“Sandy Bridge is revolutionary – it is the biggest step change in Intel . . . it will be a cornerstone of computer revolution…”

Sandy Bridge, formerly Gesher, (Insiders clue: “Gesher” is Hebrew for “Bridge”) is the codename for the processor microarchitecture developed by Intel as the successor to Nehalem. Based on the 32 nm process, development began in 2005 at Intel’s Israel Development Center (IDC) in Haifa.

Processors based on this architecture are marketed as the second generation of Core i processors and were announced on January 3, 2011. Mainstream processors became available on January 9, 2011.

Intel’s revolutionary ‘Sandy Bridge’ microprocessor recently generated great excitement in the digital world following its release at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January in Las Vegas, reports Israel21C. The new chip is also a source of pride for Israeli engineers as it was developed at Intel’s R&D facility in Haifa, by Technion graduates.
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“Sandy Bridge is revolutionary – it is the biggest step change in Intel . . . it will be a cornerstone of computer revolution,” said Shmuel “Mooly” Eden, vice president and general manager of the PC Client Group at Intel. “The new Second Generation Intel Core processors represent the biggest advance in computing performance and capabilities over any other previous generation.”

Speaking to reporters in Las Vegas, Eden, who is one of the leaders of Intel’s Israeli operation, said that ‘Sandy Bridge’ is 69 percent faster than older Intel chips. Intel chief executive officer Paul Otellini told reporters that the new processor is the first 32 nanometer-based chip in the industry. The microprocessor also features 3-D graphics and media engine capabilities. Otellini said that translates to higher performance, reduced power consumption for better battery life, and lower manufacturing costs.

Intel was established in Santa Clara, California, in 1968 by semiconductor pioneers Gordon Moore and Robert Noyce. In 1971, they released the microprocessor that would change the world. Intel set up its Israel center in 1974 – the multinational’s first outside the United States. Established by Technion graduate Dov Frohman, the center pioneered VLSI in Israel. Very-large-scale integration is the process of creating integrated circuits by combining thousands of transistor-based circuits into a single chip.

Yossi Schenkler, General Manager, Intel Israel Design Center, who holds two degrees from the Technion’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering, sees Technion as “Home.” He stated that the Haifa location was chosen due to the Technion, and that Technion is the primary source for Intel’s success here. “We are the leading center in microprocessor design in the world,” says Schenkler. “The Haifa development center would not exist without the excellent human capital provided by Technion. Here in Haifa, with Technion recruits, we have designed the most complex chip available.”

Prof. Uri Weiser spent 18-plus years at Intel, reaching the prestigious rank of Intel Fellow. Back at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering where he is now a Visiting Scientist, he discussed the symbiotic relationship between Technion and Intel. Technion trains engineers for Intel worldwide, and Intel creates a research environment at Technion, as well as providing grants, labs and directions for research into new technologies.

(l-r) Technion alumnus Yossi Schenkler, General
Manager, Intel Israel Design Center, presents then
Technion President, Prof. Yitzhak Apeloig, with
the Intel Emblem


http://www.israel21c.org/201101068703/briefs/israeli-made-intel-sandy-bridge-chip-all-the-hype
http://www.focus.technion.ac.il/Feb10/innovationStory3.htm