AMD will not introduce any new 20 nanometer graphics processors in 2014

The limits of physics are being reminded and it is becoming increasingly difficult for semiconductor manufacturers to develop new and more advanced manufacturing techniques. Just over two years ago, AMD introduced the first graphics processors with 28 nanometer technology. It now appears that this process node will also be relevant for the rest of the year.

I think what I said earlier sort of what we’re doing in terms of technology strategy, we are 28 this year, we have 20-nanometer in design, and then FinFET thereafter. So that’s the overall product portfolio.

In connection with the latest quarterly report, AMD’s CFO Lisa Su announces that the transition to 20 nanometers will be delayed until at least after the turn of the year and that this applies to both the GPU and CPU fronts. Once this is in place, AMD plans to take the step to Finfet technology, ie three-dimensional transistor structures corresponding to the Intel Tri-gate.

The statement can be interpreted as AMD confirming previous information that both TSMC and Globalfoundries encountered problems in the transition to new process nodes. A few days ago, Globalfoundries announced that its own 14 nanometer technology was being scrapped and that the semiconductor giant had instead agreed to use Samsung’s equivalent with Finfet transistors.

However, the delay affects not only AMD but also the competitor Nvidia, which also leaves TSMC in charge of production. According to the latest rumors, new Geforce circuits with 20 nanometer technologies may appear at best towards the end of the year, but more likely in early 2015. Data circulate that this will force Nvidia to use existing 28 nanometer technologies in future graphics processors with Maxwell architecture.