Global Unichip refines business direction

HSINCHU, TAIWAN: Global Unichip Corp. announced that it is refining its business and technology model, focusing its evolution into a full service, flexible, ASIC company.

The announcement comes more as a formalization of an on-going process than as a change of direction. Over the past few years, GUC has dedicated significant resources to developing advanced technology, low power design expertise, a robust segment-specific IP portfolio and System-in-Package (SiP) technology. The Gartner Group ranked Global Unichip as the 14th largest ASIC company in 2010 based on its revenue of $327 million, up from 16th place in 2009.

According to president Jim Lai, the company's key differentiation is a flexible capability that allows it to take on traditional ASIC designs as well as more customized and focused challenges. GUC's business model supports both the integrated services of an IDM and a la carte services including IP licensing and customization, System-on-Chip (SoC) design, physical implementation, design consultation and licensing, Design for Test (DFT)/Design for Manufacturing (DFM), package design, and supply chain management. The company has branded this model the Flexible ASIC Model.

Taken together, GUC provides Flexible ASIC Services covering three core capabilities: SoC integration, implementation methodologies, and integrated manufacturing.

Lai also indicated that the company's nimbleness is enhanced by GUC's robust value chain ecosystem. GUC has always been strongly aligned with foundry partner TSMC and has developed close relationship with packaging and testing companies. On the IP and tool side, GUC has strengthened its ARM hardening capabilities and has developed strong ties with Synopsys and Cadence.

"We see GUC's Flexible ASIC Model as the new generation approach to this traditional semiconductor business. Going forward, we will focus on penetrating specific segments inside the mobile, networking, computing, and consumer electronics markets where we are establishing design expertise and domain knowledge," Lai said.

Global Unichip's technology strengths mirror the requirements of its target markets. The company is one of the few in the world who provides 28nm designs and who has developed significant experience on 40nm designs, particularly those targeting low power applications.

"Our ultimate goal," Lai points out, "is to innovate and deliver world class Flexible ASIC Services that elevate IC visionaries to the next level of leadership in their markets."

GUC will continue to provide local ASIC, design, and business services through its global operations in China, Europe, Japan, Korea, North America, as well as from its headquarters in Taiwan.