Discussions ongoing

Despite ongoing discussions about a potential deal between Intel and TSMC, the Trump administration is not keen on the idea of a foreign company taking control of Chipzilla’s chip-making facilities in the United States.

Foundry Division issues

Intel’s former CEO Pat [kicking] Gelsinger and current co-CEO and CFO David Zinsner are being sued by a shareholder accusing the executives of mismanagement and misleading disclosures related to the company’s Intel Foundry Services (IFS) division.

Rumors are "Misunderstanding"

Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has denied claims of aiding Intel in resolving its "foundry matters," dismissing such assertions as a "mere misunderstanding."

Faster than expected

China is poised to make a significant stride in its chipmaking capabilities, with the production of 28nm lithography equipment scheduled for next month, a development that has taken many analysts by surprise given the current geopolitical climate and technological barriers.

CHIPS act prevents it

Chipzilla said its deal for $7.86 billion in US government subsidies restricts the company's ability to sell stakes in its chipmaking unit.

Fight off the TSMC empire

Intel Foundry has reportedly reached out to Samsung to propose a "foundry alliance," aiming to create a strategic collaboration to challenge the growing influence of TSMC.

Passed them to the Chinese 

A former TSMC engineer has been charged with stealing secrets from the pure play foundry and giving them to the China-based Shanghai Huali Microelectronics (HLMC).

The way to hop over the Great Wall

Qualcomm is preparing to produce its own custom chips for the Chinese market in a move to get around its problems with manufacturers and the government.

Falling capacity

Foundry UMC is expecting its shipments to fall by five percent in the fourth quarter of 2015, as a result of ongoing inventory adjustments within the industry supply chain.

Size matters

Foundries are asking LCD driver clients to upgrade to 12-inch process to provide a stable supply for analogue ICs, fingerprint sensors, MCUs, mixed-signal ICs, car-use chips, MEMS and other niche-market products.