Understanding TSMC’s VCA Program

TSMC has recently updated its VCA (Value Channel Aggregator) program so we thought it would be beneficial to review TSMC VCA program and update our readers with the program benefits and value proposition.

As you all know — TSMC is a pure-play foundry and as such, it’s offering wafer production services. This means that IC design, assembly, test and supply chain services are not part of TSMC’s portfolio (editor note: in recent years TSMC has started offering bumping and testing service to selective customers).

Large chip players, who manage their own ASIC supply chain (COT mode), prefer to engage with pure play foundries because they run the supply chain internally to get better control over price and quality. Large chip makers buy wafers from TSMC and use different OSAT vendors to perform both assembly and test.

However, for a small fabless company that prefers to focus on its core competencies, there is no reason to deal with various supply chain issues. Smaller semiconductor companies are typically looking to outsource the entire ASIC supply chain to an external vendor to manage the supply chain.  This free up resource from the small fabless company to focus on developing their technology.

TSMC has selected several VCA partners to offer supply chain services to its customers. These vendors offer different services which are translated to different value proposition.

TSMC’s VCA partner program is region based. Each region has a few vendors that can support customers with wafer sourcing, package, test, supply chain and often some ASIC design services and IP cores.

Some vendors have permission to operate worldwide but others are strictly limited to specific countries. But they all can assist with TSMC related services that vary from MPW to full ASIC production services that includes ASIC design, layout and IP integration.

TSMC’s VCA program is a good example for a creating an ecosystem that adds value to customers. The program is flexible and comprehensive and can be easily be utilized by contacting the companies below.

 List of TSMC’s VCA partners:

Avnet – https://www.avnet-asic.com

Alchip

Alphawave 

IMEC – https://www.imeciclink.com/en

GUC