Nov. 19, 2024 — The University of Florida will lead one of seven regional hubs of a new, $285 million nationwide institute dedicated to advancing America’s semiconductor industry through next-generation simulations known as digital twins.
Volker Sorger, Ph.D., the Walden and Paula Rhines Endowed Professor of Semiconductor Photonics in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UF, will direct the Florida/Caribbean hub of the SMART USA Institute. Led by the Semiconductor Research Corporation, the institute is focused on creating and using digital twins to advance, accelerate, and optimize manufacturing in the semiconductor industry.
Digital twins are virtual models that mimic the structure, context, and behavior of a physical counterpart. In semiconductor chip manufacturing, a digital twin can provide a replica of a production line that simulates and optimizes processes, allowing researchers to test new designs and manufacturing techniques without having to build them first. The process results in significant savings in time and money and speeds innovation.