1. Purpose and scope
Ending a node affects far more than one product. Every chip built on it must either be bought for the rest of its life, moved to another process, or retired. Customers with long-life products, such as automotive, industrial, medical and infrastructure equipment, may depend on the node for many years after its commercial peak. An orderly end of life gives them enough notice, a fair chance to place last orders and a clear date for the last wafers.
The stage also manages the fab side of the ending. Equipment may be ageing or losing supplier support, materials may be leaving the market, and capacity may be needed for newer nodes. Supply must be secured to the last start, the final wafers must be run to the same control as any other, and the process record must be archived so questions can be answered after production stops.
In scope: listing affected customers and products, issuing the node discontinuance notice, the last-time-buy plan, alternatives offered to customers, final wafer start planning, equipment and materials end of life planning, and the process archive. Out of scope: the support customers give their own products after their last shipments.
12 more sections for registered members.