United Microelectronics Corp. has begun mass-producing advanced silicon photonics chips at its Singapore fabrication plant, targeting the growing demand for high-speed data connectivity in artificial intelligence applications.
The first batch of 12-inch silicon photonics wafers was delivered in partnership with Singapore-based Silith Technology, supporting the high-volume production of Silith's 1.6 terabit-per-second platform. The two companies took roughly 18 months to move the technology from development to production-ready status.
UMC and Silith are now collaborating on a next-generation 400G-per-channel pure silicon photonics platform. The Taiwanese chipmaker plans to offer its own proprietary 12-inch silicon photonics platform by 2027, signaling a broader push into the photonics market as AI infrastructure buildouts accelerate globally.