Managing sunset & closure of a semiconductor technology parallel to aggressive new process ramp

In the current dynamic and volatile environment of semiconductor manufacturing, factories are attempting to retool and aggressively ramp-up new technologies while ramping down existing processes. An Intel factory recently transitioned from producing 180 nm logic devices to producing 90 nm flash products. During this transition period the factory gradually discontinued its logic volume while ramping-up flash. In this paper, we will review the overall set of assumptions that were made towards the logic process ramp down and recommendations for future sunset procedures. Since some of the assumptions were materialized and some assumptions did not match reality, an extensive lessons-learned process was conducted for future technology changes.