Intel's forthcoming Intel Supplier Summit on June 11 is poised to be a pivotal event, as the company aims to address recent scrutiny over delays in its advanced process nodes and yield challenges. This summit is expected to serve as a platform for Intel to reinforce its transformation efforts and strengthen ties with suppliers, signaling a concerted push to regain its competitive edge in the semiconductor industry.
Central to Intel's strategy is the development and deployment of its 18A process node, which represents a significant advancement in semiconductor manufacturing. The 18A node introduces two groundbreaking technologies: RibbonFET and PowerVia.
Additionally, Intel has been working closely with Synopsys to fast-track 18A chip development. This collaboration includes the certification of Synopsys's digital and analog EDA flows for Intel 18A, as well as the development of a reference flow for Intel's Embedded Multi-die Interconnect Bridge Technology (EMIB-T). These efforts are designed to simplify the design process for customers and reduce time-to-market for new products. (forbes.com)
In the AI domain, companies such as Nvidia and Broadcom are reportedly testing their chips using Intel's 18A manufacturing process. These tests indicate a growing confidence in Intel's advanced manufacturing techniques and could potentially lead to significant manufacturing contracts if successful. However, it's important to note that these evaluations are ongoing, and no definitive commitments have been announced. (reuters.com)
Financially, Intel's foundry segment has been under pressure, with revenue declines reported in the previous year. The company has set a goal to break even on its foundry operating profit by the end of 2027, driven by its own products and the shift to Intel 18A. Achieving this target will require successful execution of its process technology roadmap and the ability to attract and retain external customers. (trendforce.com)
Source: digitimes Intel to detail 18A milestones, strengthen supplier ties
Intel's 18A Process Node: A Leap Forward
Central to Intel's strategy is the development and deployment of its 18A process node, which represents a significant advancement in semiconductor manufacturing. The 18A node introduces two groundbreaking technologies: RibbonFET and PowerVia.- RibbonFET: This is Intel's implementation of gate-all-around (GAA) transistor architecture, allowing for tighter control over electrical currents and enabling further miniaturization of chip components while reducing power leakage.
- PowerVia: This technology optimizes signal routing by separating power delivery from the front side of the wafer, thereby reducing resistance and improving power efficiency.
Strengthening Supplier Relationships
Recognizing the critical role of a robust supply chain, Intel is actively working to fortify its relationships with key suppliers. The upcoming Supplier Summit is expected to focus on enhancing collaboration and trust within its supplier network. Intel's CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, has emphasized the importance of fostering an engineering-first culture and strengthening partnerships across the foundry ecosystem. This approach is evident in Intel's engagements with leading electronic design automation (EDA) companies such as Synopsys, Cadence, Siemens EDA, and PDF Solutions. These collaborations aim to streamline design processes and accelerate the adoption of Intel's advanced process technologies. (chiplet-marketplace.com)Ecosystem Partnerships and Collaborations
Intel's strategy extends beyond supplier relationships to encompass a broader ecosystem of partnerships. Notably, Intel Foundry Services (IFS) has entered into a multigeneration agreement with Arm to enable chip designers to build low-power system-on-chips (SoCs) on the Intel 18A process. This collaboration is initially focused on mobile SoC designs but has the potential to expand into automotive, IoT, data center, aerospace, and government applications. By integrating Arm's processor designs with Intel's manufacturing capabilities, this partnership aims to offer a compelling combination of performance and energy efficiency to a wide range of customers. (intel.com)Additionally, Intel has been working closely with Synopsys to fast-track 18A chip development. This collaboration includes the certification of Synopsys's digital and analog EDA flows for Intel 18A, as well as the development of a reference flow for Intel's Embedded Multi-die Interconnect Bridge Technology (EMIB-T). These efforts are designed to simplify the design process for customers and reduce time-to-market for new products. (forbes.com)
Engagement with Defense and AI Sectors
Intel's 18A process has also garnered interest from the defense sector. Intel Foundry has secured contracts with companies like Trusted Semiconductor Solutions and Reliable MicroSystems to manufacture chips under the U.S. Department of Defense's Rapid Assured Microelectronics Prototypes - Commercial (RAMP-C) program. These engagements underscore the strategic importance of Intel's manufacturing capabilities in producing secure and reliable semiconductors for defense applications. (techtarget.com)In the AI domain, companies such as Nvidia and Broadcom are reportedly testing their chips using Intel's 18A manufacturing process. These tests indicate a growing confidence in Intel's advanced manufacturing techniques and could potentially lead to significant manufacturing contracts if successful. However, it's important to note that these evaluations are ongoing, and no definitive commitments have been announced. (reuters.com)
Challenges and Outlook
Despite these advancements, Intel faces challenges in its foundry business. The company has experienced delays in its 18A process timeline, partly due to the need to qualify crucial intellectual property for the process. This has implications for potential customers, particularly smaller and mid-size chip designers who rely on certified IP to proceed with chip production. Intel has stated that it expects to begin ramping production in the second half of this year and to receive customer designs later this year. (reuters.com)Financially, Intel's foundry segment has been under pressure, with revenue declines reported in the previous year. The company has set a goal to break even on its foundry operating profit by the end of 2027, driven by its own products and the shift to Intel 18A. Achieving this target will require successful execution of its process technology roadmap and the ability to attract and retain external customers. (trendforce.com)
Conclusion
Intel's upcoming Supplier Summit represents a critical juncture in the company's efforts to address past challenges and chart a course for future success. By detailing milestones in its 18A process node and strengthening supplier and ecosystem partnerships, Intel aims to reinforce its position as a leader in semiconductor manufacturing. The success of these initiatives will be pivotal in determining Intel's ability to compete effectively in an increasingly complex and competitive industry landscape.Source: digitimes Intel to detail 18A milestones, strengthen supplier ties
