Decreasing node size is done to improve performance and efficiency. Semiconductor manufacturers aren't doing it just to say they can fab at small geometries. There is a reason they have to keep going smaller. 60 nm isn't "obsolete," it's the performance that can be achieved at 60 nm in legacy technology that is obsolete.
If 4DS can outperform DRAM at 60nm, then what will be achievable at 20nm? 4DS has been able to hit a figurative reset button and produce something that is current tech beating at an "obsolete node size." So now instead of butting up against a wall fabbing at 10 nm and smaller, a semi conductor manufacturer can fab with some comfort at 60 nm.
The company has just brought on a new hire to facilitate the sale of the business. Would you do that if you didn't have good interest at what you had already?
I'm not going to hitch my star to this, but it is entirely possible that an offer could be tabled prior to PL5 and PL6 being completed. It depends on how the ongoing analysis pans out and the due diligence by a purchaser has to be conducted. They have to perform a feasibility study to work out
- How they would deploy the tech
- How much a customer would be willing to pay for the product.
- How much it's going to cost to build a fab
- How much product development cost needs to be set aside.
- How watertight the IP is.
That takes quite a bit of time.
