AXE Ann: Archer and GlobalFoundries to advance 12CQ chip fabrication - 6th Sep 2022, 8:17am

[annb0t]

AXE Ann: Archer and GlobalFoundries to advance 12CQ chip fabrication
Price Sensitive: N
Date: 6th Sep 2022, 8:17am

>>> Read announcement: Google: AXE Market Announcements

 

[Slymeat]

What an absolutely brilliant announcement.

Things certainly seem to be stepping up in the world of room temperature quantum computers, let alone the world of wearable/mobile quantum devises—both of which Archer and its 12CQ chip can achieve. Now they have a significant foundry involved. Way to go Mohammad Choucair and Archer!

Mass produced quantum processors. That will be a world first.


An excerpt from the announcement: Highlighting is mine.

“Archer will access the technology facilities and manufacturing processes of GlobalFoundries® to explore pathways for potential high-volume manufacturing of 12CQ chip devices and components. Archer will work closely with GlobalFoundries® on device and circuit design, technology development, and high-volume chip fabrication.

Current quantum computing qubit architectures rely on custom made fabrication, unlike modern classical computing circuits that are manufactured in, and using, well-established industrial semiconductor facilities. Integrating qubit materials with existing industrial-scale foundries is a significant challenge in developing quantum processors.”

 

[jeff2151]

I know that GlobalFoundries is a very big company, with security clearances from major western countries, including USA. But I'm still far from comfortable with them. Three years ago GlobalFoundries and TSMC filed breach of patents lawsuits against each other. They arrived at a settlement that included "life of patents" cross-licensing of all their existing semiconductor patents plus any new patents obtained by either in the next ten years. Ever since then, I've had a bit of a concern whenever a company like AXE links up with them for design and development of new technology. Maybe I've been stung often enough to become overly cautious.
Jeff

 

[Slymeat]

That is very interesting @jeff2151, thanks for making me aware of that quite unique situation.

Doesn‘t sound like either company has an absolutely moral, moral compass, but what can we do? They are big players.

I assume Archers patents are excluded from that agreement and hence Archer is protected. But anything they develop in conjunction will probably fall under the agreement and could potentially be open to being shared with TSMC.

From Archer‘s perspective they probably wouldn‘t mind another foundry getting involved and promulgating their technology to the world. The more that know about it the merrier. I also assume, no matter what the patent predicament, Archer will still get royalty payments when its IP is used.