The Boston Globe gives some more information on the new 110Ghz communication chips from IBM announced last week.
While these chips are different from standard CPU's (including the PPC)... they do note that "Nintey-nine percent of the process steps are common.":
That means that IBM can build the chips on the same production line as its other silicon products, like the PowerPC chips used in Apple Computer Inc.'s Macintosh line. The only major difference is an extra step in which germanium vapor is deposited onto the silicon. Myerson said his firm's chips will not only be faster than those made with exotic materials, but also cheaper to make.
