IBM Offers Faster Chips, Thanks to the Memory
Chip makers use many techniques to make their products do more while using less energy. IBM is preparing to share more of its tricks, particularly an unusual type of built-in memory it had previously limited to Big Blue’s own computers.
The technology giant has seemed more interested in software and services lately, but still manufactures servers and the microprocessor chips that power many of them. That strategy requires billions of dollars to operate semiconductor factories and develop chip production processes. IBM helps defray those costs by operating a foundry service that makes chips for other companies.
IBM this week is announcing the latest production recipe it will offer foundry customers, promising big benefits for companies designing chips for devices such as routers and switches used in high-speed communication networks. The new offering comes with blocks of pre-designed circuitry-–including microprocessor technology from ARM Holdings, the favorite in cellphones–so that customers can mix and match features to handle particular communications or computing chores.
