From materials up to packaging, imec leverages its wide-ranging semiconductor and system expertise to bring us closer to a promising new computing paradigm.
Superconducting or cryogenic computing is a key element in developing compelling beyond-CMOS technology. The idea is to take advantage of the near-zero electrical resistance of materials at ultra-low temperatures. That leads to a much more efficient operation that enables stacking several high-performance computing chips into a compact yet powerful system.
Advanced AI techniques such as machine learning are transforming just about every domain in our society. And while crunching massive quantities of data leads to new insights and benefits, it also requires colossal amounts of power. If we only support the growth in AI processing by traditional CMOS scaling and adding more data centers, then the amount of energy required will soon exceed what our earth can provide.
What we need are computing innovations that deliver significantly higher efficiency gains. Imec is working on a number of these innovations, such as edge AI and high-performance computing software. Superconducting computing is another one. It could be up to 200 times more energy-efficient compared to current state-of-the-art processors.
Furthermore, superconducting computing’s higher compute density can significantly reduce the required data center footprint. And it can make systems for local AI processing a lot cheaper.
The possible applications of superconducting computing are far-reaching. Three examples:
The realization of superconducting computing is an ambitious undertaking. It forces the semiconductor industry to reconsider its processes on all possible levels. That’s why imec’s superconducting computing program simultaneously tackles:
Moreover, the co-optimization of all these levels has to be addressed from the start. That’s the only way to ensure a strong match between technology innovations and application needs.
Taking on these multitudes of challenges requires multidisciplinary expertise, which is exactly what imec brings to the table. Imec’s R&D platforms such as transistor scaling, microdevice foundry services, quantum computing, and 3D integration apply to the development of superconducting computing. The involvement of our compute system architecture team, and testing and design expertise at imec USA guarantees a holistic solution for the challenge.
Imec’s state-of-the-art 300mm cleanroom facility enables unparalleled processing capabilities, allowing the development of processes that are scalable and manufacturable.
Do you want to engage with us in shaping the superconducting computing roadmap? Be among the first to benefit from its insights and join our research project.