Intel to Build Yet Another 65nm, 300mm Fab

by Anton Shilov
05/20/2004 | 10:58 AM

Intel Corporation on Thursday outlined more plans concerning the transition to 65nm process technology. The company plans to re-equip one of its fab and build a new one in Ireland so that to make 65nm chips there in 2006. So far Intel has outlined plans to transit three of its foundries to the advanced manufacturing technology.

Under an agreement with the Irish Development Authority (IDA), Intel Corporation today disclosed plans for an additional $2 billion investment in its facilities in Ireland to enable 65nm process technology and build Fab 24-2 on the Ireland campus.

The investment will add an additional 60000 square feet of manufacturing cleanroom space plus the necessary manufacturing equipment to enable the latest 65nm technology within both Fab 24-2 and existing Fab 24 facilities. Production for the new module is expected to begin the first half of 2006. Fab 24 is about to begin production of 90nm using 300mm wafers.

Under terms of an agreement with the IDA, Intel will receive grants and other potential incentives as it continues to invest in Ireland. Intel's 2004 capital expenditure forecast range of $3.6 billion to $4 billion will accommodate the spending for the early stages of this project.

Intel’s 65nm manufacturing technology will feature transistors measuring only 35nm in gate length. Besides, the fabrication technology will make use of Intel’s second-generation strained silicon technology as well as low-k dielectrics.

By the year 2006 Intel is likely to have three 300mm facilities capable of producing central processing units at 65nm process technology: F12 in Arizona, D1D in Oregon and F24/F24-2 in Ireland.