Micron expresses interest in partnering with TSMC

Josephine Lien, Jessie Shen, 6 September 2012

Micron Technology is striving to establish strategic cooperation with Taiwan-based contract chipmakers, according to company CEO Mark Durcan. Companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) have been approached by Micron to build potential ties, Durcan said.

Industry sources speculate that Micron expects to tie up with TSMC for the development of 3D IC technology and products.

Durcan did not directly comment on the speculation, but indicated that Micron is seeking close ties with Taiwan's major foundry houses for future business development and growth. Durcan did not elaborate further on the issue.

Durcan noted that Micron will continue to maintain close relationships with its existing partners including IM Flash, Inotera Memories and Aptina Imaging. In order to move forward, Micron is looking for new strategic partners as the company's business focus will extend beyond the memory IC market, Durcan said.

Supported by its expertise in the field of memory ICs, Micron is looking to provide a comprehensive range of solutions used for systems such as solid-state drives (SSD), hybrid memory cube (HMC) devices, memory controllers and even hardware/software solutions, Durcan pointed out.

In addition, Durcan revealed that after Micron completes its merger with Elpida Memory, the US firm will have Inotera and also Rexchip Electronics serve as its major production partners. Durcan added that in the DRAM market segment, Micron will not aim at pursuing market share growth.

Durcan also commented that prices for DRAM memory will not fluctuate rapidly in the future, as both demand and supply continue to shrink.

Durcan made the comments during a keynote address at the ongoing SEMICON Taiwan 2012 trade show.