Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSM, Financial), or better referred as TSMC, is a step ahead from his competitors, with their new offering of first-of-its-kind and most exhaustive ultra-low power technology platform to support ample variety of applications for the speedily evolving IoT.
What is Internet of Things [IoT]
IoT is a concept developed for network devices to detect and gather data and then share that data across the internet. For example, we all stock our refrigerator with weekly veggies and fruits, now we connect a device sensing what items are missing, and the device sends out the list to the neighboring store and books all missing items. A delivery person can then bring the fresh veggies and fruit to your doorstep.
Taiwan Semiconductor
Taiwan Semiconductor is a manufacturer of semiconductor chips. Its factories are chiefly located in Taiwan, but the company also has a presence in China and the United States. Apart from being a manufacturing hub, Taiwan Semiconductor also offers other value added services, like assisting in the design of ICs, and other additional downstream activities, such as testing of chips and assembling of semiconductors into its end-use state.
New Offerings from Taiwan Semiconductor
The new ultra low platform offered by Taiwan Semiconductor, would be a breakthrough for the industry in many ways, the reason for applause being:
- Variable nodes capable of assisting 1.2 GHz in processing speed.
- The varied range of ultra-low power processes from 0.18-micron to 16-nanometer FinFET is a perfect match for an array of smart and power-efficient applications in the IoT device markets.
- The ultra low power mechanics also allows system level integration for smaller form factors as well as facilitating wireless connections among IoT products.
In Store for industry players and end users
- Enhancing battery life – The ultra low platform will slash the operating voltages by 20 to 30%, dropping power consumption and amplifying battery life by two to 10 times
- Speedy time to market production – The platform uses Taiwan Semiconductor’s existing intellectual property (IP) ecosystem through the Open Innovation Platform. With it, the designer can simply reprocess IPs and libraries developed on Taiwan Semiconductor’s low power processes for their new ultra-low power designs, leading to quick time to market production.
- Delivering more intelligent products – With the support of flash memory and wireless radios, it can facilitate more competent high performance product
Competition
- United Microelectronics (UMC, Financial) – In terms of revenue, United Microelectronics is holding a number 2 position against their rival Taiwan Semiconductor. Also going by the market data, United Microelectronics is now planning to change its course or better to say a change of strategy and attempting to stick to 300mm (12 inch) wafers instead of 450mm (18 inch) wafer launch. Also, as per Taipeitimes report the United Microelectronics spokesperson said they lag behind bigger rival Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co in making CMOS image sensors and ultra-low-power chips, so it’s a clear deal winning situation for Taiwan Semiconductors in the market and also benefitting the end users.
- Semiconductor Manufacturing International (SMI) – A newbie in the industry, but for sure is an eye catcher due to their cost efficient model and achieved market share pretty quickly.
- Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing (CHRT, Financial) –One of the leading semiconductor giants in Singapore, this company is not an actual rival, as they work in collaboration and have extended a helping hand to Taiwan Semiconductors along with its sibling STATSChipPAC. The company's margins are not that good, but could see a significant change as now the customers are recognizing the budding share of the higher margin fresh and innovative technology businesses
Conclusion
Change is the only constant thing in life and that is deeply drilled into Taiwan Semiconductor’s strategy. Their adoption to new technology gives them that extra edge in the industry. Taiwan Semiconductors' product line up is charged up, whether it is to provide new technology which achieves lower consumption, or manufacturing IC’s with highest efficiency. All of this takes them a step further to the winning post and provides a tough competition to their rivals.
