Advanced Micro Devices, the world’s second largest maker of x86 microprocessors, has announced the opening of a new silicon design and platform research and development (R&D) facility in Bangalore, India. According to AMD, the new R&D center will allow to improve the company’s operations in the region. In addition, the new facility may enable the staff working on AMD’s 45nm chips with new opportunities.

As India’s role and importance in AMD’s global R&D network increases, the number of employees in Bangalore continues to grow, requiring a new facility that will accommodate the current team while also providing room for future growth. Employees will move into the new 52 000 square-foot center upon its completion and continue to focus on development of AMD’s most advanced, next-generation processing solutions.

Engineering staffs in Bangalore are playing the lead role on “Shanghai,” AMD’s first 45nm quad-core microprocessor, and are currently involved in design testing and optimization of the new chip. Prior to their efforts on “Shanghai,” teams were responsible for delivering key intellectual property (IP) for the first quad-core AMD Opteron microprocessor, previously codenamed “Barcelona”, AMD said.

AMD will continue operating its first facility in the city, using the existing office space for administration, sales and marketing staffs.

“Our engineering employees in India play a critical role in AMD’s global design network, and this new R&D center gives them the world-class equipment and resources they need to excel,” said Hector Ruiz, chief executive of AMD. “In AMD’s quest to become the technology partner of choice for the industry, this facility is vital to help us design and deliver industry-leading solutions specifically tailored to the needs of our customers in India, and for all our customers worldwide.”