Intel details 14 nm technology and Broadwell processors

The US chip maker Intel has officially shared first details of its upcoming 14 nm chip production process and the future Broawell processors. Some of the information we already know but there are some additional interesting facts.

The most interesting news is that Intel has initiated shipments of 14 nm Broadwell processors to partners who produce thin devices such as notebooks and tablets, which once again underlines the fact that Broadwell will first appear in mobile devices and then in desktop computers. The usage of the chip in mobile devices also means that it needs very little power to operate, which is a nice fact. As expected Broadwell chips used in notebooks and tablets will carry the Core M brand name. Desktop versions of Broadwell will debut only in 2015.

As to the most advanced to date 14 nm process, it lowers processor TDP to never before seen levels. Some Broadwell models will have TDP of just 5-6W and Intel says it can produce chips with even lower TDP. The usage of the 14 nm production process has also decreased the die size of Broadwell chips that will now come with dimensions of 16.5 x 30 x 1.04 mm down from 24 x 40 x 1.5 mm in Haswell processors. Intel also makes use of vertical FinFET transistors that are now positioned closer than before and are a little longer than FinFET transistors in Haswell. This eases the flow of electrons and makes the chip work in a more efficient manner.

The first mobile Broadwell processors will debut by the end of 2014, while desktop versions of the same chip will arrive in summer 2015.

Source: Intel