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Production revisions result in profitable quarter for Rexchip
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Rexchip Electronics, the 52% owned Taiwan DRAM manufacturer of Elpida
Memory has returned to profitability after 5-quarters of losses due to
rising prices and a focus on single product manufacturing, which has
boosted throughput and yields, according to Elpida. The return to
profitability could continue should DRAM prices remain at current
levels, Elpida said.
Elpida and Rexchip are focusing on migrating to a 40nm process from 50nm that they claim has almost a zero requirement for new processing equipment. Elpida has also recently claimed that a 65nm to 40nm process conversion can be accomplished with greater investment efficiency compared with a 65nm to 50nm conversion.
Elpida is also developing a 65nm XS process technology that it claims can compete with the 50nm process of its competitors. Another development is to produce smaller die size products based on its 65nm process to reduce manufacturing costs. Elpida believes it may be possible to increase the ratio of 40nm process line output to as much as 50% of total production. Mass production is expected to begin before the end of 2009.
The Japan-based DRAM producer is now running separately managed manufacturing lines for mobile and PC-related DRAM products at its 300mm plant in Hiroshima, Japan.