During the inaugural Intel Foundry Services Direct Connect event, Intel introduced its new manufacturing strategy, consolidating all customer manufacturing, system design, packaging, and connectivity solutions under one umbrella. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of Intel’s new process roadmap, which included the introduction of the 14A node. This cutting-edge node, expected to debut in 2026 or 2027, will leverage High-NA lithography, PowerVia backside power delivery, and RibbonFET GAA transistors. While Intel did not disclose specific product details for the 14A node, it is anticipated to prioritize enterprise-tier products while also benefiting consumer laptop and desktop chips.
Intel’s announcement of the 14A node signifies the culmination of its ‘four nodes in five years’ roadmap, which commenced with the launch of the Intel 7 node utilized in manufacturing 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors. The Intel 4 node is employed in parts of the Meteor Lake architecture, whereas the Intel 3 node caters to the Sierra Forest and Granite Rapids Xeon families. The 20A node, set to underpin the Arrow Lake CPU family arriving later this year, is the next focal point for consumers. Subsequently, the 18A node, slated for production in late 2024, will support the upcoming Panther Lake CPU family, exemplifying Intel’s aggressive and ambitious strategy in the semiconductor landscape.
In a bid to expand its reach and solidify its position in the foundry market, Intel is opening up its manufacturing facilities to external partners. With aspirations of becoming the world’s second-largest foundry by 2030, Intel has already secured Microsoft as a customer for chips manufactured on its 18A node. The collaboration with Microsoft hints at a potential custom AI chip, with the deal projected to be valued at up to $15 billion over its duration. Apart from Microsoft, Intel has established partnerships with prominent companies such as Ericsson, Cadence, Keysight, Lorentz, and Siemens. Moreover, the collaboration with Arm as an “Emerging Business Initiative” holds significant promise for Intel, potentially paving the way for engagements with industry giants like Nvidia and Apple.
Despite facing challenges in the server CPU space and AI domain, Intel’s aggressive roadmap and foundry strategy position the company for a promising future. The Direct Connect event not only showcased Intel’s technological advancements but also underscored its ambition to forge alliances with key industry players and drive innovation in the semiconductor sector. As Intel strives to reclaim its leadership in process technology and expand its foundry business, the company is laying a solid foundation for a transformative second half of the decade, setting the stage for a competitive and dynamic industry landscape.
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