#Japan #Tokyo #Semiconductor #Rapidus Corporation #AI Design Tools

Rapidus Corporation's Groundbreaking AI Design Innovations

At SEMICON Japan, Rapidus Corporation, a pioneering player in the semiconductor landscape, revealed its latest suite of AI design tools, intended to significantly advance semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. This initiative, which falls under the Rapidus AI-Assisted Design Solution (Raads), marks a transformative step in achieving a more efficient and unified manufacturing process known as the Rapid and Unified Manufacturing Service (RUMS).

The New Suite of Tools

Scheduled for release beginning in 2026, the suite is being rebranded as the Rapidus AI-Agentic Design Solution. It comprises multiple innovative tools aimed at streamlining the design process for semiconductor devices. Among the most notable of these tools are:

1. Raads Generator

This cutting-edge Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tool employs large-scale language models (LLMs). When designers input specifications for semiconductors, the Raads Generator produces register-transfer level (RTL) design data optimized for Rapidus' advanced 2nm manufacturing process. This tool simplifies the design process and enhances efficiency by automating key components of the design workflow.

2. Raads Predictor

This tool is designed to facilitate RTL debugging and optimization for various physical design aspects, including placement and routing. Raads Predictor quickly provides insights into power performance area (PPA) estimates, allowing designers to make informed decisions at a rapid pace.

Functionality of Raads

The Raads tools enable designers to construct RTL source code from their design concepts, which can then be processed through Raads Predictor alongside Synopsys Design Constraints (SDC). This integration allows for accurate predictions of the PPA of silicon produced by Rapidus, thus advancing the design process further.

By leveraging these AI capabilities, Raads not only supports semiconductor designers but also evolves into an AI agent that enhances the design of sophisticated semiconductor devices. The integration of Raads with existing EDA tools can lead to a remarkable reduction in design time by up to 50% and cut design costs by as much as 30%.

Future Plans for Raads

Rapidus plans to expand its offerings with additional tools designed to support designers further throughout 2026. These include:

• - Raads Navigator/Raads Indicator: Utilizing large-scale language models to assist designers in quality assurance and troubleshooting design challenges.
• - Raads Manager: A layout design tool that applies machine learning and AI to create a hierarchical layout that minimizes design time and maximizes efficiency.
• - Raads Optimizer: This tool employs machine learning and AI to examine and develop parameters for optimizing power performance area (PPA).

Innovative Integration for Manufacturing

Rapidus is also revolutionizing its manufacturing processes with the Innovative Integration for Manufacturing (IIM-1) foundry. This facility is tailored for single-wafer processing across all manufacturing phases. As part of a continuous advancement strategy, Rapidus connected over 200 high-end semiconductor manufacturing machines to establish a cutting-edge automated material handling system, which supports 2nm gate-all-around (GAA) prototyping.

In a significant development in July, Rapidus commenced prototyping at the IIM-1 foundry, where prototype wafers began yielding promising electrical characteristics indicative of enhanced performance.

About Rapidus Corporation

Founded on August 10, 2022, Rapidus Corporation is committed to creating the world's leading logic semiconductors. The company’s mission is to shorten design cycle times in various facets such as design, wafer processing, and 3D packaging, ultimately contributing to the prosperity and wellbeing of society through advanced semiconductor technologies. The headquarters are located in Tokyo, Japan.

As Rapidus moves forward, it is sure to continue pushing the boundaries of semiconductor technology, fulfilling its vision and fostering innovation in the industry.