Intel Fab in Germany Will be the Most Advanced Fab in the world with 1.5 nm Node

Introduction:

Intel is set to establish its most advanced semiconductor production facility near Magdeburg, Germany with 1.5 nm node.

CEO Pat Gelsinger announced the ambitious project at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He expressed enthusiasm about the Magdeburg fab becoming not only the most advanced in Germany but also the world’s leader in chip manufacturing upon its completion.

Intel 1.5 nm Cutting-Edge Technology:

Gelsinger shared insights into the technological prowess of the Magdeburg facility,. He also emphasized that it will process wafers using post-18A process technologies.

Although he did not provide specific details on the adopted process, he hinted at the technology being on the order of 1.5nm.

This places the Magdeburg fab at the forefront of semiconductor innovation. This surpasses even Intel’s upcoming 18A process, which itself is classified as sub-2nm.

“This will be not only the most advanced manufacturing fab in Germany, the most advanced [chip] manufacturing in the world will occur at the Magdeburg site. We are quite excited about getting that underway.”

~Pat Gelsinger, CEO, Intel

Intel’s Commitment to European Manufacturing:

The decision to establish a cutting-edge semiconductor facility in Europe reflects Intel’s determination to bring leading-edge manufacturing to the region—a rarity in the semiconductor industry.

Currently, Intel’s Fab 34 near Leixlip, Ireland, is producing chips using 4nm-class process technology. This plant has plans to transition to 3nm-class processors in the coming quarters.

While these nodes are behind TSMC’s N3 (3nm-class), Intel aims to position its 18A and its successors ahead of the industry in terms of power, performance, and area characteristics.

Roadmap Revealed in February:

In late February, Intel is expected to reveal its post-18A fabrication process roadmap. This aligns with the anticipated announcement of the fabs or sites that will first adopt the new nodes. The rumor mill suggests potential successors, including Intel 16A and Intel 14A, but concrete details will only be available after the official disclosure.

Global Implications of Intel 1.5 nm node:

The establishment of the Magdeburg fab marks a significant step towards reducing Europe’s reliance on semiconductor imports. This also strengthens the continent’s position in the global technology landscape. Intel’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities to Europe positions the Magdeburg facility to play a crucial role in shaping the future of semiconductor innovation.

Conclusion:

Intel’s choice to construct the world’s most advanced semiconductor fab in Magdeburg, Germany, emphasizes the company’s dedication to advancing technology and bolstering Europe’s standing in the semiconductor sector.

In February, details about the post-18A fabrication process roadmap and the technologies used at the Magdeburg fab will be disclosed. This has created anticipation within the global tech community for the transformative impact of this state-of-the-art facility.