Breakthrough in chip technology: 3D systems are revolutionizing electronics!

Breakthrough in chip technology: 3D systems are revolutionizing electronics!

The development of efficient microchips is a central topic in modern electronics. Experts from RWTH Aachen and TU Dresden have founded a new collaborative research area to address the challenges in chip technology. Under the title “Future-oriented electronics through active components in three dimensions” (SFB/TRR-404), this project is financially supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Researchers such as Professor Max Lemme and Professor Thomas Mikolajick are leading this ambitious effort, which aims to make better use of the space above the chip surface to increase efficiency and processing speed, it is reported RWTH Aachen.

The limits of transistor scalability have been reached, which is affecting the performance of common chip technologies. The SFB/TRR-404 therefore aims to develop innovative 3D systems. By integrating new materials into the metallization, also known as back-end of line (BEOL), researchers aim to overcome performance limits and enable true three-dimensionality in chip design.

Cooperation and integration

Among the institutions involved in the collaborative research center are AMO GmbH, the Forschungszentrum Jülich, NaMLab gGmbH, the Max Planck Institute for Microstructure Physics in Halle and the Ruhr University Bochum. This broad cooperation between different institutions promotes the exchange of knowledge and advances research in microelectronics. The majority of the approximately 15 doctoral and postdoctoral positions in the SFB/TRR-404 have already been filled, and one additional position is still open.

At the same time, pressure is growing on the chip industry to find new ways to reduce costs in chip design. According to reports from The Next Platform Improving the density and cost efficiency of transistors becomes more difficult. Machine learning techniques are being explored to optimize chip design. Google has already made significant progress in automating design processes.

Analysis of the cost of advanced chip designs is alarming. Estimates put the cost of 5-nanometer chips at over $542 million, with nearly half of that cost coming from software. This shows the potential of machine learning to significantly reduce costs and promote innovation.

Educational initiatives for the future

In the context of the development of new microelectronics technologies, educational initiatives are also becoming increasingly important. The challenges in the industry require well-trained specialists. The topic of recruiting and training skilled workers will be discussed in various workshops, such as the one in elektronikforschung.de organized, treated. The aim of these events is to promote the balance between supply and demand for qualifications and to secure young talent in microelectronics.

Through cooperation projects and workshop formats, attempts are made to improve the visibility of microelectronics in society and to make attractive career paths visible. A wide variety of actors play a role in changing the perception of the industry and highlighting its importance.

Innovative power in chip design is crucial to counteract stagnating development and rising costs in the industry. The SFB/TRR-404 represents an exemplary example of interdisciplinary collaboration to address the coming challenges and shape the electronics of tomorrow.