TSMC's Japan Fab Begins Chip Production: A Major Step in Overseas Expansion

TSMC has commenced mass production at its new fab in Kumamoto, Japan, a significant milestone in advanced chip manufacturing for the country and the company's first major overseas expansion in years, according to a report by Nikkei. This facility, operated by Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM), will produce chips using a variety of process technologies for TSMC's key Japanese clients, reports DigiTimes. Key Highlights Here are the key details about the new TSMC fab: First FinFET Logic Chips in Japan: This is the first time logic chips with FinFET transistors have been manufactured in Japan. Production Capacity: The fab can process up to 55,000 300-mm wafers per month. Process Technologies: The plant uses TSMC's 40 nm, 28 nm, 22 nm, 16 nm, and 12 nm-class process technologies. Target Applications: The fab will focus on automotive and consumer electronics components. Significant Investment: TSMC, its partners, and the Japanese government invested approximately $8.2…