News

posted on 05 March 2008 12:10

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Micron Technology is forming a DRAM fabrication joint-venture with Nanya Technology, which is already in a DRAM fab JV with Qimonda.

The Quimonda-Nanya JV, called Inotera, manufactures DRAM using a trench technology and a 58nm process which is under development. According to a Digitimes report Qimonda charges Nanya relatively high license fees.



Micron charges Nanya less for its IP and this new JV will use Micron's 68nm process which has the same die size as the 58nm one. Also the stack technology used differs only from trench DRAM technology in the front end processes, which means that Nanya doesn't have to spend money on new equipment. The Micron-Nanya JV is expected to move to a sub-50nm process.

This new JV has raised questions about the future of Inotera and Nanya may move to take over complete control of it.