US Semi Fab SkyWater Seeks to Co-Innovate in Quantum, Photonics, and…Free Silicon?

As we think about advancements in the semiconductor world, it is typically focused on nanometer feature sizes and new transistor technologies like FinFETs and RibbonFETs. But, Steven Kosier, CTO of SkyWater points out that: At any particular technology node, there are all sorts of other things that silicon can do to improve the world…power management efficiencies…superconducting chips…silicon photonics chips…and microfluidic chips. There are all sorts of things that you can do with the same equipment set and a little ingenuity. In this Moore's Lobby interview, host Daniel Bogdanoff and Steven Kosier discuss the unique challenges and opportunities available at a pure-play semiconductor fab that focuses on technology co-creation with customers that need to develop and manufacture new technologies. In one of the most interesting sections, Steven explains how chip designers can get access to free EDA tools, download free IP libraries, and manufacture free 130nm silicon ICs in collaboration with Google and eFabless. Did I mention free? Here I will echo Steven's comment: There's nothing stopping you from designing a chip and changing the world with it…You can go do it right now. And it's just awesome!" Other highlights from this engaging discussion about semiconductor technology and foundry business include: -SkyWater's collaboration with Purdue University to create a new innovation center for creating new technologies and educating the next generation of semiconductor engineers -Steven's interesting entrance into the electrical engineering world - Why accelerated radiation testing for satellite electronics doesn't always work