TCS Launches Chiplet-Based System Engineering Services to Propel Semiconductor Innovation
In a significant development for India’s burgeoning semiconductor industry, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the country’s largest IT services firm, has unveiled its chiplet-based system engineering services. This initiative aims to accelerate semiconductor innovation and bolster India’s ambition to emerge as a global semiconductor hub. The announcement was made on Thursday, marking a pivotal moment in the landscape of semiconductor design and manufacturing in India.
A Strategic Move in Semiconductor Innovation
The newly launched services are tailored to assist semiconductor companies in the rapid development of faster and more powerful chips. TCS aims to democratize the design process for next-generation chips, making it accessible for a broader range of customers. This initiative is particularly timely, as the Indian semiconductor market is projected to experience substantial growth, with estimates suggesting it could more than double from an estimated USD 45-50 billion in 2024-2025 to USD 100-110 billion by 2030.
The Indian government has recognized the importance of this sector, approving the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) with a substantial outlay of Rs 76,000 crore. This initiative is designed to enhance fabrication, design, and manufacturing capabilities within the country, further solidifying India’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain.
India’s Growing Role in Global Semiconductor Design
India is already home to approximately 20% of the world’s chip design engineers, a testament to its growing expertise in this field. Major global players are increasingly investing in manufacturing and assembly facilities within the country, signaling a shift in the global semiconductor landscape. TCS’s new services are expected to amplify this momentum, providing both Indian and international companies with access to world-class expertise in chip-to-system engineering.
V Rajanna, President of Technology, Software, and Services at TCS, emphasized the significance of these new services. He stated that they would enable semiconductor enterprises to accelerate chiplet tape-out processes, offering flexibility, scalability, and a faster time to market. This is crucial in an industry where speed and efficiency can determine competitive advantage.
Advanced Package Design Services
In addition to chiplet-based system engineering, TCS also offers advanced package design services. These include 2.5D and 3D interposers and multi-layer organic substrates, which are essential materials that connect and support multi-chip packages. By providing these advanced services, TCS helps semiconductor clients deliver next-generation multi-chip products characterized by superior signal integrity, reduced latency, and compact form factors.
The integration of these advanced technologies is vital for the development of high-performance computing systems, which are increasingly in demand across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Collaboration with Global Semiconductor Firms
TCS’s commitment to innovation is further exemplified by its recent collaboration with a North American semiconductor firm. This partnership focused on simplifying the integration of different chip types into a single system by modernizing the design approach using chiplet-based methods. Such collaborations not only enhance TCS’s capabilities but also contribute to the overall growth of the semiconductor ecosystem in India.
The Historical Context of Semiconductor Development in India
India’s journey in the semiconductor industry has been marked by significant milestones. The country has long been recognized for its software prowess, but the shift towards semiconductor manufacturing and design has gained momentum in recent years. The government’s proactive policies, coupled with investments from both domestic and international players, have laid the groundwork for a robust semiconductor ecosystem.
Historically, the semiconductor industry has been dominated by a few key players, primarily in the United States, Taiwan, and South Korea. However, as global demand for semiconductors continues to rise, countries like India are positioning themselves as viable alternatives for manufacturing and design. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the vulnerabilities in global supply chains, prompting nations to seek greater self-sufficiency in semiconductor production.
The Future of Semiconductor Innovation in India
As TCS embarks on this new venture, the implications for the semiconductor industry in India are profound. The company’s extensive investments in next-generation technologies, combined with its contextual knowledge of the semiconductor sector, position it as a preferred partner for driving innovation at scale.
The focus on chiplet-based designs is particularly noteworthy. Chiplets, which are smaller functional units that can be combined to create a complete system-on-chip (SoC), offer flexibility and efficiency in design. This modular approach allows for faster iterations and the ability to integrate diverse functionalities, catering to the evolving needs of various industries.
Conclusion
Tata Consultancy Services’ launch of chiplet-based system engineering services marks a significant step forward in India’s semiconductor landscape. As the country aims to establish itself as a global semiconductor hub, TCS’s initiatives will play a crucial role in accelerating innovation and enhancing the capabilities of semiconductor companies. With the backing of government initiatives and a growing pool of talent, India’s semiconductor industry is poised for remarkable growth in the coming years, potentially reshaping the global semiconductor supply chain.
