A partnership between Intel, SK hynix, and NTT has been established with the goal of developing chips incorporating light-based communication to significantly reduce power consumption. The companies are exploring the integration of processors with integrated silicon photonics and terabit/s class memory technology in order to bring about a revolution in the semiconductor industry.
The collaborative efforts of Intel, NTT, and SK Hynix are aimed at leveraging the unique strengths of each company. Intel contributes its expertise in processors, SK Hynix specializes in high-performance memory chips, and NTT serves as the coordinator of the collaboration. Together, they are investigating the integration of silicon photonics and similar technologies into semiconductors.
The primary focus of the collaboration is to advance silicon photonics optical technology and its integration into logic chips and memory technology. The objective is to develop production technology for devices capable of handling terabit-class data speeds while achieving a 30% – 40% reduction in power consumption compared to existing products by fiscal 2027.
The potential applications of processors and memory with optical connections extend to artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) applications that require processing vast amounts of data. By integrating optical technology directly into processors, the new technology aims to improve performance and save power by eliminating the need to convert optical communications into electrical signals before reaching processors or memory.
The significant financial support from the Japanese government, amounting to approximately ¥45 billion ($305 million), emphasizes the national importance of this initiative and its potential to bolster Japan’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain. The collaboration could also pave the way for semiconductor production featuring silicon photonics chips in Japan, although the specific details and participants have yet to be finalized.
Both Intel and NTT have remained discreet about the collaboration, possibly indicating that discussions are ongoing and details are subject to refinement. Despite the absence of official statements, the initiative aligns with NTT’s history of engaging in promising technologies beyond its telecommunications business.
As the semiconductor industry continues to evolve, the collaboration between Intel, NTT, and SK hynix highlights the ongoing pursuit of innovation and technological advancement. The exploration of light-based communication in semiconductor technology signifies a pivotal step towards more efficient and powerful chips for diverse applications.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of industry leaders bode well for the future of semiconductor technology, promising advancements that could benefit a wide range of industries and applications. The integration of optical technology into processors and memory holds the potential to reshape the landscape of computing and data processing, paving the way for more energy-efficient and high-performance devices.
Authored by Anton Shilov, a Freelance News Writer at Tom’s Hardware US, with extensive experience covering a broad spectrum of technological advancements and industry trends.
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