FormFactor Introduces Automated Cryogenic Wafer Probe System to Enable Superconducting Compute Applications

Rhea-AI Summary

FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ:FORM) announced the launch of a fully automated cryogenic wafer probe system in collaboration with Northrop Grumman, enhancing the testing of superconducting technologies. Operating at temperatures of 4 Kelvin and below, these systems are designed to increase production throughput, especially for RQL processors, which offer significant improvements in computing power and energy efficiency. This collaboration positions FormFactor as a pivotal player in advancing quantum computing and related fields.

Positive

• Launch of fully automated cryogenic wafer probe system enhances testing capabilities.
• Collaboration with Northrop Grumman positions FormFactor at the forefront of superconducting technology development.
• RQL processors developed through this partnership promise exponential improvements in computing power.

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• None.

Multiple Systems Installed at Northrop Grumman Supporting Development of Advanced Technology

LIVERMORE, Calif., June 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ:FORM), a leading semiconductor test and measurement supplier, collaborating with Northrop Grumman Corporation , a technology company focused on global security and human discovery, announced today the availability of a fully automated cryogenic wafer probe system operating at 4 Kelvin and below to accelerate the development of superconducting compute applications. Following unique design specifications, FormFactor’s HPD cryogenic systems group worked closely with Northrop Grumman scientists and engineers from concept to construction. The team produced multiple units of fully automated cryogenic wafer probers capable of meeting the challenging test requirements of superconducting circuits.

Researchers at Northrop Grumman are at the leading edge in developing superconducting technologies including a Reciprocal Quantum Logic (RQL) processor, which delivers exponential improvements in computing power and reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional CMOS processors. These characteristics are vitally important requirements for data center applications, where rapid growth in data traffic consumes an ever-increasing amount of electricity and real estate. Other applications range from artificial intelligence to pharmaceutical and chemistry developments, to cybersecurity, financial and weather modelling and more. The RQL processor leverages well established semiconductor circuit design and fabrication process, enabling faster time to market. Like other superconducting technologies, the processor must operate at temperatures close to absolute zero, and cryogenic test and measurement instruments are essential to device development.

“The ability to conduct testing at or below 4 Kelvin is critical to the development of superconducting circuits,” said Vern Boyle, vice president, advanced processing solutions at Northrop Grumman. “Performing these tests at the wafer-level provides a significant increase in production throughput at scale.”  

“It’s rewarding to work closely with pioneers like Northrop Grumman engineers and scientists who are expanding the frontiers of computing technology,” said Amy Leong, General Manager of the Emerging Growth Business Unit at FormFactor. “We’re pleased with the part our team has been able to play in this development. We look forward to continued engagement with the Northrop Grumman team and ultimately, the beneficial applications these new technologies may make possible.”

Among its portfolio of essential test technologies, FormFactor is a leading supplier of products enabling cryogenic test and measurement. Its ‘lab-to-fab’ array of cryogenic products provides a wide range of capabilities to accelerate time-to-market for quantum computing research and commercialization, including sub-100 millikelvin cryostats, cryogenic chip-scale and wafer-scale probers for operation at both 77 Kelvin as well as 4 Kelvin and below, engineering probes and probe cards, and scanning SQUID technology.

About FormFactor
FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ:FORM), is a leading provider of essential test and measurement technologies along the full IC life cycle – from metrology and inspection, characterization, modeling, reliability, and design debug, to qualification and production test. Semiconductor companies rely upon FormFactor’s products and services to accelerate profitability by optimizing device performance and advancing yield knowledge. The Company serves customers through its network of facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.formfactor.com.

Investor Contact (FORM):
Stan Finkelstein
Investor Relations
(925) 290-4321
ir@formfactor.com

Trade Contact (FORM):
David Viera
Corporate Communications
(925) 290-4182
david.viera@formfactor.com

FAQ

What is the significance of FormFactor's collaboration with Northrop Grumman?

The collaboration enables the development of advanced cryogenic wafer probe systems crucial for testing superconducting technologies.

How does the new cryogenic wafer probe system impact FormFactor's market position?

It enhances FormFactor's offerings in quantum computing and superconducting applications, likely improving market competitiveness.

What temperatures do the new cryogenic systems operate at?

The cryogenic wafer probe systems operate at temperatures of 4 Kelvin and below.

What advancements do the RQL processors bring?

RQL processors provide exponential improvements in computing power and reduced energy consumption compared to traditional processors.

How does FormFactor’s technology support quantum computing?

FormFactor's cryogenic test and measurement technologies accelerate time-to-market for quantum computing research and commercialization.