Spansion Inc., a provider of Flash memory-based embedded systems solutions, and XMC, China's fastest growing 300mm semiconductor foundry, have signed an agreement for XMC to license Spansion's floating gate NOR Flash technology.
The agreement expands the companies' 300mm manufacturing partnership of Spansion's proprietary 65nm, 45nm and 32nm MirrorBitFlash memory technology.
The Spansion and XMC collaboration began in 2008. XMC foundry services, along with Spansion's flagship manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas, are central to Spansion's fab lite manufacturing strategy. Spansion utilizes world-class flash memory fabs from both existing internal facilities as well as foundry partnerships to create a flexible, cost-efficient manufacturing network.
XMC is an emerging leader in semiconductor manufacturing, with a unique partnership model and a specialized technology focus. The company offers 300mm foundry services built on proven technology expertise and a commitment to excellence in customer service. It first began production in 2008 and is headquartered in Wuhan, China.
XMC offers high-performance NOR flash technologies from 90nm to 45nm. These offerings are supported by our strong manufacturing capability, high-yield solutions, and cost-effective prototyping service.
XMC’s strategy is to invest in specialty processes and provide broad technology for its partners. The company partners with other foundries, packaging houses and solution providers.
XMC is the leading flash foundry in China, offering an extensive line of ETOX NOR Flash technologies from 90nm to 65nm. Its 65nm ETOX is with customers based in Mainland China, Taiwan, Korea and North America.
Separately, Spansion has closed the acquisition of the Microcontroller and Analog Business of Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited. Under the terms of the agreement, Spansion will pay approximately $110 million, plus approximately $38 million for inventory. The net impact is expected to be accretive for Spansion in 2013.
"We are very excited about the new products and business opportunities we can create with this acquisition," said John Kispert, president and CEO of Spansion. "We will expand our embedded market leadership and support our customer base with a broader product line including Flash memory, microcontrollers, analog, mixed signal and system-on-chip solutions that will shape the future of electronics."
