|
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is expected to beginramping up manufacturing of its 28-nanometer ARM processors at amuch faster rate, but whether Apple will begin using chips with thesmaller process remains to be seen. TSMC began generating revenues from its 28nm chips in the fourthquarter of 2011, when they accounted for about 5 percent of thecompany's sales, according to DigiTimes . But later in 2012, TSMC is expected to "significantly ramp up"production of 28nm chips. The company's 40/45nm production took about a year and a half ofproduction until the process contributed 10 percent to companyrevenues. That ramp-up schedule was slowed because the company sawyield problems in that size range. TSMC is said to currently have a decent yield rate on its 28nmprocesses, but the company remains cautious on expansion, partiallybecause the 28nm process is so new to the industry. For example, Apple, one of the largest users of mobile processors, still relies on the 45nm manufacturing process for its latest-generation A5XARM CPU found in the third-generation iPad. Apple is said to haveviewed newer chips as a potential risk to their products, and havestuck with older processes to ensure availability and reliability. But the custom chips Apple put in its new Apple TV and iPad 2 havebeen seen as evidence that the company is testing the 32nm chipmaking process. Moving toa smaller 32nm node allows the chips to be more efficient, allowingfor improved battery life in iOS devices. Apple's primary chipmaker remains Samsung, though Apple was said tohave signed a major foundry agreement with TSMC last year to build future ARM-based process. One reportlast September claimed that Apple would use a 28nm process for aso-called "A6" processor, while an A7 chip would rely on the evensmaller 20nm process. Last month, it was also revealed that TSMC was tapped to produce power management integrated circuits for future iPhonesand iPads. Rumors have suggested that Apple has looked to forge a closeralliance with TSMC to move away from rival Samsung, with which Apple is engaged in a series of lawsuits . The e-commerce company in China offers quality products such as Cotton Wool Socks , China Angora Wool Socks, and more. For more , please visit Mens Wool Socks today!
Related Articles -
Cotton Wool Socks, China Angora Wool Socks,
|
