Intel Foundry showcases ARM-based SoC using its 18A Node

Intel showcases non-X86 SoC built using its 18A technology

As part of a now-delisted video from Intel Foundry, the company showcased a reference “Deer Creek Falls” SoC that was built using the company’s 18A technology. This is a “non-X86” chip that Intel has created using its new 18A lithography node.

With this chip, Intel Foundry has showcased its ability to create ARM-based CPUs using its 18A lithography node. This is part of Intel’s efforts to gain 3rd party customers for its foundry business. Intel undoubtedly wants ARM CPU producers to build their CPUs using their fabs, taking customers from TSMC.

This ARM-based SoC features a single performance core, two efficiency cores, and four low-power efficiency cores. It also features memory controller IPs and PHYs from ecosystem partners. This highlights Intel’s ability to create chips using non-Intel IP through its Foundry.

So far, the hardware industry doesn’t appear to be interested in Intel’s 18A technology. However, Intel plans to use this node extensively for its products. Panther Lake will be the first Intel CPU to utilise the company’s 18A technology.

Intel is now working to gain 3rd party customers for its next-generation 14A lithography node. If Intel can prove the merits of its 18A technology with its next-generation CPUs, there will undoubtedly be interest in 14A. However, it remains to be seen if Intel can get a major 3rd party customer like Nvidia or Apple to use its foundtry technology.

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