News: Microelectronics
14 November 2024
Akash allocated US CHIPS Act funding for diamond cooling technology
Akash Systems of Oakland, CA, USA has signed a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms with the US Department of Commerce under the CHIPS and Science Act to receive over $68m in direct funding. This includes $18.2m in proposed direct funding and $50m in combined federal and California state tax credits. This proposed funding would provide Akash, a pioneer of diamond cooling semiconductor technologies, significant support for its operational ramp-up in AI, data centers, space and defense markets.
Diamond Cooled servers launched for AI data center and high-performance computing
By reducing a GPU’s hot-spot temperature by just 10–20°C, Akash says that it can cause the data-center operator with hundreds of servers to save millions of dollars in cooling costs. Temperature reductions can also cause GPUs to reach their intrinsic speed limit without thermal throttling.
Akash claims that, with Diamond Cooled servers, it is setting new global benchmarks in AI server performance, catering to the growing demands of data centers and high-performance compute applications.
In the rapidly growing industry of artificial intelligence, efficient thermal management is critical to supporting the extreme demands of AI while mitigating its effects on the globe’s limited energy supply. Akash Systems’ newly launched Diamond Cooled servers address this need, utilizing the extreme thermal properties of synthetic diamond — the most thermally conductive material — to reduce GPU temperatures, and thus the cost of cooling down servers and the data centers that they occupy. This empowers already liquid-cooled servers to operate at even higher clock cycles while also reducing thermal throttling, where the server’s operating system reduces workloads on the GPU in order to reduce GPU hot -spot temperatures.
Space communications applications
Beyond terrestrial applications, Akash is targeting satellite communications with its Diamond-Cooled Satellite Radios. Its gallium nitride (GaN)-on-diamond technology is pivotal in producing satellite radios and power amplifiers that offer:
- 5-10x faster data rates: Enhanced communication speeds for satellite operations.
- Increased reliability: Robust performance in the challenging conditions of space.
- 50% small form factor: Reduced size enables lower costs and deployment flexibility.
The firm claims that these advances are instrumental in improving global connectivity and supporting critical space missions.
“Integrating Akash Systems’ GaN-on-diamond radios into our satellites has been transformative for Pixxel,” comments Pixxel’s co-founder & CEO Awais Ahmed. “The diamond cooling technology ensures exceptional thermal management, allowing our payloads to operate at peak performance even in the harsh conditions of space,” he adds. “This advancement has enabled us to deliver high-resolution hyperspectral imagery with unprecedented efficiency.”
Strengthening supply chains
The proposed CHIPS Act funding should help to accelerate the development and deployment of Akash’s Diamond Cooling technology across various sectors including AI, data centers, space communications, automotive, clean energy, cellular communications, and defense.
“This proposed funding is an important milestone for Akash Systems and for innovative US technology,” says co-founder & CEO Felix Ejeckam. “As a US company developing next-generation semiconductor technology, this validates our vision and strategy, helping us to deliver cutting-edge solutions that address thermal challenges in today’s high-performance compute and communication systems.”
Akash has previously received Seed and Series A funding from venture capital firms including Founders Fund, Khosla Ventures, and Kearny Jackson.
“Akash Systems has not only developed proprietary materials and technologies that are advancing important industries like AI and space but is also contributing towards the strengthening of critical supply chains in the USA,” comments Founders Fund partner Delian Asparouhov.
Sustainability and workforce development
Akash says that it has prioritized responsible resource use in its CHIPS-funded facility, aiming to source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The firm will also implement advanced water recirculation and reuse systems to minimize water discharge and consumption, ensuring a sustainable approach to manufacturing.
Akash has also committed to workforce development for its new facility by partnering with Alameda Building Trades under a project labor agreement, ensuring union support through IUE-CWA, and collaborating with local colleges to recruit, train and hire West Oakland residents, including those from underserved communities.
“As we rebuild the semiconductor industry in the United States, workers and our communities benefit from this historic public investment,” says Claude Cummings Jr, president of Communications Workers of America. “Creating good union jobs will mean that production workers can have family-supporting careers in America's semiconductor industry.”
Akash raises $14.5m in Series A round
Akash granted FCC approval for satellite launch of GaN-on-diamond power amplifier
Akash raises $3.1m in seed round funding led by Khosla Ventures
Akash Systems formed to apply GaN-on-diamond technology to SatComs
