Powerchip Semiconductor Corporation (PSC) has revealed plans to take up all of the shares as well as technology of Vantel, a memory design joint venture with Renesas Technology in Japan. PSC said it will move NAND flash-related R&D at Vantel back to Taiwan, as the specialist of computer-memory chips looks to further grow its NAND flash products.
Eric Tang, spokesperson for PSC, noted that the company will continue its efforts to develop flash-related products and technology while maintaining DRAM as a focus.
PSC mainly produces 4Gbit NAND flash chips using 70nm process technology, and has developed 8Gb products based on 50nm. NAND flash products contribute a small part to its revenues.
PSC expects to achieve volume production at the 40nm-class node for 16Gb NAND flash chips in the second half of 2010, according to Tang.
Established in early 2007, Vantel is 65% owned by PSC and 35% owned by Renesas. PSC's board of directors on March 9 approved plans to terminate operations of the Japan-based subsidiary.