Term of the Moment
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Definition: chip capital of America
Also known as "Silicon Desert," the greater Phoenix, Arizona area has become America's chip capital. In Chandler, Intel began chip production in 1980, and its newest foundry is making state-of-the-art chips. Since 1989, Microchip has produced billions of microcontrollers, and TSMC's investment in North Phoenix has been a gigantic boost to the area. See Intel, Microchip Technology, TSMC and Chips and Science Act.
An Hour to Silicon Valley
Silicon Desert is only an hour flight to Silicon Valley in California, which has the greatest density of hardware and software companies in America. There are also many chip design centers in Silicon Valley. See high-tech regions and semiconductor companies.
Been Around for Decades
SEMICON 2025
An Hour to Silicon Valley
Silicon Desert is only an hour flight to Silicon Valley in California, which has the greatest density of hardware and software companies in America. There are also many chip design centers in Silicon Valley. See high-tech regions and semiconductor companies.
Over the years, a local support system has matured for machine parts and logistics. Even schools support the industry. The University of Arizona (UA) and Arizona State University (ASU) have even built clean rooms so students learn how to work in this environment (see clean room).
In October 2025, SEMICON, the semiconductor industry's major exposition, was held in Phoenix for the first time with plans to rotate between Arizona and Silicon Valley in California. Some 500 vendors showed their products to more than 35,000 attendees.