TSMC, Netlist develop 55nm knowledge-based processors

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and NetLogic Microsystems have collaborated on using 55nm process technology for fabricating low-power knowledge-based processors.

TSMC's 55nm-general purpose (55nm-GP) process has been used to produce NetLogic's knowledge-based processor, promising power, performance and cost advantages over competitive products.

The new knowledge-based processor was specifically designed to take full advantage of the advanced technology, with a suite of custom circuits optimised around the 55nm process. These include analogue and clocking circuitry for high-speed interface, core processing elements and other standard cells, as well as refining the design and tape-out flow for this node.

As a result, NetLogic Microsystems is now positioned to efficiently design other advanced products for the 55nm node and enjoy the benefits of this half-node across multiple products. A second chip targeted for this process has already taped-out and is currently in fabrication at TSMC.

This collaboration extends upon the existing partnership between TSMC and NetLogic Microsystems on the use of advanced cost-effective half-node technologies, including 110nm and more recently the 80nm process, which was announced in February 2007. The companies expect to broaden the relationship to include NetLogic Microsystems' 10GBE PHY products and other process technologies from TSMC.