Apple's Chipmaker TSMC Announces Plan to Build Arizona Factory

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Apple's chipmaking partner TSMC today announced its intention to build and operate an advanced semiconductor factory in Arizona, with construction planned to start in 2021 and production targeted to begin in 2024.

a13 chip video
The facility will be able to manufacture around 20,000 wafers per month using TSMC's latest 5-nanometer fabrication process. TSMC has been gradually miniaturizing its process over the years, going from a 16nm A10 chip in iPhone 7 models to a 7nm A13 chip in iPhone 11 models. iPhone 12 models are expected to use a 5nm A14 chip.

TSMC estimates that its total spending on this project, including capital expenditure, will be approximately $12 billion from 2021 to 2029, with the facility expected to create over 1,600 high-tech professional jobs directly.

TSMC already operates a factory in Camas, Washington and design centers in both Austin, Texas and San Jose, California, so the Arizona facility would be its second manufacturing site in the United States. The company's main factories are in Taiwan.

Tag: TSMC

Top Rated Comments

I7guy Avatar
I7guy
13 months ago
Now there needs to be a factory to assemble the phones in North America.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FlyBry Avatar
FlyBry
13 months ago

This facility had better be able to produce more than 20k chips per month, otherwise I’d say the investment is not worth it. Even if they’re missing a zero in the number, making 200k units per month is such a paltry amount - what Apple product would that even support annually?
20K Wafers - not chips. Wafers and chips come in different sizes which affects yield.

Each 300mm wafer has around 14,500 chips. Maybe 70% will be usable.
https://caly-technologies.com/die-yield-calculator/
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Brandon42 Avatar
Brandon42
13 months ago

Is it just me or does 20,000 chips per month seem pretty small?
I thought so as well. The original press release says wafers not chips.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
calzon65 Avatar
calzon65
13 months ago
At least this is a start to seeing a more diversified supply chain with some manufacturing in the USA.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
magicschoolbus Avatar
magicschoolbus
13 months ago
Important to have a chip factory in the USA.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pweicks Avatar
pweicks
13 months ago
Everyone on here talkin bout wafers... y’all got me hungry!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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