Nvidia, Broadcom test chips on Intel’s 18A process in early evaluation

Chip designers Nvidia and Broadcom are conducting manufacturing tests using Intel’s advanced 18A process, according to sources familiar with the matter. The tests are part of an effort by both companies to evaluate whether Intel’s technology can meet the demanding requirements for advanced artificia

The evaluations, which are not being conducted on complete chip designs but rather on specific components, could eventually lead to manufacturing contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars for Intel. In addition to Nvidia and Broadcom, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is also reportedly assessing whether the 18A process is suitable for its needs, although it remains unclear if AMD has begun similar tests.

An Intel spokesperson said, "We don't comment on specific customers but continue to see strong interest and engagement on Intel 18A across our ecosystem." The 18A process, which has been developed over several years, is positioned to compete with similar technologies from Taiwan’s TSMC, a dominant player in the global semiconductor market.

The tests, which are expected to continue over the coming months, are designed to gauge the behavior and capabilities of the 18A process. Chip designers typically conduct these early evaluations to resolve any technical issues before committing to high-volume production. However, successful tests do not guarantee that Intel will secure new manufacturing business, especially in light of past challenges; previous Broadcom tests reportedly disappointed some of its executives and engineers.

Intel’s 18A process has experienced delays, with supplier documents and sources indicating that the timeline has been pushed back an additional six months. The delay stems from the need to qualify critical intellectual property for the process—an essential step for ensuring that small and mid-size chip designers can successfully use the technology. Without the necessary intellectual property guarantees, potential customers may be unable to produce chips on the 18A process until at least mid-2026.

In related developments, Intel has signed deals with companies including Microsoft and Amazon to produce chips using the 18A process, though details about the specific applications and manufacturing volumes remain scarce.

Industry observers note that many chip designers are closely monitoring Intel’s foundry progress, as the company’s success in this area is central to its strategy to revitalize its contract manufacturing business. Synopsys CEO Sassine Ghazi remarked, "Right now, there are a lot of customers waiting—I'm talking foundry customers—to see the state of Intel. Will I commit? Will I not?" Intel, which is striving to reverse a significant decline in its foundry revenue, projects its foundry business could generate approximately $16.47 billion in revenue in 2025, though nearly all of that comes from manufacturing its own chips.

As the tests proceed, the industry will be watching closely to determine if Intel’s 18A process can deliver the performance and reliability required to attract new business, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

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