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Toshiba and Sony have signed an extension to a deal originally signed in 1999 to produce chips for the PlayStation 2; one that will see Toshiba begin production of the Cell processor and RSX graphics chip.
The deal will see Sony transfer many of its 300mm wafer line fabrication facilities, currently installed in its Fab 2 plant, to Toshiba by the end of March 2008. Production of the Cell processor and RSX graphics card on the line is expected to begin shortly after.
The joint venture isn’t the first time Sony and Toshiba have worked together to produce the chips; however, it is possible that the move will signal the start of mass production of the chips for general use, although nothing has been confirmed by either party.
Sony has in the past made it clear that it would like to see its Cell processor installed in other consumer electronic and computer products, although currently, the Sony’s PlayStation 3 is the only device to use it.
