SMIC and Qualcomm collaborate on 28nm wafer production in China

USA: Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp/ (SMIC) and Qualcomm Inc. have announced that SMIC and Qualcomm Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm, are working together in connection with 28nm process technology and wafer manufacturing services in China to manufacture Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.

Qualcomm Technologies' Snapdragon processors are purpose built for mobile devices. SMIC is one of China's largest and most advanced semiconductor foundries, and Qualcomm Technologies is one of the world's largest fabless semiconductor vendors and a world leader in 3G, 4G and next-generation wireless technologies.

This collaboration will help accelerate SMIC's 28nm process maturity and capacity, and will also make SMIC one of the first semiconductor foundries in China to offer production locally for some of Qualcomm Technologies' latest Snapdragon processors on 28nm node, both PolySiON (PS) and high-K dielectrics metal gate (HKMG).

Previously, SMIC has supported Qualcomm Technologies on power management, wireless and connectivity related IC products at various process nodes. With this new collaboration involving 28nm technology and wafer manufacturing services, SMIC is further strengthening its strategic relationship with Qualcomm Technologies.

SMIC will work with Qualcomm Technologies in bringing new 28nm design-ins and products for the growing mobile communication industry. Going forward, SMIC will also extend its technology offerings on 3DIC and RF front-end wafer manufacturing in support of Qualcomm Technologies as its Snapdragon product portfolio continues to expand.