TSMC ramps up R&D spend
TSMC is planning to increase its R&D spend to $1.8billion this year – 200% higher than the amount it spent in 2009 and a rise on last year's $1.6bn.
The Taiwanese company, currently the world's largest contract chipmaker, said the increase in investment would help it maintain its technological lead.
Speaking at a technology symposium in Hsinchu last week, TSMC president and co-chief executive Wei Che-chia said the $1.8bn would largely be spent on developing 28, 20 and 16nm processes.
The company, which now has 4,500 professionals working in R&D, is also planning to spend around $10bn on capital expenditure this year, Wei said.
Chips made using the 28nm technology are expected to account for 30% of the company's total sales this year. Mass production on the 16nm process is due to being in early 2015.
