Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[SemiconEng]

Trying to identify contingencies. My sense is that they are building a lot of momentum for their K8 products, and that the risk from here is more on the supply side.
I understand from the discussions here that move to 90nm is only that - no change in designs, chemical processes, etc - and that that should facilitate a smooth(er) startup, Is this correct?
Is it known that they have produced working 90nm engineering samples?
Thanks


IMO, there is No Way that you are going to create the same features at 90nm that you did at 130nm, using the same chemicals, processes etc. Won't work. At least it hasn't in the past.

And, I don't understand how, what's being called a "straight shrink", can have the same layout at 90nm as it did for 130nm. A straight shrink is usually accomplished by on the same process using techniques like shortening the speed paths, or redoing the layout of the sub units to improve efficiencies.

I would optimize the positions of my processor units on a move from 130nm to 90nm, but even if AMD did not, For sure, the switch to 90nm, will shrink the Poly Gate widths, so it seems to me, that layout will most certainly need to change in any case. That means new Litho Stepper Reticles. Better hope they get those reticles from Dupont on time.

I guess it boils down to that I'm just not as convinced as some obviously more experienced than I, that it's going to be a "smooth startup". But what do I know. jmo.

Semi