On previous industry events AMD representatives have explained that the company has samples of 20-nm products, and their mass deliveries will begin in 2015. As part of the 16-nm technology, AMD is ready to use FinFET-structure.
At a recent meeting with investors, the head of AMD Rory Reid again explained how he sees the company's migration to a thin technology standards. According to him, the potential of the 28-nm process technology is not yet fully disclosed, and it is used by many players in the market a very long time, dominating over the next four or five years. The advantage of such a mature process technology in a good economic return - a range of products is more profitable to produce in small numbers in the old production methods. Especially, as the level of product yield at this stage of the life cycle of 28-nm technology is quite high.
This does not mean that AMD will stagnate. Development of 20-nanometer process - the question is almost solved, on the queue will be the 16-nm process technology and FinFET-structure. AMD support both the main contract chipmaker - Globalfoundries and TSMC. The company is also ready to move to 14-nm process, but this should be done with an eye on the economy. Graphics solutions and processors will use advanced technology standards, if it is to be justified, but developed custom devices can be satisfied with small circulations of old process technology.
Rory Reid incidentally hinted that AMD will experiment with and stack layout and other microstructures, the implementation of which will provide the technical and economic benefits.
AMD equally valued collaboration with TSMC and Globalfoundries. The presence of two contractors to reduce the risks and increase the flexibility of production planning. The decision to implement a particular technology, in addition to economic considerations, and will be made based on customer feedback. Due to a flexible and intelligent policy AMD plans to stay afloat in this difficult time for the company.