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Key people at Altis Semiconductor.
Altis Semiconductor is an independent specialty silicon foundry providing contract wafer manufacturing services for radio frequency, mixed-signal, and embedded memory technologies, based in Corbeil-Essonnes, France. Operating from a 55-hectare site featuring a 25,000 square-meter clean room, the manufacturing facility historically maintained a peak production capacity of approximately 30,000 eight-inch wafer starts per month. The business utilized a pure-play foundry model to supply advanced logic components to fabless semiconductor companies and integrated device manufacturers across the global automotive, communications, and industrial sectors. Following severe financial difficulties that led to formal insolvency proceedings, the company and its approximately 1,000 employees were acquired by X-FAB Silicon Foundries in late 2016. The organization was originally founded in 1999 as a manufacturing joint venture between technology corporations IBM and Infineon Technologies, before later being owned by French executive Yazid Sabeg.
Key people at Altis Semiconductor.
Altis Semiconductor is an independent, privately held pure-play semiconductor foundry based in France, specializing in wafer manufacturing services using advanced CMOS processes for logic, RF, mixed-signal, embedded memory, and system-on-chip (SoC) designs.[1][2][3][4] It serves fabless semiconductor companies and designers in markets requiring state-of-the-art electronic components, solving the challenge of high-quality, specialized production without owning fabrication facilities by leveraging proven technology platforms from former shareholders IBM and Infineon.[1][2][4] The company operates from an industrial campus in Corbeil-Essonnes, 40 km south of Paris, delivering robust operational excellence and quality compliance for applications like ultra-low power non-volatile memory innovations, such as next-generation embedded CBRAM (Conductive Bridge RAM).[4]
Altis Semiconductor was founded in July 1999 as a 50/50 joint venture between Infineon Technologies and IBM Microelectronics Division, combining their complementary strengths and cultures to create a dynamic player in advanced electronic component manufacturing.[2][3] Drawing from the proven technology platforms of these industry giants—its former shareholders—the company established itself as an independent foundry with a baseline in CMOS processes.[2][4] Early focus centered on wafer fabrication for complex designs, evolving into innovations like embedded CBRAM partnerships (e.g., with Adesto Technologies since around 2012), marking pivotal advancements in low-power memory compatible with standard manufacturing flows.[4]
Altis rides the surging demand for specialized semiconductor fabrication amid global chip shortages and the rise of AI, IoT, automotive, and edge computing, where advanced nodes for RF, mixed-signal, and low-power memory are critical.[1][4] Its timing benefits from post-joint-venture independence, allowing agile adaptation to trends like non-volatile memory alternatives to flash (e.g., CBRAM for ultra-low power devices), amid market forces favoring European manufacturing resilience and supply chain diversification away from Asia.[2][4] By serving as a key foundry partner, Altis influences the ecosystem through technology transfers, military-grade qualifications, and collaborations that enable smaller innovators to scale complex SoCs without massive capex.[1][4]
Altis is poised to expand its niche in power-efficient, embedded memory amid escalating needs for 5G, AI accelerators, and sustainable electronics, potentially deepening partnerships like its Adesto collaboration for next-gen CBRAM evolutions.[4] Trends such as EU semiconductor sovereignty initiatives and non-volatile memory proliferation will shape its trajectory, enhancing its role as a vital European foundry. Its influence may grow through process node advancements and broader SoC ecosystem integrations, solidifying its status as a reliable bridge between design innovation and production scale—echoing its origins as a powerhouse JV turned independent leader.[2][4]
