Matsushita links up IMEC's sub-45nm research platform

Matsushita Electric Ind. Co. Ltd has joined IMEC's sub-45nm research platform as a core partner. Within this sub-45nm research platform, IMEC brings together semiconductor manufacturers, material and equipment suppliers to collaborate on advanced process module and device research, targeting technology generations two to three nodes ahead of IC production.

"This extension of our research platform in Japan is an important step towards the further globalization of IMEC's sub-45 nm research platform," said Gilbert Declerck, president and CEO of IMEC, in a statement. "By bringing together European, Korean, U.S. and now Japanese semiconductor manufacturers as well, a worldwide consortium with adequate critical mass has been formed to collaborate on the most advanced research to stay in tune with the semiconductor technology roadmap, which is essential for this global semiconductor industry," he added.

"Matsushita anticipates gaining advanced knowledge of the most important technologies for the sub-45nm nodes through the research," stated Yukio Furuta, VP of Matsushita's Semiconductor Company. "By collaborating as a core partner within IMEC's sub-45nm research platform, we can accelerate the development of process and device technologies for the sub-45nm nodes," Furuta added.