Intel demos first working 45nm chip

Could be in production as early as next year

Intel has demonstrated its first working 45 nanometre (nm) chip, and said it is on track to deliver production silicon using the 45nm process technology during 2007.

Currently, Intel's newer processors are built using a 65nm process while many older chips are still fabricated using 90nm techniques. The 45nm technology will enable chips with considerably reduced leakage current, improving battery life in mobile devices and making possible smaller, more powerful hardware, the firm said.

“Intel has a long history of translating technology leaps into tangible benefits that people appreciate. Our 45nm technology will provide the foundation for delivering PCs with improved performance-per-watt that will enhance the user experience,” said Bill Holt, vice president of Intel's Technology and Manufacturing group.

The first 45nm chip is a static RAM (SRAM) memory component with more than 1 billion transistors. It provides a yardstick for performance, process yield and chip reliability ahead of production runs for processors and other logic chips using the technology, Intel said.

Rival chipmaker AMD is still producing chips using 90nm technology but plans to introduce 65nm parts this year.