The cancellation of 20A is especially notable as Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger had positioned it as the beginning of the corporate’s “Angstrom period” when first introduced in 2021. Now, the shift to exterior manufacturing for Arrow Lake is a major departure from these plans, but it surely aligns with the corporate’s current cost-cutting measures introduced following regarding monetary outcomes final quarter. The corporate is present process main restructuring, together with shedding 15,000 staff, amid monetary challenges.
Intel first demonstrated the Arrow Lake chips on 20A wafers at its Innovation 2023 occasion. On the time, Intel focused a 2024 launch for Arrow Lake.
Intel CFO Dave Zinsner stated the corporate would “skip over productizing” the 20A node to scale back capital expenditures. Sources beforehand allotted to 20A improvement will now be directed towards the extra superior 18A node, slated for 2025 launch. The corporate tasks the change will save $500 million by avoiding prices related to ramping up 20A manufacturing.
Intel’s 18A node improvement continues
Whereas Intel claims the shift was motivated by sturdy early yields on 18A, the transfer raises questions on potential points with 20A improvement. The node was set to introduce key applied sciences like RibbonFet transistors and PowerVia bottom energy supply.
Whereas Reuters had reported that check silicon wafers constructed on the 18A had suffered setbacks in the course of the assessments carried out by Broadcom, Intel maintains its 18A node stays on observe, citing a defect density beneath 0.40 – a key metric indicating manufacturing readiness.
Promote said, “Intel 18A is powered on, wholesome, and yielding nicely. We stay totally on observe to start high-volume manufacturing subsequent 12 months.” The corporate says learnings from 20A contributed to 18A’s progress.
Regardless of manufacturing setbacks, Intel has secured some high-profile foundry prospects, together with Microsoft and the US Division of Protection, each of whom have dedicated to utilizing the 18A node.