IDF: Intel Demonstrates First 32nm Chip and Next-Gen Nehalem Microprocessor Architecture
Intel Corporation President and CEO Paul Otellini showed the industry's first working chips built using 32-nanometer technology. Intel's 32nm process technology is on track to begin production in 2009.
Otellini also described the upcoming 45nm family of Penryn processors, which are based on the high-k metal gate transistor technology. The industry's first 45nm processors will be available from Intel in November. The company also demonstrated for the first time the next-generation chip architecture codenamed Nehalem, due out next year.
When Intel introduces Penryn in November, it will be the first high-volume 45nm processor. Penryn, along with the Silverthorne family of 45nm processors (available next year) will have the small feature size, low-power requirements and high-performance capabilities to meet a wide variety of computing needs from handhelds to servers. Intel is going to introduce 15 new 45nm processors by the end of the year and another 20 in the first quarter of 2008.
Otellini also announced that Intel's 45nm processors and 65nm chipsets would use halogen-free packaging technology beginning in 2008 to improve energy efficiency.
Looking to 2008, Otellini made the first public demonstration of Intel's Nehalem processor and said the company is on track to deliver the new processor design in the second half of the year. The Nehalem architecture will be the first Intel processor to use the QuickPath Interconnect system architecture. Quickpath will include integrated memory controller technology and improved communication links between system components to improve overall system performance.
Describing other innovations, Otellini showed the world's first 300mm wafer built using next-generation 32nm process technology. Intel's 32nm test chips incorporate logic and memory (SRAM) to house more than 1.9 billion transistors. The 32nm process uses the company's second-generation high-k and metal gate transistor technology.
Otellini also announced that a version of a Penryn dual-core processor operating at 25 watts will be available on the upcoming Montevina platform, which will include Intel's mobile WiMAX silicon. Several equipment manufacturers are already planning to introduce Montevina-based notebook PCs starting next year when the platform is introduced.
Source: Intel Corporation
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