02-05-2006---Global R&D fab ATDF will develop leading-edge transistor structures incorporating advanced materials for next-generation devices in a recent work agreement with Taiwan-based United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), one of the world's largest semiconductor foundries.

A contract signed earlier this month calls for ATDF to manage three custom technology development projects over the next year for UMC, which specializes in contract manufacturing of customer-designed ICs for high-performance semiconductor applications. The projects will involve approximately 30 engineers and manufacturing technicians from both companies.

"We're excited to be working with ATDF to facilitate our advanced technology development," said Dr. Mike Ma, Deputy Division Director of Exploratory Technologies for central R&D of UMC. "We view this as an excellent opportunity to co-develop technologies for future devices that will grow our customer base, and hone our competitive edge."

BJ Templeton, Director of Worldwide Sales and Marketing for ATDF, said UMC responded favorably to ATDF's unique protections for intellectual property and its growing experience in dealing successfully with Asian companies. "Our R&D capabilities are perfectly complementary to UMC's advanced production needs," Templeton said.

Since emerging as an independent business in 2004, ATDF has established itself as a primary R&D foundry for the semiconductor industry. Other recent and current clients include Texas Instruments, AMD, Elpida Memory, Infineon, Mattson Technology, Soitec, Thunderbird Technologies, and VESTA Technology.

About ATDF:
ATDF, a wholly owned subsidiary of SEMATECH, is a leading technology R&D center where research meets manufacturing for semiconductor manufacturers, equipment and materials suppliers, and others. ATDF customers can confidentially test new designs, integration methodologies, and prototype systems while protecting their own intellectual property, and development partners can work closely with one another in a custom manufacturing environment. ATDF also develops baseline processes, accepted industry-wide, that bring new tools and materials to manufacturing faster, at lower cost.

For more information, please visit www.atdf.com

About UMC:
UMC (NYSE: UMC, TSE: 2303) is a leading global semiconductor foundry that manufactures advanced process ICs for applications spanning every major sector of the semiconductor industry. UMC delivers cutting-edge foundry technologies that enable sophisticated System-on-Chip (SoC) designs, including volume production 90nm, industry-leading 65nm, and mixed signal/RFCMOS. UMC's 10 wafer manufacturing facilities include two advanced 300mm fabs; Fab 12A in Taiwan and Singapore-based Fab 12i are both in volume production for a variety of customer products. The company employs approximately 12,000 people worldwide and has offices in Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Europe, and the United States.

For more information, please visit www.umc.com