TSMC’s upcoming $12bn plant in Arizona will produce 3nm chips, founder confirms

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) founder Morris Chang confirmed his company is developing a new $12 billion investment in a new plant in Phoenix, Arizona. The plant will focus on 3nm chip production and will be located in close proximity to the Pheonix wafer fab complex which currently fabs 5nm chip designs. TSMC is expected to hold a “tool-in” ceremony for its new plant on December 6.

TSMC founder Morris Chang (image: Reuters)

TSMC is already rumored to supply its 3nm chips based on the N3 process for the next-gen Apple iPhone chipsets and Apple silicone SoCs for iPad and Mac computers. The list of potential customers is only expected to grow with time.

TSMC’s main factories are located in its home of Taiwan though the company has expanded its efforts in the US with factories in Camas, Washington and Pheonix, Arizona as well as design centers in Austin, Texas and San Jose, California. Based on estimates, TSMC controlled up to 70% of all chipset shipments in Q1 2022.

Source (paywall)