The collaboration between Synopsys and the California-based Superhub DREAMS, funded by the Microelectronics Commons program of the US CHIPS Act, accelerates innovation in the design of electronic microdevices and defense.
Boosting Innovation in Semiconductors
As semiconductor innovation continues to flourish in the U.S., both the electronics industry and the government recognize the need to further expand global leadership in microelectronics. The Microelectronics Commons program, funded by the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, was created with the goal of establishing a solid foundation for future innovation and local manufacturing. One of the regional centers of the program, the California Defense Ready Electronics and Microdevices Superhub (DREAMS) coalition, has announced its adoption of Synopsys’ cloud-based electronic design automation (EDA) technologies.
A Collaborative Effort among Government, Industry, and Academia
The Microelectronics Commons program is a significant initiative involving governmental, industrial, and academic entities. Each will play an integral role in shifting the trajectory of semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S., which has declined in recent decades. With the broadest portfolio of design and verification tools, IP, and services for microelectronics development, along with a robust cloud-based EDA platform, Synopsys is uniquely positioned to enhance R&D in all technological areas that the Microelectronics Commons program aims to develop.
Objectives of the Microelectronics Commons Program
Established by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the Microelectronics Commons program has four main objectives:
1. Foster the transition of semiconductor innovation from the lab to manufacturing.
2. Enable cost-effective exploration of new materials, devices, and architectures, along with onshore prototyping facilities to protect intellectual property.
3. Accelerate the transition of new technologies to U.S. factories.
4. Expand U.S. global leadership in microelectronics.
Comprehensive Collaboration among Government, Industry, and Academia
The program consists of eight regional hubs that bring together researchers and designers with prototyping capabilities tailored to the technical strengths of each region. The California-based Superhub DREAMS, led by the University of Southern California (USC), has received approximately $27 million to accelerate the prototyping of RF technologies and processes for 5G/6G and electromagnetic warfare.
Adoption of Synopsys Technologies
The California-based Superhub DREAMS has chosen to adopt Synopsys technologies, including their cloud-based workflows for analog, digital, verification, and photonic designs, as well as their DMEA-accredited IP and design services for the DoD.
Dr. Stephen Crago, director of the Superhub DREAMS and associate director of the USC Information Sciences Institute, commented: “Synopsys, a pioneer in design technologies from silicon to systems, provides a reliable foundation of electronic design automation and IP solutions to help us accelerate transitions from lab to manufacturing.”
Secure and On-Demand Access to EDA Tools in the Cloud
Recent events, from the COVID-19 pandemic to geopolitical tensions, have highlighted vulnerabilities in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain. The demand for chips continues to grow, especially for compute-intensive applications like artificial intelligence (AI). The CHIPS Act injects nearly $53 billion into semiconductor manufacturing, R&D, and workforce in the U.S.
Synopsys will operate in two main domains within the California-based DREAMS hub: enabling infrastructure with their EDA and IP solutions and services, and innovation projects that support prototyping acceleration. Synopsys Cloud’s proven success, with native cloud-based EDA tools and pre-optimized hardware platforms, closely aligns with the program’s objectives.
Innovation in RF and Electromagnetic Warfare Systems Development
In the 5G/6G focus area of the California-based DREAMS hub, Synopsys technologies can support the development of low size, weight, and power (SWaP) RF designs, efficient signal processing systems, as well as the use of ultra-wideband (UWB) and photonic materials.
Experience in Government Collaboration
Synopsys is no stranger to collaborating with U.S. government entities. Their involvement in programs like the DoD’s Rapid Assured Microelectronics Prototypes (RAMP), DARPA’s Automated Implementation of Secure Silicon (AISS), the Intel Foundry Services Alliance for U.S. Defense, Aerospace, and Government (IFS USMAG), and the Posh Open Source Hardware (POSH) program has provided them with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in this sector.
Conclusion
The alliance between Synopsys and the California-based Superhub DREAMS represents a significant step in the evolution of the semiconductor industry in the U.S. The combined efforts of government, industry, and academia promise to elevate electronic innovation to new heights, mitigating supply chain pressures and strengthening U.S. leadership in this crucial field.
This collaboration reinforces the ability of Synopsys and the California-based Superhub DREAMS to drive technological advancement and competitiveness in the field of microelectronics.