Time not ripe for 450-mm wafers.(nanotechnology in electronics industry)(Editorial)

by Ann Steffora Mutschler, Senior Editor, Electronic Business

For a technology that may be at least a decade away from widespread adoption, the 450-mm wafer size has attracted a lot of attention.

BOTH PROPONENTS AND opponents have vocally expressed their views, and now it looks like the consensus is that production for 450 mm is about eight to 10 years away. First, many equipment manufacturers say, investments in 300 mm need to be recouped before equipment providers and semiconductor makers will begin to seriously consider 450-mm wafers.

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