Intel’s 18A Unleashed: Panther Lake and Clearwater Forest Emerge from the Fab

Intel, the tech giant known for its processors, has just announced some exciting news. Its lead products on Intel 18A, Panther Lake (AI PC client processor) and Clearwater Forest (server processor), have successfully powered on and booted operating systems. This impressive milestone was achieved in less than two quarters after tape-out, and both products are on track to begin production in 2025. Not only that, but Intel also revealed that the first external customer is expected to tape out on Intel 18A in the first half of next year.

Kevin O’Buckley, Intel’s senior vice president and general manager of Foundry Services, expressed his enthusiasm about these developments, stating, “We are pioneering multiple systems foundry technologies for the AI era and delivering a full stack of innovation that’s essential to the next generation of products for Intel and our foundry customers. We are encouraged by our progress and are working closely with customers to bring Intel 18A to market in 2025.”

So, what exactly does this mean for Intel and its customers? Well, in July, Intel released the 18A Process Design Kit (PDK) 1.0, which provides design tools for foundry customers to utilize the capabilities of RibbonFET gate-all-around transistor architecture and PowerVia backside power delivery in their designs on Intel 18A. This means that customers can now begin their final production designs with the help of electronic design automation (EDA) and intellectual property (IP) partners who are updating their products to support Intel 18A.

Why is this significant? These milestones demonstrate that Intel Foundry is the first to successfully implement both RibbonFET gate-all-around transistors and PowerVia backside power technology for foundry customers. RibbonFET and PowerVia are innovations that Intel Foundry is making available to all customers through Intel 18A. By combining these technologies with their resilient manufacturing capacity and supply chain, as well as industry-leading advanced packaging technology, Intel Foundry is equipping designers and manufacturers with everything they need to create next-generation AI solutions that are scalable and energy-efficient.

But how do Panther Lake and Clearwater Forest fit into all of this? Well, these two products are a testament to the health of Intel 18A. They have successfully booted operating systems without any additional configurations or modifications, indicating the strength of Intel’s leading-edge process technology. Panther Lake has already shown impressive DDR memory performance running at the target frequency, while Clearwater Forest, set to be released next year, will be the industry’s first mass-produced, high-performance solution combining RibbonFET, PowerVia, and Foveros Direct 3D for higher density and power handling. Clearwater Forest is also the lead product for the Intel 3-T base-die technology. Both products are expected to deliver significant improvements in performance per watt, transistor density, and cell utilization.

So, how are customers involved in all of this? Well, they gained access to the Intel 18A PDK 1.0 last month, allowing them to begin their Intel 18A chip designs. This is a crucial milestone for Intel’s foundry business. Tom Beckley, senior vice president and general manager of Custom IC & PCB Group at Cadence, one of Intel’s partners, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, saying, “Cadence’s strategic collaboration with Intel Foundry helps accelerate our mutual customers’ innovation by providing access to industry-leading EDA solutions and IP optimized for Intel 18A.” Shankar Krishnamoorthy, general manager of the EDA Group at Synopsys, another partner, also praised Intel Foundry’s achievements, stating, “It’s great to see Intel Foundry hitting these critical milestones. With 18A now customer-ready, Intel Foundry is bringing together the necessary components needed to design next-generation AI solutions that our mutual customers require and expect.”

Now, let’s dive a bit deeper into RibbonFET and PowerVia. These core Intel 18A technologies are essential for driving AI computing forward. RibbonFET allows for precise control over the electrical current in the transistor channel, enabling chip components to be even smaller while reducing power leakage. This is crucial as chips become denser and more powerful. PowerVia, on the other hand, optimizes signal routing by separating power delivery from the front side of the wafer, reducing resistance and improving power efficiency. Together, these technologies have the potential to revolutionize computing performance and battery life in future electronic devices. Intel’s first-to-market position with both technologies is a significant advantage for foundry customers worldwide.

Overall, Intel’s recent milestones with Intel 18A are a promising sign of the company’s commitment to innovation and its dedication to providing solutions for the AI era. With Panther Lake and Clearwater Forest leading the way, Intel Foundry is poised to make a significant impact in the industry. As we eagerly await the production launch in 2025, it’s clear that Intel is on the path to reclaiming its position as a leader in process technology.

Background Information

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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 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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EDA: EDA stands for Electronic Design Automation, and it refers to a category of software tools and solutions used in the design and development of electronic systems and integrated circuits. EDA tools assist engineers and designers in creating complex electronic designs, from individual components to entire systems, by automating various aspects of the design process. These tools encompass a wide range of functionalities, including schematic capture, simulation, layout design, verification, and testing.

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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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PCB: Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are the backbone of the modern computer industry. They are thin boards made of a non-conductive material, such as fiberglass, with a thin layer of copper on top. This copper layer is etched with a pattern of electrical pathways that connect the various components of a computer together. PCBs are used in almost every electronic device, from computers to cell phones, and are essential for the functioning of these devices. They provide a reliable and efficient way to connect the components of a computer, allowing for faster and more reliable communication between them. The use of PCBs has revolutionized the computer industry, allowing for smaller, faster, and more reliable computers.

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