In recent years, Intel has been pushing forward with unprecedented efforts in advanced process technology, aiming to surpass TSMC at the fastest pace and reclaim its leading position. Intel has reiterated this strategy, especially aiming to solidify its leading position in the future with the upcoming 14A 1.4nm process.
Currently, Intel is on track to achieve its goal of "four years, five process nodes." The Intel 7 process, Intel 4 utilizing EUV extreme ultraviolet lithography, and Intel 3 have all entered mass production.
Intel 3, as an upgraded version, will be used in server-side Sierra Forest and Granite Rapids, with the former featuring a pure E-core design for the first time, supporting up to 288 cores.
The Intel 20A and Intel 18A nodes are progressing smoothly, equivalent to 2nm and 1.8nm respectively. They will continue to utilize EUV technology, incorporating RibbonFET fully surrounding gate transistors and PowerVia backside power delivery technology.
With these advancements, Intel aims to regain process leadership by 2025.
Afterwards, Intel will continue to adopt innovative technologies to advance the development and manufacturing of future process nodes, solidifying its leadership position.
One key aspect is the High NA EUV technology, where Numerical Aperture (NA) is the metric that measures the ability to collect and focus light.
By upgrading the optical system that reflects circuit patterns on masks onto silicon wafers, High NA EUV lithography can significantly enhance resolution, aiding in further transistor miniaturization.
As the next advanced process node following Intel 18A, Intel 14A at the 1.4nm level will utilize High NA EUV lithography.
To manufacture transistors with smaller feature sizes, alongside integrating High NA EUV lithography, Intel is also concurrently developing new transistor structures and improving process steps, such as reducing steps and simplifying processes through PowerVia backside power delivery technology.
Furthermore, Intel has unveiled several evolutionary versions of Intel 3, Intel 18A, and Intel 14A to assist customers in developing and delivering products that meet their specific requirements.
