The lab in Oberhaching near Munich will use AI to simulate and better predict the ageing and failure characteristics of microelectronics in the power market. It will develop the necessary algorithms and introduce practical measurements to establish the data basis for training neural networks and verifying behaviour. This will help better estimate the service life of power converters and will aid in detection of anomalies. The insights will contribute to proactive maintenance to prevent equipment failure.

It will also focus on ensuring microcircuits are stable and small in size, reliable and can be produced on an industrial scale. Approximately 20 researchers will work at the lab.

"Infineon plans to reinvent the core element of the quantum computer. One of the central tasks of the new quantum laboratory will be to develop and test electronic systems for ion trap quantum computing with the objective of integrating these systems in the Quantum Processing Unit,” says Richard Kuncic, Senior Vice President and General Manager Power Systems at Infineon Technologies.

A cryostat has been installed, which can maintain cryogenic temperatures as low as 4°K (-269°C) for qubits, the smallest units for calculations with quantum computers. These are extremely sensitive and only adequately stable under extreme conditions, typically temperatures below -250°C, and at the lowest possible pressures. At the same time, electronic systems have to keep working in these extreme conditions, when many materials change their properties, including their electric behaviour.

Pictured from left to right: Chuck Spinner, Head of Central R&D Power Systems and Solutions (PSS); Hartmut Hiller, Head of R&D; Adam White, President Power Systems and Solutions; Richard Kuncic, Head of Power Systems).