The US Government has announced a $285m Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
The funding will enable the development of a CHIPS Manufacturing USA institute that focuses on advancing digital twins for manufacturing semiconductors.
The first-of-its-kind facility will specialise in semiconductor manufacturing, advanced packaging, assembly, and test processes.
CHIPS is the first institute launched by the Department of Commerce and will join a network of 17 Manufacturing USA institutes boosting domestic manufacturing.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo commented: “Digital twin technology can help to spark innovation in research, development, and manufacturing of semiconductors across the country – but only if we invest in America’s understanding and ability of this new technology.
“This new Manufacturing USA institute will not only help to make America a leader in developing this new technology for the semiconductor industry, it will also help train the next generation of American workers and researchers to use digital twins for future advances in R&D and production of chips.”
CHIPS Manufacturing USA overview
The CHIPS Manufacturing USA institute aims to address semiconductor manufacturing challenges by utilising integrated physical and digital assets.
Through a diverse regional network, it will promote collaboration, foster innovation, and deliver benefits to both large and small to mid-sized manufacturers.
Additionally, it will engage diverse communities and enhance nationwide workforce training.
How digital twins will revolutionise semiconductor manufacturing
A digital twin is a virtual model that mimics the the structure, context, and behaviour of a physical object.
Digital twins, unlike traditional research models, operate in the cloud, facilitating collaborative design and process development nationwide.
This fosters broader participation, accelerates innovation, and lowers research and development costs.
Leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital twin-based research expedites the design of new chip development and manufacturing concepts while optimising production, upgrading facilities, and enabling real-time process adjustments, thereby reducing costs significantly.
Laurie Locascio, Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Director, added: “Digital twin technology will help transform the semiconductor industry.
“This historic investment in the CHIPS Manufacturing USA institute will help unite the semiconductor industry to unlock the enormous potential of digital twin technology for breakthrough discoveries.
“This is a prime example of how CHIPS for America is bringing research institutions and industry partners together in a public-private partnership to enable rapid adoption of innovations that will enhance domestic competitiveness for decades to come.”
