Dutch semiconductor startup Qualinx has announced a significant advancement in European chip manufacturing, claiming to establish a complete semiconductor fabrication flow for its new satellite navigation chips. This development is particularly relevant for sectors requiring security-critical components, such as aerospace and defense.
Qualinx, which originated as a spin-off from Delft University of Technology, has introduced the QLX3xx series of ultra-low-power Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) systems-on-chip (SoCs). The company asserts that it has successfully demonstrated the capability to design, manufacture, and deliver these chips entirely within Europe, marking a step towards a fully automated and trusted European manufacturing process.
Collaboration with GlobalFoundries
Despite its claims of European sovereignty in chip manufacturing, Qualinx operates as a fabless design firm, outsourcing production to GlobalFoundries (GF), a US-based semiconductor manufacturer. The partnership aims to establish a European manufacturing flow at GF’s facility in Dresden, supported by funding from the European Chips Act. This initiative is intended to ensure that sensitive design data remains within the EU during production.
“This first secure product demonstrates that a fully European manufacturing path – from mask services to wafer production – is already a reality today,” stated Qualinx CEO Tom Trill.
Manufacturing Process and Technology
The Qualinx chips will utilize GF’s FDX (fully depleted silicon-on-insulator) manufacturing process, which operates at a 12nm node. While this technology is advanced, it is not on par with the latest processes from competitors like TSMC, which has begun mass production of its 2nm N2 process. Nevertheless, the European Commission is considering the need for cutting-edge fabs as part of a proposed Chips Act 2.0, which would fund a sovereign AI chip factory.
According to the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), the primary demand for chips in Europe comes from the automotive and industrial sectors, which typically rely on 28/22nm technology rather than the latest advancements.
Future Implications
“We are demonstrating that Europe can rely on a secure, end-to-end semiconductor manufacturing flow that meets the highest requirements of aerospace and defense,” remarked GF’s Senior Vice President and General Manager Dr. Manfred Horstmann. The collaboration between Qualinx and GlobalFoundries represents a crucial operational milestone in the quest for European semiconductor independence.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
