Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[pgerassi]

Dear Sgolds:

Since 65nm equipment can do 90nm without any changes, there is no reason why 90nm production would slow 65nm transition. Besides one line can be making 90nm while 65nm on another line is being brought up. In fact, 90nm production only refers to the bottom layers of the process, the upper metal layers are using much higher line widths. The current 130nm process has the upper layers at 180nm and 250nm IIRC. So even the more advanced processes actual have portions at less advanced resolutions.

The only piece that must be 65nm qualified is the step scanner that images the mask on to the photoresist coating the in process die. All of the rest of the equipment is the same with better registration in the smaller processes. And better registration actually helps larger processes.

All in all, there will not be a delay for 65nm production by running 90nm product in the fab for technical reasons. If management does not want or need 65nm production to start, then the delay may be due to management and that's a different kettle of fish.

Pete

PS: The testing at Fishkill would also allow Fishkill to be used as the 90nm SOI 300mm fab. Also Fab 36 could be used to make IBM CPUs as a backup to Fishkill, if both are running the same process. It gives IBM another reason for signing a foundry agreement with AMD (reprocity).