Re:What’s harder to find than microchips? The equipment that...
by lmilcin on Saturday November 06, 2021 @06:43PM
(#29134521)
For these kinds of chips there is usually nothing the new process can offer other than higher development costs, higher production costs, longer cycle times, lower yields, higher noise levels and higher EMC susceptibility.
A chip that fits its package comfortably at 180nm will not benefit from converting it 5nm process at all.
The main reasons to get with a smaller process node is to put more transistor on the same area, use less power or reduce the size of the chip, that's it. A power management chip does not qualify.
There is one more reason: if you are already invested in smaller process node or when it is difficult to find machinery for older process.
A chip that fits its package comfortably at 180nm will not benefit from converting it 5nm process at all.
The main reasons to get with a smaller process node is to put more transistor on the same area, use less power or reduce the size of the chip, that's it. A power management chip does not qualify.
There is one more reason: if you are already invested in smaller process node or when it is difficult to find machinery for older process.