What’s the deal with WMCM?
Currently, Apple’s chips are packaged using InFo (Integrated Fan-Out), a technique that allows for compact and efficient designs. However, InFo has limitations when it comes to flexibility and scalability. WMCM, on the other hand, offers greater freedom in combining different components within a single package. This could enable Apple to create more diverse chip configurations, potentially tailoring the A20 to specific needs and performance levels.Benefits of WMCM packaging:
- Increased flexibility: WMCM allows for the combination of multiple chips, such as CPUs and GPUs, within a single package. This could enable Apple to create more customized chip designs for different iPhone models.
- Improved efficiency: By packing components more tightly together, WMCM can reduce the overall size and power consumption of the chip.
- Enhanced performance: The close proximity of components in WMCM can potentially improve communication and performance.
The adoption of WMCM could have significant implications for future iPhones. It might allow Apple to offer more differentiated features and performance levels across its product lineup without resorting to chip binning. For example, Apple could incorporate additional components into the Pro models while keeping the non-Pro models more streamlined.
What is chip binning?
Chip binning is a process used in the semiconductor industry to categorize silicon wafers into different performance tiers based on their manufacturing variations. These variations can arise due to factors such as defects, impurities, or slight differences in the manufacturing process.
Chips that are really fast and have no problems are like the big, perfect marbles. They go in the “best” pile. Chips that are a bit slower or have some issues go in the “good” pile. And chips that are really slow or have a lot of problems go in the “not so good” pile.
A Leap Forward
The A20 chip, with its potential adoption of WMCM, represents a significant step forward in chip packaging technology for Apple. If these rumors prove accurate, it could pave the way for a more colorful iPhone lineup in the years to come.