Intel introduces 14A (1.4 nm) and 3T Foundry Nodes, Pioneering AI-Optimized Systems Foundry

Intel Corporation has officially launched Intel Foundry, a sustainable systems foundry business aimed at the AI era. The company also launched an expanded process roadmap that aims to establish its leadership in the industry through the end of the decade. Intel Foundry has garnered support from ecosystem partners, including Synopsys, Cadence, Siemens, and Ansys, who have expressed their readiness to accelerate chip designs for Intel Foundry customers using Intel’s advanced packaging and 18A process technologies.

The announcement was made during Intel’s inaugural foundry event, Intel Foundry Direct Connect, which brought together customers, ecosystem companies, and industry leaders. Notable participants and speakers included U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, ARM CEO Rene Haas, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger emphasized the transformative power of AI and the opportunity it presents for chip designers and Intel Foundry to create new markets and improve people’s lives through technology.

Intel’s extended process technology roadmap includes the addition of Intel 14A to its leading-edge node plan, as well as several specialized node evolutions. The company remains on track with its ambitious five-nodes-in-four-years (5N4Y) process roadmap, which will introduce the industry’s first backside power solution. Intel expects to regain process leadership with its 18A technology in 2025. The roadmap also includes evolutions for Intel 3, Intel 18A, and Intel 14A process technologies, providing customers with the flexibility to develop tailored products. Intel Foundry plans to introduce a new node every two years, allowing customers to continuously evolve their products using Intel’s leading process technology.

Intel also announced the addition of Intel Foundry FCBGA 2D+ to its suite of ASAT products, which already includes FCBGA 2D, EMIB, Foveros, and Foveros Direct.

Customer support for Intel’s systems foundry approach was highlighted during the event. Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella revealed that Microsoft has chosen a chip design to be produced on Intel’s 18A process, emphasizing the importance of reliable access to advanced, high-performance semiconductors.

Intel Foundry has secured design wins across multiple process generations, including Intel 18A, Intel 16, and Intel 3. The company has also seen significant customer volume on its advanced packaging capabilities.

Intel’s intellectual property and electronic design automation partners, including Synopsys, Cadence, Siemens, Ansys, Lorentz, and Keysight, have declared their readiness to enable foundry customers to accelerate chip designs on Intel 18A. These partners have also affirmed their support for Intel’s node families.

In addition, several vendors have announced plans to collaborate on assembly technology and design flows for Intel’s embedded multi-die interconnect bridge (EMIB) 2.5D packaging technology. These collaborations aim to expedite the development and delivery of advanced packaging solutions for Intel Foundry customers.

Intel also launched an “Emerging Business Initiative” that involves a collaboration with Arm to provide foundry services for Arm-based system-on-chips (SoCs). This initiative aims to support startups in developing Arm-based technology by offering essential IP, manufacturing support, and financial assistance.

What sets Intel Foundry apart in the AI era is its systems approach, which enables full-stack optimization from the factory network to software. Intel and its ecosystem empower customers to innovate across the entire system through continuous technology improvements, reference designs, and new standards.

Stuart Pann, Senior Vice President of Intel Foundry at Intel, emphasized the comprehensive nature of Intel Foundry’s products. The company aims to provide a world-class foundry that is resilient, sustainable, and secure, complemented by unparalleled systems of chips capabilities. This combination equips customers with everything they need to engineer and deliver solutions for the most demanding applications.

Intel also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, setting a goal to become the industry’s most sustainable foundry. The company aims to achieve 100% renewable electricity worldwide, net-positive water usage, and zero waste to landfills by 2030. Intel also plans to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and net-zero upstream Scope 3 emissions by 2050.

Background Information

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About ARM:

ARM, originally known as Acorn RISC Machine, is a British semiconductor and software design company that specializes in creating energy-efficient microprocessors, system-on-chip (SoC) designs, and related technologies. Founded in 1990, ARM has become a important player in the global semiconductor industry and is widely recognized for its contributions to mobile computing, embedded systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. ARM's microprocessor designs are based on the Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) architecture, which prioritizes simplicity and efficiency in instruction execution. This approach has enabled ARM to produce highly efficient and power-saving processors that are used in a vast array of devices, ranging from smartphones and tablets to IoT devices, smart TVs, and more. The company does not manufacture its own chips but licenses its processor designs and intellectual property to a wide range of manufacturers, including Qualcomm, Apple, Samsung, and NVIDIA, who then integrate ARM's technology into their own SoCs. This licensing model has contributed to ARM's widespread adoption and influence across various industries.

  

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About Intel:

Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

  

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About Microsoft:

Microsoft, founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975 in Redmond, Washington, USA, is a technology giant known for its wide range of software products, including the Windows operating system, Office productivity suite, and cloud services like Azure. Microsoft also manufactures hardware, such as the Surface line of laptops and tablets, Xbox gaming consoles, and accessories.

  

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About Synopsys:

Synopsys is a important American software company that specializes in electronic design automation (EDA) and semiconductor intellectual property. Founded in 1986, Synopsys provides tools and solutions for designing and testing complex integrated circuits and electronic systems. Their software aids in the development of semiconductors, electronic products, and software applications, playing a crucial role in advancing technological innovation across various industries. For more detailed information about their products and contributions, you can visit their official website at

  

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Technology Explained

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Foundry: A foundry is a dedicated manufacturing facility focused on producing semiconductor components like integrated circuits (ICs) for external clients. These foundries are pivotal in the semiconductor industry, providing diverse manufacturing processes and technologies to create chips based on designs from fabless semiconductor firms or other customers. This setup empowers companies to concentrate on innovative design without needing substantial investments in manufacturing infrastructure. Some well-known foundries include TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), Samsung Foundry, GlobalFoundries, and UMC (United Microelectronics Corporation).

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