1. Purpose and scope
A mature node often runs for far longer than it took to develop, and most of its value is earned in that period. It does not stand still. Equipment ages, materials change at suppliers, competitors lower prices, and customers ask for variants suited to new markets. This stage keeps the node competitive by improving it, while protecting what customers rely on: a qualified, stable process that does not change under their products without warning.
The tension between improving and not disturbing defines the stage. Every proposal is judged by its benefit and by its effect on customers: whether it changes device behaviour, rules, reliability or the look of the product, and therefore whether it needs qualification and formal notice. Larger moves, such as an enhanced version with new device options or a lower cost variant, are treated as derivatives with their own definition, kit release and qualification.
In scope: cost reduction, yield improvement, module improvements, supplier and material changes, design kit updates, derivative proposals, change qualification, change notification and the technology refresh review. Out of scope: the withdrawal of the node, which starts with the Node discontinuance notice.
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