change. The problem for manufacturers, though, is to make this technology commercially viable. One bold move in this market is a recent signing between Symetrix Corp and Ramtron International Corp, two chip vendors that have pushed ferroelectric chip designs. They have signed licensing agreements with Hitachi Semiconductor Inc, Toshiba America Electronics Components Inc and NEC Corp. The licensed vendors expect to deliver commercial ferroelectric RAM (FRAM) as a result of their partnerships.

Random access memory, RAM, RAM (Random access memory)

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