John: Article regarding copper interconnects
>Ian,
>From your length article regarding copper interconnects,
>I do have a few comments:
>What is the big deal about this copper technology here?
>From 0.13um which is what IBM is describing, digital
>ICs can easily achieve 1 GHz, even with aluminum
>metallization.
I think you're confusing me with someone else, John;-) Those weren't my articles. I was relating my observations based on my read - and posted the links so others could draw their own conclusions.
Like most of us, I have to trust, to some degree, the qualified opinions of individuals with greater technical skills - while attempting to balance the signal-to-noise ratio the R&D and marketing depts.
My understanding is that there is a finite limit to practical aluminum metallization. My concern is that Intel is not addressing this issue in a meaningful way - with respect to its investors. In this marketplace, perception is reality. MMX technology is a perfect example of this.
Remember, the name of the game is to make money.
Exactely. For Intel to retain its dominance in processor technologies, it must be seen as a leader. Letting IBM and Motorola steal its fire during an earnings warning is trouble for shareholders.
BTW: Had you been doing some work at the Media Lab a couple of years back - or am I confusing you with someone else?
Ian Bruce
New York, NY
(Copley Sq. Hotel, Boston) |
