Tata Begins India's First Semiconductor Wafer Production at 90nm... Realizing High Self-Sufficiency Barriers

Tata Electronics, a semiconductor subsidiary of the Tata Group, is preparing to start India's first semiconductor wafer production using a mature process. However, the technology used is less advanced than initially planned. Bloomberg reports that Tata Electronics is preparing to produce chips at a 90nm process at its newly constructed fab in Gujarat, India. The 90nm process, used in low-cost industrial equipment and automobiles, marks a significant step back from Tata's previously announced 28nm plan. Industry analysts criticize the ambitious nature of Tata's semiconductor development goals. Tata has partnered with Taiwan's PSMC for this project. A Tata spokesperson clarified that the Dolera fab will produce chips ranging from 28nm to 110nm, with the original plan to start at 55nm and 90nm before expanding to 28nm. PSMC's spokesperson noted that the partnership includes multiple technology nodes, emphasizing that starting with mature nodes and gradually adopting advanced processes is a standard industry approach.