180nm Wafer & MPW Cost Explained: Pricing, Use Cases, and Trade-offs

180nm remains one of the most widely used semiconductor process nodes for analog, mixed-signal, power, and industrial ICs. Despite its age, it is still a first-choice node for many new designs.  Cost is often cited as the main reason — but understanding what actually drives 180nm wafer and MPW pricing is more important than chasing a single number.

This article explains how 180nm costs work in practice, and when MPW or full mask is the right approach.

Why 180nm is still widely used

180nm is attractive because it offers:

• Mature, stable process technology
• High yield and predictable behavior
• Broad IP availability
• Lower mask complexity compared to advanced nodes

It is commonly used for:

• PMICs and power controllers
• Analog and mixed-signal ICs
• Industrial MCUs
• Automotive and sensor interfaces

What drives 180nm wafer cost

180nm wafer pricing is influenced by:

• Wafer diameter (typically 200mm)
• Number of metal layers
• Optional modules (high voltage, thick top metal, NVM)
• Foundry capacity and utilization
• Backend requirements (package and test)

Because the process is mature, pricing variability comes more from options than from the node itself.

180nm MPW cost: what’s included (and what isn’t)

MPW at 180nm is widely available and commonly used for:

• first silicon
• architecture validation
• low-volume industrial designs

Typical MPW fees include:

• Shared mask access
• Wafer fabrication for your die area
• Limited number of raw dies

They usually do not include:

• Packaging
• Electrical test beyond basics
• Yield optimization
• Design respins

MPW reduces upfront risk, but it does not eliminate project cost.

MPW vs full mask at 180nm

MPW makes sense at 180nm when:

• This is first silicon
• Die size is moderate
• Requirements may still change
• Volume is initially low

Full mask makes sense when:

• Design is stable
• Volume is known
• Special options are required
• Production planning is firm

The decision is rarely about price alone — it’s about risk allocation.

The hidden cost factor: backend and schedule

At 180nm, packaging and test can represent a significant portion of total cost.

MPW schedules also run on fixed shuttle windows, which can impact time-to-market.

Ignoring backend and schedule constraints often leads to incorrect cost assumptions.

 Estimate 180nm MPW and wafer cost for your project

Instead of relying on generic price ranges, you can evaluate:

• MPW vs full mask suitability
• Cost drivers specific to your design
• Schedule and risk trade-offs

👉👉  Run the MPW vs Full Mask decision tool

Final takeaway

180nm is not a “cheap node” — it is a predictable and flexible node. Used correctly, MPW at 180nm is a powerful way to reduce first-silicon risk.

Used blindly, it can delay projects and inflate backend costs. Understanding the cost structure matters more than chasing a price number.