Chip industry in Germany wants to play an important role in quantum computers

Quantum computers are an opportunity for Germany

Quantum computers have so far been at the research level. This is a good chance for the chip industry in Germany. In the manufacture of today’s computers, the field is divided between overseas semiconductor manufacturers such as AMD, Intel or Nvidia. Now the cards are reshuffled. Huge sales are enticing, even if quantum computers are initially only likely to cover a small part of the market.

Quantum computers can accomplish tasks that would take traditional computers centuries to accomplish: finding medicines, breaking cryptographic keys, and solving logistical problems. Today’s computers work with bits, while quantum machines use qubits. These can not only take zeros and ones, but also all values ​​in between. This allows enormous computing power. However, these computers do not yet exist for daily use.

It is still unclear which type of quantum computer will prevail. NXP and its collaborating partners are concentrating on a single research approach: ion trap-based quantum computers. This is a relatively advanced technology that requires less cooling than other approaches. In order to function, the computers have to be cooled down to almost absolute zero. Qubits are extremely sensitive and should not be deflected if possible. This works best at extremely low temperatures.

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The quantum particles are caught in the ion traps and manipulated by lasers or microwaves. “We believe that this is the most promising approach,” emphasized NXP board member Reger.

Infineon, on the other hand, uses two other methods with several partners: on the one hand, the so-called superconducting qubits. The qubits are generated by currents flowing without resistance in the corresponding circuits. However, these conductors require extreme cooling.

Infineon wants to get into the heart of the new computers

On the other hand, Infineon uses silicon-based qubits. This is where the quantum information is created by the spin – the intrinsic angular momentum – of electrons. This process uses technologies that the chip manufacturer knows from its business with radar sensors for cars.

The two chip companies differ greatly in what they want to contribute to the development of quantum computers. In the project financed by DLR, NXP is supplying the control electronics with which the quantum computers are to be embedded in conventional computer environments.

In addition, the Dutch are making their material know-how available to pack the components of these computers at extremely low temperatures. The computers have to be cooled down to minus 273 degrees. In addition, the so-called photon detectors, with which the quantum states can be read, come from NXP. “We are optimizing solutions that we already have on the shelf,” says Head of Research Reger.

Infineon, on the other hand, has set itself the goal of also developing the core of the quantum computer, the processor. It is the brain of every computer and today mostly comes from AMD or Intel. “Above all, we also build the central chip on which the calculation takes place. That’s where the music plays in the quantum computers,” explains Infineon Manager Sebastian Luber. The physicist is responsible for ensuring that the chip group does not miss any trend in the new technology.

In contrast to NXP, the Bavarians are driving quantum development at several locations and are cooperating with numerous start-ups and universities. “Infineon is interesting as a technology partner for anyone who wants to build a quantum computer,” says Luber.

Infineon is the largest European chip manufacturer, NXP is in third place. The Franco-Italian competitor STMicroelectronics, number two on the continent, did not want to comment on the extent to which the group was researching quantum computers when asked by the Handelsblatt.

Cryptography vs. Quantum Computing

Meanwhile, the semiconductor manufacturers are at odds as to when money can be made with the new machines. NXP board member Reger does not expect income from quantum computers in the foreseeable future. “The business case doesn’t exist,” emphasizes the manager.

Infineon is more optimistic: “In the near future we will generate sales with quantum technology,” says Luber.

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Perhaps it is just a question of definition as to what counts as revenue from quantum computers. Both companies have already developed encryption methods that are intended to withstand attacks and that are carried out using the new computers. Experts speak of post-quantum cryptography. “It’s about encrypting the data today in such a way that it will still be secure in ten years, when powerful quantum computers become reality,” says Infineon Manager Luber. This is important, for example, for passports and ID cards that are issued today and will still be valid for the next decade.

The two chip manufacturers do not want to build their own quantum computers. But they want to be among the producers’ most important suppliers right from the start. This shows the choice of development partners. In the DLR project, for example, NXP is working together with Eleqtron, a spin-off from the University of Siegen that produces computers of this type.

Will such start-ups ultimately prevail? The competitors are multi-billion dollar corporations such as Google and IBM. They, too, could one day be among the customers of NXP and Infineon.

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