Intel to produce 14nm smart TV chips for Panasonic

Intel will make 14nm system-on-a-chips for Panasonic’s chip division, both companies have announced. This makes Panasonic the sixth third party to engage Intel for chip production, after Altera, among others.

The new generation of Panasonic sockets that Intel will manufacture on the basis of the economical 14nm Tri-Gate process, will be used for audiovisual devices. Intel has entered into a production agreement with Panasonic System LSI Business Division, which makes the chips for smart TVs, Blu-ray drives and audio systems.

At the beginning of 2012, Intel announced that it would open up production for, then still, 22nm finfet chips to third parties. As a foundry, the group thus became a competitor of TSMC, Samsung and Global Foundries, among others. Production should generate additional revenues as Intel struggles to compete with cheap arm chips with its chips and the market for x86 processors has deteriorated due to declining computer sales.

Panasonic is the sixth party to have chips made at Intel. The other five are Altera, Achronix Semiconductor, Tabula, Netronome and Microsemi.