GlobalFoundries strengthens its market leadership by acquiring AMF!

GlobalFoundries announced on Monday that it has acquired Singapore-based chip manufacturer Advanced Micro Foundry (AMF). This deal took place in a rapidly growing sector focused on applications in artificial intelligence data centers and quantum computers.

The financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. Silicon photonic technology offers the ability to integrate traditional computer chip technologies with optical network technologies that utilize light waves for data transmission. This area is gaining momentum as companies like Nvidia collaborate with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing to connect certain network chips with optical links.

Moreover, Silicon Valley startups such as Ayar Labs, Celestial AI, and Lightmatter, which have received substantial backing, are continuing their work on optical connections between chips, with some opting for GlobalFoundries for production.

GlobalFoundries is already a significant player in the silicon photonics space. For instance, it has assisted the startup PsiQuantum in the production of photonic-based chips for quantum computers being built in Chicago. With the acquisition of AMF, it is reported that GlobalFoundries will become the world's largest silicon photonics manufacturer and plans to establish a new research center in Singapore.

GlobalFoundries CEO Tim Breen stated, "As data moves faster and workloads become more complex, the ability to move information quickly, precisely, and with energy efficiency has become a fundamental requirement for today’s artificial intelligence data centers and advanced telecom networks."