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Intel’s FPGAs Go on Allocation
September 28, 2021
Over the past few months, we have seen an increased number of supply issues for older generation Intel FPGAs (Intel acquired Altera in late 2015). As a result, Intel has decided to move a large part of the portfolio, of both CPLDs and FPGAs, product families to an “allocation” status.
What You Should Know
Intel is placing older technology FPGAs and CPLDs on allocation.
- Intel is preparing to EOL the Enpirion PWM family of products.
- We need to take immediate actions with our customers that use these parts to manage the allocations and EOL process.
- We will work with the distribution channel to help navigate these allocations and EOL buys.
- As we emphasize regularly, it is critical that our customers are aligned and follow supplier technology roadmaps.
As with many semiconductor product families in today’s environment, supply chain issues continue to affect production run rates. Many of these FPGA and CPLD product families are produced on older TSMC process technologies currently constrained by wafer and productions limitations. In addition, TSMC is making no further investments for additional capacity in these mature processes. As demand continues to be extremely strong (many companies are dealing with 1.2 – 1.8:1 book to bill ratios), the results are particularly severe with the following product families and process nodes.
- MAX II, MAX V – TSMC 180nm
- Cyclone III – TSMC 65nm
- Cyclone IV – TSMC 60nm LP
- MAX 10 – TSMC 55nm LP
- Cyclone V, Arria V, Stratix V – TSMC 28nm
Further compounding the foundry production capacity issues are the continued shortage of substrate materials for complex packages along with COVID-related production disruptions impacting OSAT suppliers in Southeast Asia (Malaysia & Philippines, in particular).
In addition to Intel’s FPGA and CPLD product families, their Power Module (PWM) products sold under the Enpirion brand are also on allocation as the company plans to issue End of Life (EOL) buys for the complete family. This is the result of a canceled deal with MediaTek to buy this product family. As a result of this action, we have very limited visibility on future shipments, limited ability for expedites and an increased number of de-commits.
To support existing customers, Intel is taking the following actions:
- All current orders will be on 90-day NCNR, so short-term supply is stabilized.
- Intel put a large number of devices on allocation. Confirmed deliveries after January 31t will be unscheduled between September 11-30.. Only by November, Intel will provide allocation for 2022 shipments, with expected visibility of 3 months out.
- Intel announced an EOL for their power module (PWM) portfolio with last time buys (LTB) in March 2022 and LTS in March 2023
The following product families are ALL on allocation with Intel:
- ARRIA V GT / GX / ST / SX / GZ
- CYCLONE II / III / III LE / III LS, CYCLONE IV E / GX, CYCLONE V E / GT / GX / SE / ST / SX, CYCLONE 10LPMAX II / II Z, MAX V
- STRATIX III, STRATIX V E / GS / GT / GX
- ENPIRION EN / EP / ER / EV
For the next quarters, we expect to have very limited visibility for future deliveries beyond 3 months.
Recommended Jabil Actions to Address the Current Intel Situation
- Inform the customer about this allocation and ask to discuss their future volume requirements with the Intel interface. Intel is managing the overall business based on end-customer.
- Place lead times on minimum 365 days and make sure orders are placed for the existing backlog ASAP, so there is sufficient visibility.
- Routinely verify that the distributor has communicated complete Jabil backlog to Intel.
- Continue to work with your distribution channel partners (Arrow and Macnica) to get updates on deliveries. Intel requested to limit the direct escalations to avoid duplication.
- For the power module (Enpirion) EOL
- Start to discuss lifetime requirements for the Enpirion products and place additional orders.
- As Intel indicated, supply is contingent on market availability, and it’s recommended to start reviewing alternate sources. TI, ADI and MPS have functional similar modules, however, there are no drop-in replacements.
Please do not hesitate to contact me directly with any questions (Frank_Janssen@jabil.com).
Frank Janssen, Director Supplier Relationship Management
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