Will Intel-ARM collaboration for chip making be a game changer?

Intel intends to develop chips that use ARM’s designs. This move is seen as a game changer in the mobile phone industry and would probably have been jaw-dropping had it happened a few years ago. So what exactly is so special about ARM-based processors?

ARM architecture dominates the mobile processors world. However, Intel has never made a real impact in the mobile world despite the manufacturer being a major brand in the desktop industry. An attempt by Intel to enter the mobile market with its Atom system-on-chip (SoC) using the ×86 ended in successive failure which prompted Intel to seek alternative architecture.

Intel has entered into an agreement with ARM to allow Intel’s Custom Foundry chip-production lines create ARM’s off-the-shelf designs.

So now, Intel has entered into an agreement with ARM to allow Intel’s Custom Foundry chip-production lines create ARM’s off-the-shelf designs. According to Intel, this move will give customers the ability to make chips that are both power-efficient and offers high-performance. Intel has already selected LG to design a world-class mobile platform for Intel customers. In the mobile phone world, the smaller the scale of building mobile components, the more power-efficient those components are likely to be under the assumption that they will function reliably.

If Intel succeeds in using 10nm processes, the company’s manufacturing facilities will be state-of—the-art. However, Intel should get these facilities up and running fast because Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is in an advanced trial stage using 7nm processes that are even-dinkier. ARM which is currently owned by SoftBank said that its collaboration with Intel shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Will Abbey who is the general manager in charge of physical design at ARM stated that for years, Intel and ARM have had a long-standing relationship that has contributed to business growth and technological development. The latest developments indicate the push by Intel to stake a claim in the mobile processor business and match strong rivals such as Samsung.