Intel and Arm to work together on next-generation mobile SoCs on the Intel 18A process

Intel and Arm to work together on next-generation mobile SoCs on the Intel 18A process

Intel and Arm have announced a “multigeneration agreement” that will see the two companies develop multiple generations of Arm-based processor cores on the Intel 18A fabrication technology (1.8nm-class).

The plan will co-optimise Arm's IP and Intel Foundry Services (IFS) 18A fabrication process to maximise performance, lower power consumption, and optimise die sizes of their upcoming SoCs. While the focus is to be initially on mobile SoC designs, they may eventually expand their collaboration to other areas like automotive, aerospace, data centre, Internet of Things, and government applications.

IFS and Arm will develop a mobile reference design, allowing demonstration of the software and system knowledge for Foundry customers. They will work together to optimise the platforms from applications and software through package and silicon, leveraging Intel’s open system foundry model.

Pat Gelsinger, CEO of Intel Corporation said:

Intel’s collaboration with Arm will expand the market opportunity for IFS and open up new options and approaches for any fabless company that wants to access best-in-class CPU IP and the power of an open system foundry with leading-edge process technology.

One point to note is that IFS will be opening manufacturing capacity around the world, including expanding current operations in the U.S. and the EU. This will allow for localised SoC production and create a more balanced global supply chain for foundry customers working in mobile SoC design on Arm-based CPU cores.