New Delhi, Mar 15 (UNI) The Union Cabinet today approved an upgradation of very large scale integrated circuit facilities to 0.345/0.25 m technological capability at Semiconductor Complex Limited and Semiconductor Laboratory with an outlay of Rs 486 crore and a foreign exchange component of Rs 322 crore.

The planned upgradation will enable acquiring the capabilities needed to manufacture a number of high complexity semiconductors and imaging devices commensurate with the quality and reliability requirements of the strategic sector.

The dependence on foreign manufacturers in the area of microelectronic devices can be significantly reduced with upgradation.

The upgradation of VLSI fabrication will make use of the existing infrastructural facilities at SCL in the areas of VLSI design, packaging and testing facilities, clean room facilities and utilities like gas lines, power and ultra high pure water.

The project will be executed by means of redeployment of existing staff and recruitment against the vacancies. No additional manpower would be sought for upgradation, said Minister for Information and Broadcasting P R Dasmunsi.

The estimated schedule for realisation of this activity is two years from the date of approval.

UNI