Intel and UMC Unveil Groundbreaking Partnership to Revolutionize Semiconductor Manufacturing

Intel and UMC have joined forces to develop a 12-nanometer semiconductor process platform, leveraging their respective strengths to address high-growth markets and provide customers with a more diversified supply chain.

1. Collaboration between two industry leaders: Intel and UMC are both well-established and respected companies in the semiconductor industry, making this collaboration a powerful partnership. 2. Expansion of process portfolio: The collaboration will allow for the development of a new 12-nanometer semiconductor process platform, expanding the options available to customers and potentially driving innovation in high-growth markets. 3. Utilization of existing equipment: By utilizing existing equipment at Intel's Ocotillo Technology Fabrication site, the upfront investment requirements for this project will be reduced, making it a more cost-effective venture.

Intel Corp. and United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) have announced a collaboration to develop a 12-nanometer semiconductor process platform. The partnership aims to address high-growth markets such as mobile, communication infrastructure, and networking. By combining Intel’s manufacturing capacity and UMC’s Foundry experience, the collaboration will expand the process portfolio and offer customers a more diversified supply chain.

Intel’s senior vice president and general manager of Intel Foundry Services (IFS), Stuart Pann, stated that Taiwan has been a critical part of the semiconductor ecosystem for decades, and Intel is committed to collaborating with innovative companies in Taiwan to better serve global customers. He also mentioned that this collaboration with UMC demonstrates Intel’s commitment to delivering technology and manufacturing innovation across the semiconductor supply chain.

UMC’s co-president, Jason Wang, expressed excitement about the strategic collaboration with Intel, highlighting how it broadens their addressable market and accelerates their development roadmap. He emphasized the benefits of migrating to the 12 nm node and the resiliency of having a Western footprint.

The 12 nm node will leverage Intel’s U.S.-based manufacturing capacity and FinFET transistor design expertise, providing a combination of maturity, performance, and power efficiency. UMC’s decades of process leadership and experience in providing foundry services will contribute to the production of the new process node. The development and manufacturing will take place at Intel’s Ocotillo Technology Fabrication site in Arizona, utilizing existing equipment to reduce upfront investment requirements.

Both companies will work together to meet customer demand and support the 12 nm process through design enablement. They will collaborate with ecosystem partners to provide electronic design automation and intellectual properties solutions. Production of the 12 nm process is expected to commence in 2027.

Intel has a long history of investing and innovating globally, with manufacturing sites and investments in various countries. IFS has made significant progress in building momentum with new customers and expanding its foundry ecosystem. UMC, on the other hand, has a strong track record as a preferred supplier of foundry services to critical applications and has expertise in supporting customers to achieve high yields.

Overall, this collaboration between Intel and UMC aims to bring together their respective strengths to meet customer needs and drive innovation in the semiconductor industry.

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Background Information

About Intel: Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is renowned 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 groundbreaking 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.

Technology Explained

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).