Toshiba Corp. said Thursday it will transfer its 0.15-micron low-power static random access memory technology to Chinese chip maker Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., based in Shanghai.
The primary application for SRAM is in mobile phones, which continue to enjoy positive growth, particularly in China, it said, adding the Chinese mobile phone market is predicted to grow at an annual rate of 25.8 percent between 2000 and 2005.
The deal "will provide Toshiba with capacity support from SMIC, while SMIC will be able to utilize the new advanced SRAM process technology to support its customers," Toshiba said in a statement.
The two companies have been partners in SRAM since December 2001. Toshiba has transferred 0.21-micron process technology to the Chinese company.