Give us some credit, says Intel

By Warwick Ashford for Intel
San Francisco, 10 Mar 2006

Intel is still on track to increase chip performance dramatically every two years in accordance with Moore`s law for the next 10 to 15 years, Paolo Gargini told attendees of the closing general session of this week`s Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco.

Gargini detailed the various teams contributing to what he termed Intel`s "silicon research and development pipeline", explaining how a staggered approach enabled Intel to know exactly what could be achieved in silicon chip development in the next 10 years.

"We can already see five generations ahead," said Gargini, explaining that some research teams were already working on producing computer chips using 10nm silicon wafers.

"Instead of doubting Intel`s ability to deliver on our 10-year roadmap when specific experiments fail, I wish people would give us more credit because we do not rely on a single approach, but have several different options available to us for going forward," he said.

According to Gargini, the implementation of process technology in the R&D pipeline is an important competitive advantage for Intel, enabling the company to begin production of 65nm silicon wafers in the fourth quarter of 2004, "at least a year ahead of the competition".

Gargini reviewed the time frames for the introduction of the 130nm, 90nm and 65nm wafers, pointing out how Intel had managed to adhere to a two-year production cycle.

"Having an R&D pipeline enables Intel to deliver products on a very specific schedule."

Displaying the first prototype 45nm wafer produced in the first quarter of this year, Gargini also confirmed the production line switch from 90nm to 65nm is on schedule in the third quarter of this year to achieve a change in manufacturing within two years.

Alluding to various new materials and etching techniques already under investigation and development by Intel, Gargini said: "We have many options under consideration to ensure our roadmap remains on track, but we will sell no wine before its time."