The American company Akash Systems has introduced an innovation that promises to transform thermal management in CPUs and GPUs through the use of synthetic diamond. This technology, called GaN-on-Diamond, combines gallium nitride with the extreme thermal conductivity of diamond, and is expected to significantly reduce chip temperatures, which directly impacts costs, efficiency, and performance in sectors such as artificial intelligence, data centers, and space communications.
A solution funded under the CHIPS Act
The development of GaN-on-Diamond is backed by the U.S. CHIPS Act, which will allocate 68 million dollars to this project, including 18.2 million in direct funding and 50 million in federal and state tax credits. This investment underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to semiconductor innovation to maintain competitiveness in strategic sectors like artificial intelligence and space telecommunications.
Diamond: A new era in thermal management
Diamond, with a thermal conductivity of 2,200 W/mK, is up to 5.5 times more efficient than copper, the current standard in cooling. Akash Systems plans to integrate this material into a layer between the PCB and the chips, acting as a thermal interface material (TIM) to dissipate heat more efficiently. The initial focus of the technology will be on GPUs due to their soldered design, with potential expansion to CPUs in the future.
Among the projected benefits, this innovation is expected to:
- Reduce chip temperatures by 10 to 20 ºC.
- Decrease energy consumption of GPUs by up to 40%.
- Increase chip performance by 2 to 4 times.
Impact on data centers and space applications
In data centers, where cooling represents a significant portion of operating costs, using servers with Diamond Cooling could lead to millions in savings and improved performance by preventing thermal throttling. Additionally, in space applications, Akash Systems is utilizing this technology to develop smaller, more reliable radios and power amplifiers with data transmission speeds up to 10 times faster.
Sustainability and job creation
Akash Systems is committed to using 100% renewable energy in its facilities by 2030 and implementing advanced water recycling systems. The company is also collaborating with unions and job training programs to create quality jobs in underrepresented communities in Oakland, California.
Recognition and Future
With this innovative proposal, Akash Systems is making a milestone in the semiconductor industry. Supported by investors such as Founders Fund and Khosla Ventures, the company is progressing toward its goal of revolutionizing thermal management in critical applications like artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and clean energy.
“This technology not only enhances efficiency and performance but also represents a step forward for sustainability and strengthening the supply chains in the U.S.,” stated Felix Ejeckam, CEO of Akash Systems.
The future of cooling may be written in diamond, and Akash Systems appears to be leading this brilliant path toward the next generation of semiconductors.
via: Akash and El chapuzas informático