Recently ousted Intel CEO, Pat Gelsinger, has defended Intel Foundry's 18A process, dismissing concerns about its reported low yield rates.
Reports surfaced claiming that Intel's 18A process had yield rates below 10%, based on tests supposedly conducted by Broadcom using an older design kit, not the PDK 1.0. This sparked concerns about Intel's ability to move to high-volume production.
Gelsinger responded to analyst Patrick Moorhead, confirming that the tests were conducted on an older design kit. He expressed pride in the 18A team's progress, implying that the actual situation is more positive than portrayed in the media.
thank you Pat for helping to set the record straight. I'm so very proud of the TD/18A team for the incredible work and progress they are making.
— Pat Gelsinger (@PGelsinger) December 7, 2024
"...proud of the 18A team and the incredible work they are doing..." - Pat Gelsinger
In a separate response to analyst Dan Nystedt, Gelsinger argued that judging a process solely on yield rate is misleading, stating that "a large die will have a lower yield, smaller die - high yield percentage."
speaking about yield as a % isn't appropriate. large die will have lower yield, smaller die - high yield percentage. Anyone using % yield as a metric for semiconductor health without defining die size, doesn't understand semiconductor yield. yields are represented as defect…
— Pat Gelsinger (@PGelsinger) December 7, 2024
Gelsinger's comments either defend the low 18A yields or offer a nuanced perspective on semiconductor development. He has been a strong advocate for Intel Foundry, previously aiming to make it the world's largest by 2030.
Intel's current challenges may lead to aggressive strategies, including potential restructuring and even the sale of the Intel Foundry Services (IFS) division.
