Core Insights - TSMC has established itself as the leading player in the foundry industry, playing a crucial role in the semiconductor sector through decades of growth and innovation [2][7][45]. Phase 1 - Initiation - TSMC was founded in 1986 with an initial capital of $48 million, primarily funded by the Taiwanese government and Philips [2]. - The company began production in 1987 using 6-inch wafers and quickly advanced to 3.0-micron technology [2][7]. - By 1994, TSMC had developed a 0.6-micron process and had shipped 2.5 million wafers, with revenues growing from NT$2.2 billion to NT$19.3 billion from 1990 to 1994 [7]. Phase 2 - Expansion and Catch-Up - In 1995, TSMC launched its 8-inch Fab III and introduced tungsten plugs, enhancing its manufacturing capabilities [11]. - By 1998, TSMC's revenue reached NT$50 billion, despite a semiconductor downturn, and it began producing 0.22-micron nodes [15]. - The company achieved a compound annual growth rate of 50% from 1992 to 2000, with sales increasing by 127% in 2000 compared to 1999 [19][21]. Phase 3 - Leveling Up and Leading - TSMC's 180nm node was competitive with leading manufacturers, and it was the first to implement low-k dielectrics [25]. - In 2001, despite a 32% market decline, TSMC's 150nm products accounted for 21% of its sales [26]. - The company introduced 130nm technology in 2002, marking a significant milestone in its production capabilities [29]. Phase 4 - 300mm and Consolidation - TSMC's 90nm process was the first to achieve full-scale production on 300mm wafers, adopted by over 30 customers in its first year [37]. - By 2006, TSMC had become the largest foundry globally, with sales exceeding those of its nearest competitor by 2.5 times [45]. - The company expanded its production capacity significantly, with GigaFabs achieving near 100% automation [48]. Phase 5 - HKMG and Further Expansion - In 2010, TSMC announced the construction of its third 300mm fab, focusing on 40nm and 28nm processes [64]. - The introduction of high-k metal gate (HKMG) technology marked a significant advancement in TSMC's manufacturing processes [66]. - By 2012, TSMC's 28nm process accounted for 42% of its revenue, demonstrating its dominance in the market [88].