Moto, HP, Chartered Deal on Foundry

Electronic News, March 1, 1999

Motorola licenses most advanced process technology

Palo Alto, Calif., -- Just one week after Motorola signed a foundry deal with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp., the company has added yet another foundry partner in a pact with Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing and Hewlett-Packard.

Motorola, Chartered and HP said last week that they have signed a memorandum of understanding whereby Motorola will license the next three generations of its HiPerMOS CMOS process technology, including copper interconnect technology, to Chartered and its joint-venture company with HP, Chartered Silicon Partners (CSP). HiPerMOS also encompasses both high-performance mixed-signal and low-power platforms.

The deal is another step towards Motorola's goal of outsourcing 50% of its chip manufacturing, including joint ventures, by 2002. Motorola joint ventures include WhiteOak Semiconductor, a manufacturing partnership with Siemens AG. For Chartered, the deal offers access to a new range of customers that want the most advanced process technology available.

"This manufacturing outsourcing alliance will enable Motorola to provide the Digital DNA solutions to our customers by expanding our technology leadership as well as providing an assured supply of wafers from Chartered and CSP," said Hector de J. Ruiz, president of Motorola's Semiconductor Products Sector. "Having a common process technology platform also ensures compatibility of manufacturing outsourcing options and makes it easier for customers and third parties to design to the Motorola-compatible process."

"I am very pleased that we have been able to expand our existing relationships with Motorola and Chartered with this new alliance," said Bill Sullivan, vice president and general manager of HP's Components Group. HP's components group supplies ASICs to its computer, printer and measurement organizations, as well as IC solutions for the wired and wireless communication markets. "By teaming with Motorola, a technology leader, and Chartered, a leader in the foundry industry, HP secures access to leading-edge process technology and world-class manufacturing. This alliance opens up exciting possibilities for all three companies."

Barry Waite, president and CEO of Chartered said "For those customers requiring high-performance, high-speed solutions, Chartered becomes the conduit to advanced technologies like Motorola's HiPerMOS."