AMD showed off 65nm processors

AMD updated its manufacturing and process technology direction — building on the earlier news this week of the company’s newest fabrication facility through a major transformation of its Dresden-based Fab 30, which will be converted to 300mm production in 2007 and named Fab 38.

Also at its analyst day, AMD demonstrated 65nm products from its newest Fab 36 facility in Dresden, using 65nm process technology jointly developed by a team of AMD and IBM engineers in New York as part of AMD and IBM’s successful process development and research collaboration. AMD also announced that its transition to 45nm technology is accelerating. AMD’s plan is to begin initial volume production of 45nm 18 months after initial 65nm production, currently anticipated to be in the mid-2008 time frame.

AMD’s state-of-the-art facilities use the company’s patented Automated Precision Manufacturing (APM) and Continuous Technology Improvement (CTI) capabilities to enable a rapid transition to new technology generations and quickly achieve mature yields. AMD’s focus on speed, accuracy, agility and efficiency via APM is being enhanced through the adoption of a lean philosophy to microprocessor manufacturing. This approach allows AMD to extend the benefits of APM to enhance processes, reduce waste and accelerate time-to-market for our customers.