Intel Introduces EUV, First '7nm' Mass Production in Europe... Fine Process Competition Intensifies

Intel 4, Intel's First Process with EUV Technology
New Fab in Ireland to Produce Meteor Lake

Intel is introducing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment at its new European factory to begin mass production of 7-nanometer (nm; 1 nm is one billionth of a meter) class products. This is the first case of full-scale adoption of EUV technology to enhance advanced process competitiveness.

Intel announced on the 4th that it has started mass production of the Intel 4 (7 nm class) process using EUV technology at Fab 34, its new factory in Leixlip, Ireland. Following technology development and initial production at the Fab in Oregon, USA, Intel has now fully introduced EUV technology in the Intel 4 process at its new key European production site in Ireland and begun product mass production.

This is the first time Intel has introduced EUV equipment in its semiconductor process with Intel 4. EUV equipment is essential for producing advanced semiconductors below 7 nm and is used to draw circuit patterns on wafers (semiconductor discs). Intel aims to strengthen its fine process competitiveness by adopting EUV equipment starting from the Intel 4 process.

In fact, Intel has previously set a goal to complete five processes by 2025: Intel 7 (10 nm class), Intel 4, Intel 3 (4 nm class), Intel 20A (2 nm class), and Intel 18A (1.8 nm class). Although Intel has lagged behind in technology development including EUV adoption, it plans to accelerate its business to enhance competitiveness going forward.

Intel plans to showcase the Core Ultra processor (code name: Meteor Lake), intended for consumer central processing units (CPUs) and expected to be released within the year, at Fab 34. It also plans to launch the next-generation Xeon processor next year using the Intel 3 (4 nm class) process.

Meanwhile, Intel expects Fab 34 to contribute to building an advanced semiconductor manufacturing supply chain within Europe. Pat Gelsinger, Intel’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said, "Ireland has always been a core part of Intel’s long-term strategy," adding, "Fab 34 will contribute to the European Union’s (EU) goal of establishing a resilient and sustainable semiconductor supply chain."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.