UMC truck with SPIL, KYEC and ITE for MEMS

TAIPEI: United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) is teaming up with Siliconware Precision Industries (SPIL), King Yuan Electronics (KYEC) and Integrated Technology Express (ITE) in order to propose jointly an MEMS product development project and seek financial support from Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs.

This is the first time that Taiwan-based semiconductor firms are applying for funding for MEMS development from the government of Taiwan, according to industry sources.

Each of the four semiconductor companies is likely to get subsidies to the tune of NT$30 million (US $0.94 million). However, the funding can be used only for product R&D and not to procure equipment.

The proposal by the four companies says that Integrated Technology Express will design the MEMS products, United Microelectronics Corporation will be in charge of the front-end manufacturing, Siliconware Precision Industries will handle packaging, and King Yuan Electronics is to take care of testing.

Initially, the four-company team will concentrate on the production of 3-axis accelerometer (g-sensor), to be followed by gyroscopes. Also, they are likely to develop, later on, MEMS single chips by combining the 3-axis accelerometer and gyroscope.