AMD, IBM to 'extend' chip R&D partnership

AMD and IBM are to co-operate on the development of 32nm and 22nm process technologies.

So claims a report (registration required) in yesterday's San Jose Mercury News, which notes the agreement between the pair will stretch through to 2011.

According to the paper, the two chip makers will jointly work on research into new chip connection, packaging and lithography techniques, and transistor designs.

AMD in IBM joined forces in January 2003 to co-develop a 65nm process, an exercise that was quickly expanded to take in the 45nm generation too. In 2004, the two-year deal was extended to 2008.

AMD is currently preparing its new Dresden plant, Fab 36, for mass-production of 65nm chips on 300mm wafers, next year. The plant is already producing test wafers, AMD has claimed in the past.

Singapore-based foundry Chartered Semiconductor was signed by AMD in November 2004 as a second source of AMD64 processors, which are likely to be 65nm parts. Chartered has already partnered with IBM and Infineon on the development of 65nm and 45nm chip production techniques. ®