Ricoh Extends Partnership with UMC to 90nm

Kenji Wakabayashi, general manager of Ricoh Imaging System LSI Development Center, said, "90nm readiness and maturity were key factors in our foundry partner selection process for our upcoming product line. After careful evaluation, we chose UMC to manufacture our 90nm ASIC and image processor ICs due to the foundry's industry leadership position and mass production experience in 90nm technology."

UMC delivered its first 90nm customer chips in March of 2003. The company is currently fully qualified and in volume production for a number of 90nm customer products. UMC's 90nm process incorporates up to nine copper metal layers, triple gate oxide and a multiple Vt option.

H.J. Wu, president of UMC Japan (UMCJ) and also head of UMC's Japan Business Group, commented, "UMC works closely with customers to help them realize the maximum benefits of our advanced technology and manufacturing. Ricoh, a global leader in its field, has been an excellent foundry partner and we are pleased to extend our existing relationship to include its new line of 90nm products. We look forward to delivering further-enabling technologies that will power Ricoh's next-generation devices."

This 90nm cooperation is considered part of UMCJ's business operations, and earnings will be counted as UMCJ revenue. UMCJ will leverage UMC's advanced technology and manufacturing through an outsourcing arrangement.