Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Globalfoundries buys out AMD to become fully independent chip maker]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/globalfoundries-buys-out-amd/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/globalfoundries-buys-out-amd/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/globalfoundries-buys-out-amd/#comments Globalfoundries has celebrated its third anniversary by announcing that it's agreed terms with AMD to buy out its remaining stake in the company to go it alone. Whilst Sunnyvale will remain a key customer to the chip foundry, the nuts and bolts of ownership will be wholly in the hands of ATIC. The company now provides a big chunk of AMD's 32nm wafers and is now kicking off a $3 billion spending plan to kit out its facilities in Singapore, Germany and New York. It looks like the single life will allow it to spend equal time and effort refining those 20nm ARM chips promised for 2013 as well as its new partnership with IBM.

Continue reading Globalfoundries buys out AMD to become fully independent chip maker

Globalfoundries buys out AMD to become fully independent chip maker originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20nm32nmAMDARMATICBusinessChipChip FabricationChip FoundryChipFabricationChipFoundryChipsCPUsFinancialsGlobalfoundriesMon, 05 Mar 2012 13:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Globalfoundries takes ARM Cortex-A9 into 28nm land, looks forward to 20nm chips in 2013]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/globalfoundries-takes-arm-cortex-a9-into-28nm-land-looks-forwar/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/globalfoundries-takes-arm-cortex-a9-into-28nm-land-looks-forwar/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/globalfoundries-takes-arm-cortex-a9-into-28nm-land-looks-forwar/#comments Forget the numbers, here's what matters: Globalfoundries' new production capabilities will lead to "smooth production ramp-ups and faster time-to-market" for its customers. Now consider that this promise relates to scrumptious 28nm Cortex-A9 SOCs and feel free to rejoice. The chip fabricator has just declared itself ready to take orders for ARM's systems-on-chip built using its high-k metal gate 28nm fab process. This fulfills its pledge for mass production in the latter half of 2010, but lest you think Globalfoundries is resting on any nanoscale laurels, it also has a 20nm roadmap to tell you about. It's very simple, really: expect even smaller, even more power-efficient silicon in 2013. We don't know if the future will be bright, but it sure looks like it's gonna be small.

Continue reading Globalfoundries takes ARM Cortex-A9 into 28nm land, looks forward to 20nm chips in 2013

Globalfoundries takes ARM Cortex-A9 into 28nm land, looks forward to 20nm chips in 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>201320nm28nmarmarm cortexarm cortex-a9ArmCortexArmCortex-a9chipscortexcortex-a9cpuelectronicsfabfactoryglobal technology conferenceglobalfoundriesGlobalTechnologyConferencegtcgtc 2010Gtc2010high-khigh-k metal gateHigh-kMetalGatemanufacturingnanoscaleplansprocessorsproductionroadmapschedulesoctimelineThu, 02 Sep 2010 03:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft details Vejle, the new Xbox 360's system-on-chip architecture]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/microsoft-details-vejle-the-new-xbox-360s-system-on-chip-archi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/microsoft-details-vejle-the-new-xbox-360s-system-on-chip-archi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/microsoft-details-vejle-the-new-xbox-360s-system-on-chip-archi/#comments There aren't many unresolved mysteries with Microsoft's new console by this point -- apart from perhaps why it wasn't named the Stealthbox, like we were suggesting -- but one thing that hasn't been covered in excruciating detail yet is the new 360's splicing of the CPU and GPU into the same chip. Microsoft has remedied that today, informing us that the 45nm system-on-chip (codenamed Vejle; sorry, Valhalla fans) inside the refreshed Xbox makes do with a relatively minimal 372 million transistors, requiring only 40 percent of the power and less than 50 percent of the die space of its 2005 ancestor. A somewhat bemusing addition, noted by Ars, is the FSB Replacement sector you see in the image above. It's designed to induce lag in the system so that the Vejle chip doesn't run faster than the old stuff, something Microsoft couldn't allow to happen. Facepalm away, good people, facepalm away.

Microsoft details Vejle, the new Xbox 360's system-on-chip architecture originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 04:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010250gb45nmchipscpuefficiencyefficientfacepalmglobalfoundriesgpuhardwarehot chipshot chips 2010HotChipsHotChips2010latencymicrosoftredesignstealthboxsystem-on-chipvalhallavejlexboxxbox 360xbox 360 slimXbox360Xbox360SlimTue, 24 Aug 2010 04:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Socle Technology's ARM-powered, 1080p tablet platform due later this year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/socle-technologys-arm-powered-1080p-tablet-platform-due-later/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/socle-technologys-arm-powered-1080p-tablet-platform-due-later/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/socle-technologys-arm-powered-1080p-tablet-platform-due-later/#commentsSocle Technology, a system-on-a-chip manufacturer based in Taiwan, has just announced its sPad A11 design and development platform. Consisting of the GlobalFoundries 65nm chipset, the ARM 1176 CPU and FPU core, Mali 3D Graphic Core, and a full HD 1080p Video CODEC application processor, this bad boy supports multitasking, 3D graphics, and sports a camera, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. This is a device for those of you who believe there aren't enough Android tablets in the world -- or at least for those of you who realize that the Intel Atom and the Apple A4 aren't the only games in town. Are you an enterprising young businessman or woman hoping to get into the slate game, and in a hurry? We thought so (you do have that "look" about you). The company promises that this thing'll be available sometime in the second half of this year. For more info, peep the PR after the break.

Continue reading Socle Technology's ARM-powered, 1080p tablet platform due later this year

Socle Technology's ARM-powered, 1080p tablet platform due later this year originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p3d65nmandroidARM 1176Arm1176armyglobalfoundrieslinuxmaliplatformslatesoclesocle technologySocleTechnologysPad A11SpadA11system-on-chiptabletWed, 21 Apr 2010 14:39:00 EST<![CDATA[ARM and Globalfoundries partner up for 28nm Cortex-A9 SOCs, invite great expectations]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/24/arm-and-globalfoundries-partner-up-for-28nm-cortex-a9-socs-invi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/24/arm-and-globalfoundries-partner-up-for-28nm-cortex-a9-socs-invi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/24/arm-and-globalfoundries-partner-up-for-28nm-cortex-a9-socs-invi/#comments This one slipped the net during the excitement that was MWC this year, but it's such a promising development that we have to give it its due attention. ARM and Globalfoundries have announced plans to start building new systems-on-chip using the latter's ultramodern 28nm high-k metal gate production process, with the resultant chips offering up to 40 percent greater computational power, 30 percent greater power efficiency, and a terrific 100 percent improvement in battery longevity relative to their current-gen siblings. Mass production of these Cortex-A9-based units is expected in the second half of 2010, which means they should be among the very first chips off Globalfoundries' 28nm assembly line. The good news, though, is that the technology is described as "ready for high-volume implementation," so there should be no shortages when things finally get rolling. Let the wild-eyed anticipation begin.

ARM and Globalfoundries partner up for 28nm Cortex-A9 SOCs, invite great expectations originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 07:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>28 nanometer28Nanometer28nmarmchipscortex-a9cpudresdenglobalfoundrieshardwarehigh-kmwcmwc 2010Mwc2010processorsmartphonessystem-on-chipWed, 24 Feb 2010 07:43:00 EST<![CDATA[AMD Fusion sampling soon, arriving in 2011 with Llano APU]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/09/amd-fusion-sampling-soon-arriving-in-2011-with-llano-apu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/09/amd-fusion-sampling-soon-arriving-in-2011-with-llano-apu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/09/amd-fusion-sampling-soon-arriving-in-2011-with-llano-apu/#comments To say that we've been waiting for AMD's Fusion CPU / GPU combo for a long time would be an understatement. In fact, while AMD was busy talking about it, Intel swept in with its own Arrandale and Clarkdale chips that pack graphical and computing processing into the same chip. Lest we were discouraged, then, AMD is making a return to form with news that its first Fusion APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) is about to start sampling to manufacturers, with a now definite 2011 launch window. Codenamed Llano, this will be a quad-core beastie with intended operating speeds of more than 3Ghz and graphics parts borrowed from ATI's successful line of Evergreen GPUs. That means DirectX 11, a feature Intel is unlikely to match, whereas AMD will have everything Intel currently does and more, with a 32nm production process, on-die integration (rather than just the same chip packaging), and power gating allowing for dynamic per-core overclocking a la Turbo Boost. It's been lonely without you AMD, now just fulfill this promise and all that absenteeism will be forgiven.

AMD Fusion sampling soon, arriving in 2011 with Llano APU originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>32nmaccelerated processing unitAcceleratedProcessingUnitamdamd fusionamd llanoAmdFusionAmdLlanoapuaticpudirectx 11Directx11evergreenfusionglobal foundriesGlobalFoundriesgpugraphicsintegrated gpuIntegratedGpullanopower gatingpower-gatingPowerGatingprocessorTue, 09 Feb 2010 05:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-AMD CEO Hector Ruiz steps down as Globalfoundries chairman amid insider trading scandal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/ex-amd-ceo-hector-ruiz-steps-down-as-globalfoundries-chairman-am/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/ex-amd-ceo-hector-ruiz-steps-down-as-globalfoundries-chairman-am/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/ex-amd-ceo-hector-ruiz-steps-down-as-globalfoundries-chairman-am/#commentsWe won't dive back into all the backstory that led to former AMD CEO Hector Ruiz's current troubles as the chairman of AMD spin-off Globalfoundries, but let's just say that when your name is in the same sentence as "insider trading scandal" and "hedge fund probe," you're probably in a pretty bad way. While this story is obviously still far from over, it looks like Ruiz has at least realized the gravity of his predicament, and announced today that he's taking a "voluntary leave of absence" before formally resigning from the company on January 4th, 2010. He'll be replaced immediately by former Broadcom CEO Alan "Lanny" Ross, who will serve as interim chairman until the company's board appoints a permanent chairman.

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Ex-AMD CEO Hector Ruiz steps down as Globalfoundries chairman amid insider trading scandal originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amdgalleongalleon groupGalleonGroupglobalfoundrieshector ruizHectorRuizinsider tradingInsiderTradingscandalstockstocksMon, 02 Nov 2009 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-AMD chief Hector Ruiz caught up in insider-trading scandal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/ex-amd-chief-hector-ruiz-caught-up-in-insider-trading-scandal/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/ex-amd-chief-hector-ruiz-caught-up-in-insider-trading-scandal/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/ex-amd-chief-hector-ruiz-caught-up-in-insider-trading-scandal/#commentsHector Ruiz certainly led a checkered career as CEO of AMD, earning the highest CEO salary in the semiconductor industry as his company's stock dropped, its products dragged, and its fortunes sank, but the man didn't stop there -- it looks like he may also have been involved in a little illegal insider trading on the side. According to the Wall Street Journal, Ruiz is the heretofore unnamed AMD executive who illegally tipped off a hedge fund investor about the company's big spinoff of Globalfoundries, ultimately leading to criminal and civil charges against Galleon and six of its employees. Ol' Hec's currently in the clear, as he hasn't been charged with anything, but considering he's now the chairman of Globalfoundries, well, let's say things are about to get a little sticky. We'll let you know -- we've got a feeling Gizmondo's Stefan Eriksson is going to look like small potatoes when this is all over.

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Ex-AMD chief Hector Ruiz caught up in insider-trading scandal originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amdcrimecriminalgalleongalleon groupGalleonGroupglobalfoundrieshector ruizHectorRuizinsider tradingInsiderTradingstockstocksTue, 27 Oct 2009 20:11:00 EST<![CDATA[IBM, Samsung, Globalfoundries, and more looking to beat Intel to 28nm market]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/17/ibm-samsung-globalfoundries-and-more-looking-to-beat-intel-to/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/17/ibm-samsung-globalfoundries-and-more-looking-to-beat-intel-to/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/17/ibm-samsung-globalfoundries-and-more-looking-to-beat-intel-to/#commentsSure, Intel's one-upping AMD in the 32nm department, but IBM and its merry band of Technology Alliance members -- including Samsung, STMicroelectronics, and AMD chipmakers Globalfoundries -- are looking to ramp up the competition and develop even smaller, low power 28nm processors before Intel gets a chance to size down. The group additionally promises migration plans for companies who've got 32nm on their roadmap and want to maybe shrink a few of the later, already planned models. Early risk production for the 28nm chips are planned for second half 2010, which means it's very unlikely we'll be seeing them in consumer gadgets until at least 2011.

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IBM, Samsung, Globalfoundries, and more looking to beat Intel to 28nm market originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 05:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>28 nanometer28 nm28-nanometer28-nm28Nanometer28Nm32 nanometer32 nm32-nanometer32-nm32Nanometer32Nmamdcharteredchartered semiconductorCharteredSemiconductorglobal foundriesGlobalFoundriesibmibm technology allianceIbmTechnologyAllianceinfineoninfineon technologiesInfineonTechnologiesintelsamsungsemiconductorsemiconductorsstmicroelectronicstechnology allianceTechnologyAllianceFri, 17 Apr 2009 05:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel threatens AMD with termination of x86 license within 60 days]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/16/intel-threatens-amd-with-termination-of-x86-license-within-60-d/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/16/intel-threatens-amd-with-termination-of-x86-license-within-60-d/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/16/intel-threatens-amd-with-termination-of-x86-license-within-60-d/#commentsIntel's been making noise about AMD's Globalfoundries manufacturing spinoff potentially violating the two companies' patent cross-licensing agreement for a while now, and it looks like things are escalating: AMD's latest SEC filing says that Intel's formally threatened to terminate the license if AMD doesn't make it better within 60 days. It's not clear exactly what Intel wants here -- we doubt anyone thinks AMD is going to undo the spinoff -- so we'll see what happens next, but we've got a feeling Intel's trying to put the boot down while AMD's on the ground.

[Thanks, Chris]

Read - Reuters
Read - AMD SEC filing

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Intel threatens AMD with termination of x86 license within 60 days originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amdcross-licensing agreementCross-licensingAgreementglobal foundriesGlobalFoundriesintellawsuitlegalpatentsecx86Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:14:00 EST<![CDATA[AMD announces GLOBALFOUNDRIES spin-off, forgets to name it something awesome]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/04/amd-announces-globalfoundries-spin-off-forgets-to-name-it-somet/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/04/amd-announces-globalfoundries-spin-off-forgets-to-name-it-somet/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/04/amd-announces-globalfoundries-spin-off-forgets-to-name-it-somet/#comments
AMD's finally dumped its fabrication facilities and technology onto a new spin-off brand, as expected. ATIC (Advanced Technology Investment Company) is on board as well, and the newly-formed GLOBALFOUNDRIES has $6 billion in investments to start out with, along with 2,800 employees. GLOBALFOUNDRIES will be primarily be building chips for AMD, just like usual, but will also be open to other gigs as a 3rd party chip builder -- its main rival TSMC just scored a deal with Intel to produce Atom chips on the cheap, a first for Intel who usually keeps production and processes in-house. First up for the new company? Churning out a 32nm process. We like the sound of that.

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AMD announces GLOBALFOUNDRIES spin-off, forgets to name it something awesome originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amdchip fabricationChipFabricationchipsglobalfoundriesprocessorstsmcWed, 04 Mar 2009 11:13:00 EST