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Kevin O’Buckley Talks Progress on Intel 18A

8/07/2024

Kevin O’Buckley Talks Progress on Intel 18A

Intel’s next-generation manufacturing node, the 18A (1.8nm-class) fabrication process, is making significant strides. This advanced node is crucial for Intel’s foundry ambitions, enabling the production of more efficient chips for both third-party customers and Intel’s own processors. Let’s dive into the details:

Key Milestones

  1. Panther Lake Client Processor:

    • The Panther Lake client processor, leveraging the 18A process, has successfully powered on and is booting Windows. It’s yielding well and already in use inside Intel.
    • The DDR memory controller of Panther Lake is meeting performance targets ahead of schedule.
    • The 18A process features Intel’s RibbonFET gate-all-around architecture, enhancing transistor performance.
    • Notably, it also incorporates PowerVia, a backside power delivery system ideal for power-hungry data center chips.
    • Intel claims an industry first by successfully implementing both RibbonFET and PowerVia in a foundry offering.

  2. Clearwater Forest for Data Centers:

    • Clearwater Forest, designed for data centers, has also powered on and is booting operating systems. It’s performing well.
    • Achieving these milestones less than two quarters after taping out keeps both Panther Lake and Clearwater Forest on track for production in 2025.

Industry Interest and Optimizations

  • High Interest:

    • External foundry customers are actively designing chips on the 18A node, given its benefits.
    • The refined RibbonFET design promises roughly a 10% performance-per-watt uplift over the previous 20A node.
    • Some experts speculate that 18A could outperform TSMC’s upcoming 3nm and 2nm nodes in specific workloads.

  • Intel’s Vision:

    • Kevin O’Buckley, Head of Intel Foundry Services, emphasizes their commitment to pioneering AI-era technologies and delivering innovation for Intel and its foundry customers.
    • Intel 18A combines cutting-edge transistor architecture with efficient power delivery, positioning it as a key player in the next generation of processors.

In summary, Intel’s progress with the 18A process is promising, and it’s poised to shape the future of semiconductor manufacturing. As external partners update their technology flows, we can expect exciting developments in the coming years.