The Chandler-based fab is Intel’s first to be dedicated solely to the manufacturer of microprocessors. It measures 1 million square feet and will employ more than 1,000 workers.
The chips built there will use a Hafnium-based high-k material for the gate dielectric and metal materials for the gate. This new material promises to reduce leakage of electrical currents from the transistors.
Intel’s smaller yet chief microprocessor rival Advanced Micro Devices is at least 6 months away from manufacturing its own 45-nm chips.
The first of Intel’s 45-nm chips from the plant will go on sale on November 12.
Intel said it plans to spend up to $8 billion on upgrading or building new fabs for 45-nm chips, including the Arizona facility. It also plans to spend about $3.5bn on a new factory in Israel and $1.5bn to retool an existing New Mexico fab. They will both open next year, Intel said.
AMD is retooling one of its Germany factories for 45nm.
