Semiconductor industry evolution for 21/sup st/ century

Abstract

TSMC started the dedicated foundry industry 12 years ago. This not only accelerated the disintegration trend in the semiconductor industry, but also has created a multi-billion dedicated foundry business today. In next decade, foundry paradigm is expected to play an even more important role as foundry companies continue to build their core competency including leading-edge process technologies, advanced and flexible manufacturing capabilities, and customer-oriented service systems. The advent of SOC (system-on-a-chip) and the well entrenchment of the foundry industry will further move the semiconductor industry in the direction of complete disintegration.