Image Source: European Conference on Integrated Optics
United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), a leading global semiconductor foundry headquartered in Taiwan, has announced the acquisition of advanced production software from Siemens Digital Industries Software Japan for NT$346.8 million (approximately $11 million USD). This strategic acquisition aims to enhance UMC’s manufacturing efficiency, improve yield rates, and accelerate production timelines across its global fabrication facilities.
Key Highlights:
The software acquisition from Siemens focuses on advanced electronic design automation (EDA) solutions, including Siemens’ mPower™ platform specialized for electromigration (EM) and IR drop analysis, critical for improving chip reliability.
mPower™ enables UMC to conduct scalable, transistor-level pre-layout verification, allowing for early detection of potential circuit risks and enhancing product quality while reducing time-to-market.
The software’s automatic SRAM full-chip circuit analysis facilitates detailed power distribution assessments, helping optimize design and manufacturing processes.
UMC’s integration of Siemens EDA tools aligns with its broader strategy to strengthen technological capabilities and maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving semiconductor market.
The investment will support UMC's capacity expansion plans, including new advanced packaging facilities, positioning it well to address growing demand for chips in artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing, and next-generation consumer electronics.
This purchase complements the ongoing collaboration between Siemens and UMC, which includes technology certifications and tool validations for cutting-edge process nodes like 22nm ultra-low power and 28HPCU+.
UMC plans to leverage Siemens software capabilities to expedite design verification workflows, delivering more reliable chips to global customers efficiently.
Industry and Market Implications:
The acquisition signals a significant technological upgrade for UMC, addressing the semiconductor industry's rising complexity and quality demands. By adopting Siemens’ sophisticated design verification solutions, UMC is better equipped to handle intricate chip designs with enhanced power integrity, reliability, and thermal management.
This move strengthens UMC's position amidst fierce competition from global foundry peers, as chipmakers increasingly seek partners with advanced design-to-manufacturing capabilities to meet timelines and performance targets.
UMC’s investment reflects the strategic importance of software innovation in semiconductor manufacturing, underpinning next-generation node readiness and high-volume production excellence.
In conclusion, United Microelectronics Corporation’s purchase of Siemens EDA software valued at NT$346.8 million exemplifies the foundry’s commitment to technological advancement and operational excellence. This collaboration is poised to drive improved product quality and efficiency, supporting UMC’s growth ambitions in critical semiconductor markets.
Sources: TipRanks, Digital Engineering 247, ChipEstimates, Grafa News, Siemens press releases (2025)
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