Macronix to mass produce 75nm NOR flash chips in 4Q10

Macronix International has announced plans to skip the 90nm manufacturing process node for NOR flash memory, and move directly to a 75nm technology. The company said it is now sampling 75nm 256Mb parallel NOR flash chips, with mass production slated for the fourth quarter.
Macronix' 75nm products are targeted for use in networking, computing, consumer, and mobile applications, according to the company. It will also offer 75nm NOR chips in 64Mb and 128Mb densities at a later date, the company added.
In addition, Macronix said 75nm will also provide the platform for its low-voltage products, such as 1.8V serial flash for handheld and portable electronics devices.
Macronix' current mainstream process for NOR flash production is 0.11-micron, which is expected to make up 50-60% of its total NOR flash sales in the second half of 2010.
"Our next technology node is moving to 57nm to meet the technical requirements of our broad customer base. Macronix just acquired a 300mm fab to enhance its technology migration to geometries beyond 75nm," said Martin Lin, Segment Marketing Director at Macronix, in a statement.
Macronix' 12-inch fab, acquired from ProMOS Technologies, is set to come online in the first quarter of 2011. The facility will have a monthly capacity of 10,000 wafer starts in June 2011, and the level will double by the end of the year.