This is the third chip manufacturing plant (Fab) in the world utilizing advanced 65nm processing technology, and it is Intel’s first factory in Europe, inaugurated yesterday morning (June 23).
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View of Intel’s third Fab in Ireland. (Source: Semiconductor-tech) |
According to Intel, this $2 billion factory has begun large-scale production, utilizing 65nm processing technology created on the largest wafer size in the industry (300mm). The capacity of this plant is expected to produce the largest quantity of microprocessor products at the lowest cost in the world. The chip manufacturing plant (Fab) in Ireland is named Fab 24-2, alongside two previous fabs: Fab 12 in Arizona and D1D in Oregon. Previously, Fab 24-2 in Ireland had produced chips using 90nm technology.
In addition to these three chip manufacturing plants, Intel also has seven assembly and testing (ATM) facilities, among which the plant in Vietnam has been under construction since February 2006 and is expected to be inaugurated by mid-2008.
Mr. Otellini, the CEO of Intel Corporation, stated that 300mm wafers began being delivered to this new facility three months ago and are ready for the Irish plant to operate at optimal capacity. “Our production capability is the key to our success,” Otellini said. Currently, Intel is the only company in the world capable of shipping semiconductor products using 65nm technology.
While solidifying its leading position in 65nm processing technology, the company is also continuing research to begin producing semiconductor chips using the next-generation 45nm processing technology by the end of 2007.
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