Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

ASE and Compeq announced a plan on October 28, 2003, to invest more than US$800 million in IC-substrate capacity over five years. It was a forward-looking investment target—not evidence that the full amount was ultimately spent. The proposal also called for a jointly owned venture, initially using Compeq’s Ta Yuan plant to serve ASE and its packaging customers.

What the $800 million figure meant

In its October 28, 2003 announcement, ASE said it and the proposed joint venture expected to invest more than US$800 million over the next five years to expand substrate capacity. EE Times reported the same planned figure and timeframe that day. Both sources describe an expectation announced in 2003, not audited or otherwise verified completed spending.

ASE’s October 28, 2003 announcement and EE Times’ contemporaneous report establish what the companies planned, but do not establish whether the full investment was made.

How the proposed joint venture was to work

Ownership

The proposed venture, tentatively named ASE-Compeq Technologies, Inc., was to be owned 60% by ASE and 40% by Compeq.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Innconee Silicon Wafer 12 Inch Double-Sided Uncut Integrated Circuit Semiconductor Substrate Specimen Wafer Sheets for Science STEM Teaching Aid, Tech Geek Office Desk Decor Exhibition Gift
  • Genuine Silicon Wafer: crafted from high-purity silicon, this 12 inch silicon wafer features a precision double-side polished surface, delivering exceptional smoothness and mirror-like reflectivity on both sides, fitting well with tech decor needs; Please note: wafer pattern may vary from the product images
  • Genuine Uncut Ic Silicon Wafer: this is a genuine uncut IC silicon wafer, not a replica or model; It preserves the original circular wafer form applied in semiconductor manufacturing, allowing you to experience real chip substrate material up close
  • 12 Inch Large Size Versatile Display: with a full 12 inch diameter, this wafer provides a striking visual presence compared to smaller 6 or 8 inch wafers; Its larger size enhances the natural light interference patterns, creating subtle rainbow reflections under different lighting, ideal for desk display, office decor, exhibitions, or as a centerpiece for tech-inspired spaces; Silicon crystals are very fragile, please handle them as gently as possible
  • Practical Stem Education Tool: a valuable teaching tool for STEM education, this semiconductor substrate helps illustrate how integrated circuits are manufactured; Great for classrooms, labs, or personal learning, it allows students to better understand wafer structure, fabrication processes, and the foundation of modern electronics in a tangible way
  • Tech-inspired Gift: combining science and art, this silicon wafer makes a unique gift for engineers, programmers, students, and tech lovers, suitable for various gifting occasions without being overly decorative

Initial production and customers

The venture was expected to begin production using Compeq’s existing Ta Yuan plant capacity. Its initial focus was to be ASE and customers of ASE’s packaging business. The announcement said the companies would consider expanding to other locations after Ta Yuan reached full utilization; it did not provide a timetable or specify those locations.

Why the companies said they were partnering

ASE described the arrangement as combining its advanced packaging technology and customer base with Compeq’s experience and capacity in substrate manufacturing. The stated aim was a more integrated semiconductor backend offering. ASE attributed the following comment to chairman Jason Chang: “The cooperation will also combine ASE’s advanced packaging technology and extensive customer base with Compeq’s experience and capacity in substrate manufacturing established over the years, thereby creating a win-win situation for both companies.”

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What is known about the outcome

The two contemporaneous sources establish the proposed ownership, initial production arrangement, and planned investment. They do not establish the later status of ASE-Compeq Technologies, whether the venture operated as proposed, or how much of the planned investment was ultimately spent. Those outcomes should therefore not be inferred from the 2003 announcement.

Rank #4
Aluminum Nitride (AlN) Ceramic Substrate Sheet, 2 Inch 50.8 x 50.8 mm, 0.635mm Thick, Polished Ceramic Heat Spreader for Semiconductor, GPU and AI Hardware Thermal Management, 1 Pack
  • 1️⃣High Thermal Conductivity: Aluminum Nitride (AlN) ceramic provides ≥170 W/m·K thermal conductivity, helping transfer heat efficiently in electronic thermal management applications.
  • 2️⃣Electrical Insulation: Combines high thermal conductivity with electrical insulating properties, suitable for applications where heat dissipation and insulation are both required.
  • 3️⃣Precise 2 Inch Size: 50.8 x 50.8 mm square ceramic substrate, 0.635mm thick, 1 piece per pack for testing, prototyping, and small electronic projects.
  • 4️⃣Polished Ceramic Surface: Smooth polished finish helps provide consistent surface contact with components, thermal interfaces, and electronic assemblies.
  • 5️⃣Wide Application Use: Suitable for LED heat dissipation, power electronics, semiconductor thermal management, laser devices, PCB projects, GPU/AI hardware prototyping, and industrial electronic assemblies.
Rank #3
Silicon Wafer Carrier - 3 inch Single Wafer Box,Including Container,Cover & Spring,10 Pack
  • This silicon wafer holder is designed for 3 inch diameter wafers.It can prevent precision wafer or substrate from damage and contamination during shipping and storing.
  • Each complete set includes three parts: container, cover and spring
  • 100 class cleanliness silicon wafer box ; Material: Polypropylene
  • The wafer container is packed in plastic
  • Your purchase is backed by our exclusive 30-day free warranty - we will offer a free replacement or refund if anything goes wrong with the product.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.