TITLE:
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Computer-Aided Technology Customization Projects
AUTHORS:
Samar K. Saha
KEYWORDS:
Wafer Foundry, Fabless Company, IC Fabrication Technology, Technology Customization, Customer-Centric Technology, Project Management, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Technology CAD, Customer Relationship Management
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Business and Management,
Vol.5 No.2,
April
14,
2017
ABSTRACT: This paper presents a methodology to assess the quantitative benefit of a computer-aided technology customization project in wafer foundries. As the dedicated semiconductor foundries transition to complete integrated circuit (IC) product development solution providers, offering customer-centric IC fabrication technology to fables customers has become crucial for foundry business model. In order to support customers’ niche product-line, computer-aided design (CAD) tools are used for a rapid and cost-effective customization of foundry’s core IC fabrication technology. In this paper, the efficiency and effectiveness of CAD in IC fabrication technology customization projects are evaluated by an analytical model. The data obtained by the model, clearly, shows a significant reduction in technology customization cycle time and cost by using CAD in a technology customization project compared to the conventional practice.