SemiconEng, I don't want to argue hypothetical situations. ( Like who's getting steppers first when there's a shortage ). Also, if Intel can do .13 without 193nm Steppers why can't AMD do the same? ( Is this a stupid question ? )
Constantine
So, I don't think it's hypothetical, just logical. If I'm a stepper supplier, and I have a small order from one company, and a large order 3 times the size from another company, I'm going to service my larger order customer first. Maybe Nikon and/or SVGL does it differently, I just don't think so. I could be wrong.......
Not a stupid question at all. Of course AMD can also use Phase Shift Masks for 0.13u, they probably will. I'm sure that someone can make the masks for them. Of course, since intel makes their own masks, and certainly already has those masks in hand, and knows their masks work, and already has their 0.13u Process ramping, and producing volume product, it's a question of supply, and availability. Intel has it working in volume now, AMD doesn't. By the time AMD does get it working, intel should be on their second stepping, or maybe even their third.
David and Goliath was the exception... Not the rule. The race does not always go to the swiftest, nor the battle to the strongest.... But that's the way to bet.
Semi |
