Titus Menzies, The Street.com

ABSTRACT

Silicon on insulator (SOI) has been signalled as the solution to deliver higher performing and lower power-consuming semiconductors. Originally geared towards use in military and satellite applications, the industry is looking to use SOI in making mass market DSPs and MPUs, especially in mobile consumer applications. However, key issues cited by 300-mm fab managers are on the pricing and yield rates of 300-mm SOI wafers. This, and the transition to use SOI for mobile applications, has changed the competitive environment. We have analysed IBIS Technology and Soitec, the two leading suppliers of SOI wafers.We have compared the processes of both companies, views from suppliers and customers and possible contracts to be won or lost in the near-term.