VLSI 2026 Preview TSMC A16/ Intel 18AP

[siliconbruh999]

News about Intel 18AP from VLSI_2026 Paper T1.2
- Intel 18AP will offer 9% perf or 18% power over 18A
- New VT pairs, low and high power devices
- Numbers based on Arm core sub-block 30% skew corner tightening
- Matched SRAM Vmin.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2049488436009058513

https://twitter.com/x/status/2049490481554288833

 

[Xebec]

Intel 18A-P looks impressive - 9% more speed even at a lower voltage (0.76V --> 0.75V).

"Improved Thermal Conductivity by 50% sounds pretty good, given BSPD challenges.

..

I wonder how TSMC's variant of BSPD compares to Intel in terms of thermal conductivity, (and related ability to clock high without thermal issues. ). A16 should be denser than 18A/-P.

 

[MKWVentures]

A16 should be denser than 18A/-P.

N2 is already denser than 18A right?

 

[siliconbruh999]

N2 is already denser than 18A right?

Yeah by a decent bit can't recall the exact number but around 30% for the 18A HD Cell vs TSMC 2-1 NanoFlex

 

[Xebec]

N2 is already denser than 18A right?

Yes - Sorry I was just thinking in the context of thermal density (and conductivity) per transistor it'll be interesting to compare the two with BSPD.