Intel has launched a dedicated website to showcase its advanced 18A chip manufacturing process, which is set to begin trial production soon. This move has sparked interest among tech enthusiasts, reminiscent of Intel's golden era when it would unveil next-generation technologies alongside trial product releases.
Some analysts suggest that Intel's unusual marketing approach may be aimed at reassuring investors, as the website mainly reiterates previously disclosed information. Nonetheless, the 18A technology is anticipated to be a significant competitor to TSMC's 2-nanometer chip technology, potentially disrupting the high-end chip foundry market where TSMC currently holds a dominant position.
Intel's 18A process is the company's first commercial manufacturing technology to utilize RibbonFET transistors and the PowerVia backside power delivery network, which reportedly enhances standard cell utilization by 5-10%, an advantage not present in TSMC's 2nm technology. This new node will also be compatible with industry-standard electronic design automation (EDA) tools and third-party intellectual property, offering cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities crucial for Intel's foundry business.
Moreover, Intel plans to build a cross-industry platform involving EDA tools, IP developers, contract chip designers, and cloud design providers around its 18A process. There are also rumors that Intel may integrate the 18A technology into its upcoming Panther Lake mobile chips and Clearwater Forest Xeon server CPUs, indicating that internal application is a priority for the company.
