Rapidus Poised for 2nm Breakthrough with PDK Delivery Targeted for Q1 2026
Electronics Weekly | August 28, 2025
A significant milestone in the advancement of cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing is on the horizon, as Rapidus Corporation has announced its intention to deliver the Process Design Kit (PDK) for its highly anticipated 2nm process technology in the first quarter of 2026. This development marks a crucial step forward for the Japanese semiconductor consortium, bringing its ambitious next-generation manufacturing capabilities closer to realization for its potential clients.
The Process Design Kit, often referred to as a PDK, serves as an indispensable bridge between semiconductor design and manufacturing. It is a comprehensive collection of files, models, and rules that allow chip designers to accurately simulate and verify their integrated circuit designs on a specific foundry’s process technology. Without a robust and accurate PDK, creating functional and performant chips becomes an exceedingly complex and often impossible task. Therefore, the impending availability of Rapidus’ 2nm PDK is a clear indicator of the company’s progress in maturing its manufacturing process.
Rapidus, established with the ambitious goal of revitalizing Japan’s semiconductor industry, has been actively pursuing the development of advanced process nodes, with the 2nm technology representing a significant leap forward in transistor density, power efficiency, and performance. Achieving a 2nm process is a monumental undertaking, requiring substantial investment in research and development, state-of-the-art equipment, and a highly skilled workforce. The timeline for the PDK delivery suggests that Rapidus is on track to meet its technological objectives, a testament to the dedication and expertise of its team.
The availability of the 2nm PDK will empower semiconductor design companies to commence the intricate process of designing their next-generation chips. This will enable them to explore the potential benefits of Rapidus’ advanced technology, such as reduced power consumption for mobile devices, enhanced processing capabilities for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, and smaller form factors for a wide array of electronic products.
This announcement comes at a time of intense global competition in the semiconductor manufacturing space, with nations and companies striving to secure leadership in advanced node technologies. Rapidus’ progress with its 2nm process is particularly noteworthy, as it aims to bring this highly sought-after manufacturing capability back to Japan, fostering domestic innovation and supply chain resilience.
While the exact details of the PDK’s features and the specific target applications are yet to be fully elaborated, the commitment to a Q1 2026 delivery signals a tangible plan and a clear progression towards enabling external designs. This will undoubtedly be a closely watched development by the global semiconductor community, as it represents another significant player entering the advanced manufacturing arena. The successful rollout of the 2nm PDK will pave the way for the first tape-outs and, ultimately, the production of chips built on this next-generation technology, marking a new chapter for semiconductor innovation.
PDK for Rapidus 2nm process due in Q1 2026
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Electronics Weekly published ‘PDK for Rapidus 2nm process due in Q1 2026’ at 2025-08-28 05:14. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.