MPW

What Information Is Needed for an MPW RFQ?

A good MPW RFQ is not a data dump. It is a clear, non-confidential summary that lets the coordination team screen process fit, readiness, timeline and partner path.

MPW Singapore and Asia Access: What Overseas Fabless Teams Should Prepare visual
Key Takeaways
  • The practical MPW RFQ checklist
  • 1. Node range
  • 2. Process family
  • 3. Die area
  • 4. Sample quantity

The practical MPW RFQ checklist

The first MPW RFQ should be specific enough to screen the case, but not so detailed that it exposes design IP too early. A strong first brief describes what the project needs, not the confidential implementation.

1. Node range

State the target node or acceptable node range. For mature-node projects, examples may include 0.35um, 180nm, 130nm, 90nm, 65nm, 55nm or 40nm. If multiple nodes could work, say so.

2. Process family

The process family is often more important than the node number. A request should identify whether the design is analog, mixed-signal, RF, high-voltage, BCD, eNVM, sensor interface or another specialty-process direction.

3. Die area

Provide the estimated die area or a range. Die area is one of the biggest cost and feasibility drivers for MPW planning.

4. Sample quantity

State whether the team needs bare die, packaged units or both. Sample quantity affects probe, packaging, logistics and schedule assumptions.

5. Packaging and wafer probe assumptions

Even if the package is not final, include the likely direction. If wafer probe, characterization, reliability or evaluation-board timing matters, include that early.

6. Timeline

Share the target prototype date, customer demo date or preferred shuttle window. MPW timeline includes more than wafer processing: screening, NDA, PDK, signoff, wafer run, probe, package and shipping all matter.

7. Company and end-use context

Cross-border RFQs need basic screening context: company country or region, customer type and end-use background. Sensitive cases may need manual review before any next step.

What not to include

Do not include GDS, OASIS, netlist, RTL, source code, schematics or proprietary design files in the first RFQ. Keep the first step non-confidential.

MST coordinates mature-node MPW RFQs for overseas teams. MST does not operate a wafer fab or sell guaranteed capacity. Qualified cases are screened and routed toward partner-confirmed feasibility, schedule and indicative quotation.

FAQ

Can an MPW RFQ include uncertainty?

Yes. Uncertainty is normal. State assumptions clearly so the review can identify what must be confirmed later.

Is die area required?

A rough estimate is strongly recommended because die area affects cost, reticle planning, sample count and routing.

Should packaging be discussed before wafer fabrication?

Yes. Packaging and probe can affect the total project timeline and cost, so they belong in the first RFQ.

Start an MPW RFQ

Prepare a high-level RFQ with node range, process family, die area, samples, package assumptions and timeline. MST can screen the path before any design IP is shared.

Submit an MPW RFQ or return to the MST mature-node MPW coordination hub.

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Start with a high-level brief

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