TSMC manufactures advanced chips for many leading technology companies and was founded in 1987.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company pioneered the dedicated semiconductor foundry model. Instead of designing and selling its own branded processors as its main business, TSMC manufactures chips designed by other companies. This separation lets customers focus on chip architecture while TSMC concentrates on fabrication technology.
The company was founded in Hsinchu, Taiwan, by Morris Chang. Its customers have included major designers of processors, graphics chips, communications hardware, and other semiconductors. TSMC's manufacturing scale and process technology have made it central to the global electronics supply chain.
TSMC's market capitalization is the stock-market value of its listed shares. It is often confused with companies such as Intel or Samsung Electronics, which combine chip design or manufacturing with other major businesses. TSMC's specialized foundry model is the key distinction.