Semifive, a corporations specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) custom semiconductors (ASICs), said on the 28th that it secured a turnkey 3D-IC (integrated circuit) design order from a Europe-based vision AI company to develop a vision AI Semiconductor for edge (Edge) devices.
According to the company, based on its track record accumulated in major global markets such as the United States, China, Japan and India, the deal is expected to further accelerate Semifive's expansion into the European market. Leveraging the company's advanced semiconductor platform capabilities, Semifive is continuously solidifying its position as a core partner to global innovative corporations that require high-performance custom AI ASICs.
3D-IC technology stacks semiconductor chips vertically to dramatically shorten data travel distances, achieving both high performance and low power consumption. The company said it is gaining attention as an optimal solution for edge devices such as retail systems, drones, mobile devices and specialized imaging equipment that require high-performance AI inference without cloud consolidation, particularly because it reduces the total area of the chip and supports the implementation of a small form factor.
Based on its technological capabilities, Semifive plans to develop an ultra-low-power, high-efficiency "ultra edge SoC (system on chip)" using an 8-nanometer process. The SoC is designed to integrate image sensing and AI inference on the chip, maximizing both performance and power efficiency in edge device environments.
Semifive has already successfully carried out a project applying technology that vertically stacks memory on large-area accelerator chips for data centers, completing its capabilities in high-difficulty 3D-IC design and technological maturity. The company said this project is a case of extending that proven technology to the edge domain.
Chief Executive Cho Myeong-hyeon of Semifive said, "The technical entry barriers we have proactively built in the 3D-IC field will provide more options for global customers while further strengthening Semifive's competitiveness in the race for high value-added chip orders," adding, "Based on our turnkey development capabilities that cover everything from design to mass production, we will build a differentiated technology moat in the global custom semiconductor market and secure sustainable growth drivers over the mid to long term."