Metal Layers
scale: transistor level (six transistors combined ~500nm)
Multiple metal layers are created to interconnect (think: wires) in between the various transistors. How these connections have to be “wired” is determined by the architecture and design teams that develop the functionality of the respective processor (e.g. Intel Core i7 Processor ). While computer chips look extremely flat they may actually have over 20 layers to form complex circuitry. If you look at a magnified view of a chip you will see an intricate network of circuit lines and transistors that look like a futuristic multi-layered highway system.