Advanced Micro Devices has expanded its research and development (R&D) operations in India by opening a silicon design facility in Bangalore.

AMD chairman and CEO Hector Ruiz, who inaugurated the new facility, said that its Indian subsidiary plays a critical role in the company's global design network, including development of its most advanced, next-generation processing solutions.

"Indian engineers play a critical role in our global design network. As their role and importance increases in the region, we intend to increase our headcount for future growth. This 350-seat facility gives them world-class equipment and resources to excel," said Ruiz.

He said the new facility would be vital in designing and delivering solutions tailored to the needs of its customers all over the world.

The R&D teams in Bangalore are playing a lead role on AMD's first 45-nanometre (nm) quad-core microprocessor, code-named Shanghai.

The teams are also involved in design testing and optimisation of the new chip.

The R&D teams played a vital role in intellectual property issues for AMD's first quad-core microprocessor called Barcelona.

IANS