AMD 65 nanometre chip ramp starts small

OUR DIRECT question to Hector Ruiz at a press conference at the opening of Fab 36 yesterday doesn't mean AMD is behind with 65 nanometre technology.

In truth, it's quite normal for new fabs to make wafers with existing process technology and when a firm is sure it's good to go, to switch to the newer process.

So it's not surprising that AMD will first create wafers with 90 nanometre chips on them as it tests the technology and before it pushes the 65 nanometre chips out of the door.

There's another consideration here - and that's the cost of the equipment used in Fab 36. Needless to say, hacks that attended the press conference weren't allowed to get into bunny suits and see just what had been installed as the Fab opened. AMD will add to the highly expensive Nikon lithography units and other very costly equipment as 2006 continues, and as it's sure that everything, including the know how it bought in from IBM is working properly.

The firm will amortise the very expensive kit it's buying during 2006 as it hopes to continue ramping the smaller shrink processors.

Sources indicate that by the end of 2006, AMD will be able to produce over 2,000 wafer starts a week, or approximately 10,000 a month.

That will meet the target Hector Ruiz talked about during his conference call with financial analysts last week. µ

See Also
IBM to use more AMD chips as Fab 36 starts
AMD buys in more 65 nano, 45 nano tech
AMD's 65 nano silicon ready to roll