Semiconductor manufacturer Rohm and venture company Quanmatic have joined forces to improve electrical die sorting (EDS) using quantum computing. While EDS has become increasingly complex with advancements in semiconductor fabrication technology, Rohm and Quanmatic have developed an operating system that combines quantum and classical computation to optimize the manufacturing process.
By leveraging quantum annealing, a computational method that uses quantum mechanics to solve optimization problems more efficiently than classical computers, the collaboration aims to enhance the productivity and profitability of semiconductor production lines. EDS is a crucial step in identifying defective chips before they are packaged, thereby improving yields.
The integration of quantum technology into large-scale mass production lines represents a significant milestone for the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Rohm, with its extensive experience in producing integrated circuits and other electronic components, hopes to establish a more holistically optimized supply chain by incorporating quantum technology and related methods.
Quantum annealing, commercially introduced by Canadian company D-Wave Systems in 2011, has already been employed by various industries for combinatorial optimization. Its ability to handle complex optimization problems on an unprecedented scale has paved the way for innovation in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, financial services, and life sciences.
Rohm’s collaboration with Quanmatic is an example of the practical application of highly mathematical optimization methods researched at universities. The success of deploying quantum computing in EDS could revolutionize the semiconductor industry, enabling real-time optimization of production processes and improving overall competitiveness.
While Rohm’s initial goal is to optimize its own semiconductor manufacturing, the eventual adoption of quantum annealing in the broader semiconductor industry could lead to significant advancements in chip production and the realization of a more sustainable and stable supply chain.
The source of the article is from the blog regiozottegem.be