Intel Partners With Arm To Make Next Gen Mobile SoCs

Intel Foundry Services (IFS) and Arm have signed a long-term deal to let chip designers create low-power SoCs on Intel’s 18A process. This follows Intel and MediaTek’s agreement in July 2022 to use Intel’s advanced foundry technologies for making chips.

Mobile SoC Design on Intel 18A Process

Intel Foundry Services (IFS) and Arm have agreed to work together on mobile SoC designs using Intel’s 18A process technology, which offers new transistor technologies for better power and performance. The collaboration could also extend to other applications such as automotive, IoT, data center, aerospace and government.

IDM 2.0 strategy: Global Supply Chain and Open System Foundry Model

The collaboration will help balance the global supply chain for foundry customers using Arm-based CPU cores on Intel process technology. Intel is expanding its manufacturing capacity in the U.S. and the EU to meet the long-term demand for chips. Arm associates will have access to Intel’s open system foundry model, which includes software, packaging and chiplets.

Design Technology Co-Optimization and Mobile Reference Design

IFS and Arm will optimize chip design and process technologies together to improve PPAC for Arm cores on Intel 18A process technology. Intel 18A introduces PowerVia and RibbonFET technologies for optimal power delivery and transistor architecture.

A mobile reference design will also be created by IFS and Arm to demonstrate the system and software expertise for foundry clients. They will also leverage Intel’s unified design environment to optimize the platforms from applications and software through package and silicon.

Speaking on the announcement, Pat Gelsinger, CEO of Intel Corporation, said:

Computing power is in high demand due to digital transformation, but fabless customers had few choices for advanced mobile technology. Intel and Arm’s collaboration will give IFS more market potential and offer new options and methods for fabless companies that want top CPU IP and an open system foundry with cutting-edge process technology.

Commenting on the announcement, Rene Haas, CEO of Arm, said:

Arm’s secure, efficient processors power countless devices and digital experiences. As compute and efficiency needs get more complex, our industry must innovate on many levels. Arm and Intel’s collaboration makes IFS a key foundry partner for our customers as we deliver the next wave of world-changing products based on Arm.