> There is an intrigue about the new fab though: Samsung hasn't stated which process node it will be designed for.
Let's restate the question. Which node can they get up by 2023 and how much of security critical U.S. consumption can that cover?
Let's restate the question. Which node can they get up by 2023 and how much of security critical U.S. consumption can that cover?
What US can't source for F-35 locally are Xilinx FPGAs at either 65nm, or 40nm nodes.
The question is not in node size as such as having an FPGA process capability.
FPGAs on generic CMOS don't work great. The ability to tweak, and optimize the process specifically for individual design is huge for FPGAs.
Intel with their CPUs are very much in the same situation, but in reverse. They cannot move from "hand polished" proprietary processes they've been developing for decades to anything else.
Later this year TSMC will be producing Intel CPUs on 5nm. Clearly contradicts your assertion.
And: Intel CEO Bob Swan said the company had identified a "defect mode" in its 7nm process that caused yield degradation issues. As a result, Intel has invested in "contingency plans," which Swan later defined as including using third-party foundries.