Intel cleans up its (Custom) foundry act

[Dayman]

Intel, ARM deepen foundry ties pages 2 - 5

ARM announced at the event it is extending its partnership with Intel’s foundry business to build IP tailored for the x86 giant’s 22nm FinFET node. It’s a fascinating example of co-opetition from the processor rivals.

ARM will deliver IP to enable a Cortex-A55 geared for midrange smartphones to run up to 2.35 GHz or down to 0.45V in its so-called 22FFL process. ARM is already helping make in Intel’s flagship 10nm process a test chip due out before the end of the year using a next-gen Cortex-A SoC running at 3.5 GHz or 0.5V and delivering 0.25mW/MHz.

An Intel executive showed road maps first released at a Beijing event in September, giving more details than ever on its foundry and IP plans. Observers said the level of candor was new for Intel but key to establishing a foundry business it has been struggling—largely with its own culture--to stand up for years.

Intel has three follow-ons planned for its 22FFL node which it claims will sport 100x lower leakage, 30% more performance and a 20% area shrink compared to 28nm nodes.

Intel is gearing up to compete with the wealth of foundation IP at foundries such as TSMC with basic cells of its own as well as some from partners.

 

[DTN107]

I lost count how many times Intel has revised their road map with the whole 10nm yield issues.

 

[Shintai]

I lost count how many times Intel has revised their road map with the whole 10nm yield issues.

I lost count on how many times people mix Intel custom foundry with Intels own products.

 

[DTN107]

Haha ok I deserved that one. I'll be honest that I skimmed on my phone and didn't take the time to read. I'll take my walk of shame now.

 

[grtitan]

I lost count on how many times corporation worshippers lost their shit when someone doesnt know every little detail of their favorite corporate deity...

 

[DeathFromBelow]

I lost count on how many times people mix Intel custom foundry with Intels own products.

There was nothing incorrect about what DTN107 said. I too have lost count of how many times Intel has revised their road map because of 10nm yield issues. If they were competent at it they wouldn't need to be engaging in 'co-opetition' (that's how the article spins it) with ARM at all on these other products.

Observers said the level of candor was new for Intel but key to establishing a foundry business it has been struggling—largely with its own culture--to stand up for years.

But go ahead and spin it positive for the investors. They need something nice after the pathetic Covfefe Lake paper launch.