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http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/MailHome.asp?datePublish=2010/6/28&pages=PD&seq=209

Specialty DRAM design house Etron Technology has reached an agreement with ProMOS Technologies for production of 256Mb DDR2 memory using 72nm process technology, according to industry sources. Trial production has already begun.

The sources said Etron used to place orders with Powerchip Technology and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC). Powerchip is still among Etron's major foundry partners, but SMIC has stopped making SDRAM chips since early 2010.

Etron chairman Nicky Lu was quoted in previous reports saying supply of SDRAM remains short of demand. The tight supply has propped up prices for the memory chip since the first quarter of 2010.

ProMOS earlier revealed plans to focus on non-PC applications, in a move to diversify after being hit by the DRAM downturn. The DRAM maker said it would allocate half of its capacity to mobile RAM and SDRAM chips starting in 2011, using technology licensed from Elpida Memory.

ProMOS obtained its 70nm-class DRAM production node from Hynix Semiconductor. It has turned to Elpida for 63nm and more advanced processes.