The joint program aims to combine ZMD’s knowledge of automotive design, high-voltage processes and quality manufacturing with the process and production capabilities of 1st Silicon to create a versatile 0.18um process platform for automotive applications.
The initial development and production will be conducted at 1st Silicon’s facilities in Kuching, Malaysia with a view to provide volume production in both Kuching and Dresden, Germany. This mutual second-sourcing plan is expected to offer a unique advantage in securing supply to automotive customers for complex high-voltage and mixed-signal technologies.
In addition, 1st Silicon has also started to implement ZMD’s special non-volatile memory module in production of 0.18um-based non-volatile products (NVSRAM) for ZMD. Thilo von Selchow, CEO of ZMD, hopes that these will enter the market in the third quarter of this year.
According to Dr John Nelson, CEO of 1st Silicon: This partnership will guide us into a niche market segment, that until recently has been covered by integrated device manufacturers. We wish to become the primary source of silicon for high-voltage and mixed-signal automotive applications in the foundry market.
