GlobalFoundries Awarded $35 Million Funding from U.S. Government to Accelerate Manufacturing of Next-Generation GaN Chips
October 18 2023 - 8:31AM
GlobalFoundries (Nasdaq: GFS) (GF) has been awarded $35 million in
federal funding from the U.S. government to accelerate the
manufacturing of GF’s differentiated gallium nitride (GaN) on
silicon semiconductors at its facility in Essex Junction, Vermont.
This funding brings GF closer to large-scale production of GaN
chips, which are unique in their ability to handle high voltages
and temperatures. These chips are positioned to enable
game-changing performance and efficiency in 5G and 6G cellular
communications for infrastructure and handsets, automotive and
industrial Internet of things (IoT), as well as power grids and
other critical infrastructure.
With the new $35 million in funding, awarded by the Department
of Defense’s Trusted Access Program Office (TAPO), GF plans to
purchase additional tools to expand development and prototyping
capabilities, moving closer to at-scale 200mm GaN-on-silicon
semiconductor manufacturing. As part of the investment, GF plans to
implement new capabilities for reducing the exposure of GF and its
customers to supply chain constraints of gallium, while improving
the speed of development, assurance of supply and competitiveness
of U.S-made GaN chips.
The funding builds on years of collaboration with the U.S.
government – including $40 million in support from 2020-2022 – that
leverages the talent of GF's Vermont team and their 200mm
semiconductor manufacturing experience, and applies it to
GaN-on-silicon manufacturing. 200mm is state-of-the-art for GaN
chip technology.
“Vermont is a leader in semiconductor innovation. This federal
funding is welcome news, and will solidify our state’s position as
a leader at the forefront of manufacturing next-generation chips,”
said Senator Peter Welch. “It’s critical we support investment in
this industry here in Vermont and in the U.S. – both for our local
economic growth and for our national security. I look forward to
continuing to fight for our domestic semiconductor and chip
manufacturers in the Senate.”
"This strategic investment continues to strengthen our domestic
ecosystem of critical dual-use commercial technologies, ensuring
they're readily available and secure for DoD utilization. In
concert with key partners, we're proactively shaping the future of
our defense systems," said The Honorable Christopher J. Lowman,
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment.
“GaN on silicon is an ideal technology for high performance
radio frequency, high voltage power switching and control
applications for emerging markets, and it’s important for 6G
wireless communications, industrial IoT, and electric vehicles,”
said Dr. Thomas Caulfield, president and CEO of GF. “GF has a
longstanding partnership with the U.S. government, and this funding
is critical to move GaN on silicon chips closer to volume
production. These chips will enable our customers to realize bold
new designs that push the envelope of energy efficiency and
performance of critical technologies we rely on every day.”
GF’s facility in Essex Junction, Vermont, near Burlington, was
among the first major semiconductor manufacturing sites in the
United States. Today around 1,800 GF employees work at the site.
Built on GF’s differentiated technologies, these GF-made chips are
used in smartphones, automobiles, and communications infrastructure
applications around the world. The facility is a DMEA accredited
Trusted Foundry and manufactures secure chips in partnership with
the U.S. Department of Defense, for use in some of the nation’s
most sensitive aerospace and defense systems.
About GF
GlobalFoundries (GF) is one of the world’s leading semiconductor
manufacturers. GF is redefining innovation and semiconductor
manufacturing by developing and delivering feature-rich process
technology solutions that provide leadership performance in
pervasive high growth markets. GF offers a unique mix of design,
development, and fabrication services. With a talented and diverse
workforce and an at-scale manufacturing footprint spanning the
U.S., Europe and Asia, GF is a trusted technology source to its
worldwide customers. For more information, visit www.gf.com.
©GlobalFoundries Inc., GF, GlobalFoundries, the GF logos and
other GF marks are trademarks of GlobalFoundries Inc. Or its
subsidiaries. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
Forward-looking Information
This news release may contain forward-looking statements, which
involve risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. These
forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. GF
undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking
statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of
this news release or to reflect actual outcomes, unless required by
law.
Media Contact:Michael
Mullaneymichael.mullaney@gf.com
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