▲Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger speaks at Investor Day. (Photo: Intel)

Launch of automotive-focused group, acquisition of Tower Semiconductor for $5.4 billion

Intel Foundry Services announced that it would launch a dedicated automotive group and enter the automotive foundry market, raising tensions in the industry, including Samsung.

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger and key Intel executives disclosed key details for Intel Foundry Services (IFS) strategy and long-term growth at Intel Investor Day on the 18th.

Among them, the announcement that it would manufacture automotive semiconductors is attracting attention from the industry.

Intel also announced on the 15th that it would acquire Tower Semiconductor, the world's 8th largest foundry with strengths in automotive communications (RF), for $5.4 billion.

The automotive industry is undergoing tremendous change as cars become more environmentally friendly, safer, and smarter.

This trend is driving significant growth, with the total market size for automotive semiconductors expected to nearly double to $115 billion in 10 years.

Fragmented supply chains and legacy process technologiescannot support the growing demand and transition to compute-intensive applications.

In response, IFS is launching a dedicated automotive group to provide automakers with comprehensive solutions focused on three priorities:

■ Open central computing architecture

IFS develops a high-performance, open automotive computing platform that enables automotive OEMs to build next-generation experiences and solutions.

This computing architecture leverages chiplet-based building blocks with Intel's advanced packaging technology to provide the flexibility to build solutions optimized for technology nodes, algorithms, software, and applications to address the computing needs of next-generation vehicles.

■ Automotive industry-level foundry platform

Intel plans to implement manufacturing technologies that meet the stringent quality requirements of automotive applications.

IFS will meet the unique automotive semiconductor requirements by combining advanced nodes and technologies optimized for microcontrollers with advanced packaging to support customers in designing various types of automotive semiconductors.

IFS has secured expertise in automotive products and provides cutting-edge processes in the automotive sector through collaboration with Mobileye, a leader in ADAS technology.

■ Transition to advanced technology

IFS will provide design services and intellectual property (IP) to automakers, enabling them to leverage Intel's expertise from silicon to system design.

The IFS Accelerator Automotive program, announced in 2021, is already enabling automotive chipmakers to develop advanced processes and packaging. We help you transform your technology and innovate with Intel's portfolio of custom and industry-standard IP.