Which model typically involves owning fabrication facilities?

• A. IDM
• B. Fabless
• C. Foundry
• D. ODM

Answer: (A)

Owning fabrication facilities is what defines an IDM: an integrated device manufacturer designs and builds its own semiconductor chips in its own fabrication plants. This vertical integration gives the company full control over process technology, yields, supply timing, and product roadmap, since the production side is owned and operated by the same company that designs the chips.

Fabless firms focus on design and IP but contract out manufacturing to external fabs, so they don’t own the production facilities. Foundries specialize in manufacturing for other companies and typically don’t own the chip designs themselves. ODMs design and manufacture products for other brands, but the distinguishing feature in this context is the direct ownership and operation of fabrication plants, which is characteristic of the IDM model.