NVIDIA’s CuLitho Secures Backing from TSMC and Synopsys, Paving the Way for Advanced Tech

NVIDIA, TSMC, and Synopsys collaborate to revolutionize photomask development in chip manufacturing using NVIDIA's next-generation Blackwell GPUs and computational lithography platform.

NVIDIA's partnership with TSMC and Synopsys allows for the implementation of its computational lithography platform, which utilizes the power of next-generation Blackwell GPUs for AI and HPC applications.
The CuLitho software library, powered by NVIDIA's GPUs, offers a significant boost to the photomask development process by speeding it up by up to 40 times.
NVIDIA's latest generative AI algorithms further enhance the already accelerated processes enabled by cuLitho, particularly in the optical proximity correction (OPC) process, resulting in near-perfect inverse masks and improved light diffraction.

nVidia has partnered with TSMC and Synopsys to implement its computational lithography platform, utilizing the power of the company’s next-generation Blackwell GPUs for AI and HPC applications. This collaboration aims to revolutionize the development of photomasks, a critical step in chip manufacturing.

NVIDIA’s CuLitho software library, introduced last year, already offers a significant boost to the photomask development process by speeding it up by up to 40 times. By incorporating new generative AI algorithms, CuLitho takes computational lithography to the next level. Traditionally, this process consumes an immense amount of time on CPUs, but GPU-accelerated computational lithography provided by cuLitho surpasses the performance of CPU-based methods. In fact, a mere 350 NVIDIA H100 systems can now replace a staggering 40,000 CPU systems, resulting in faster production, cost savings, and reduced space and power requirements.

NVIDIA’s latest generative AI algorithms further enhance the already accelerated processes enabled by cuLitho. This advancement is particularly beneficial for the optical proximity correction (OPC) process, allowing for the creation of near-perfect inverse masks that account for light diffraction.

TSMC has experienced remarkable speed improvements by integrating cuLitho into its workflow. Curvilinear flows have seen a 45x speedup, while Manhattan-style flows have witnessed an impressive 60x improvement. Curvilinear flows involve mask shapes represented by curves, whereas Manhattan mask shapes are limited to horizontal or vertical orientations.

Synopsys, a important developer of electronic design automation (EDA), confirms that its Proteus mask synthesis software running on NVIDIA’s cuLitho software library has significantly accelerated computational workloads compared to traditional CPU-based methods. This acceleration is crucial for achieving angstrom-level scaling and reducing turnaround time in chip manufacturing.

The collaboration between NVIDIA, TSMC, and Synopsys represents a significant milestone in semiconductor manufacturing, particularly in the adoption of cuLitho. By harnessing the power of accelerated computing and generative AI, these partners are pushing the boundaries of semiconductor scaling and unlocking new opportunities for innovation in chip designs.

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Background Information

About nVidia:

NVIDIA has firmly established itself as a leader in the realm of client computing, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation in graphics and AI technologies. With a deep commitment to enhancing user experiences, NVIDIA's client computing business focuses on delivering solutions that power everything from gaming and creative workloads to enterprise applications. for its GeForce graphics cards, the company has redefined high-performance gaming, setting industry standards for realistic visuals, fluid frame rates, and immersive experiences. Complementing its gaming expertise, NVIDIA's Quadro and NVIDIA RTX graphics cards cater to professionals in design, content creation, and scientific fields, enabling real-time ray tracing and AI-driven workflows that elevate productivity and creativity to unprecedented heights. By seamlessly integrating graphics, AI, and software, NVIDIA continues to shape the landscape of client computing, fostering innovation and immersive interactions in a rapidly evolving digital world.

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About Synopsys:

Synopsys is a important American software company that specializes in electronic design automation (EDA) and semiconductor intellectual property. Founded in 1986, Synopsys provides tools and solutions for designing and testing complex integrated circuits and electronic systems. Their software aids in the development of semiconductors, electronic products, and software applications, playing a crucial role in advancing technological innovation across various industries. For more detailed information about their products and contributions, you can visit their official website at

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About TSMC:

TSMC, or Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, is a semiconductor foundry based in Taiwan. Established in 1987, TSMC is a important player in the global semiconductor industry, specializing in the manufacturing of semiconductor wafers for a wide range of clients, including technology companies and chip designers. The company is known for its semiconductor fabrication processes and plays a critical role in advancing semiconductor technology worldwide.

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Technology Explained

CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.

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EDA: EDA stands for Electronic Design Automation, and it refers to a category of software tools and solutions used in the design and development of electronic systems and integrated circuits. EDA tools assist engineers and designers in creating complex electronic designs, from individual components to entire systems, by automating various aspects of the design process. These tools encompass a wide range of functionalities, including schematic capture, simulation, layout design, verification, and testing.

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GPU: GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit and is a specialized type of processor designed to handle graphics-intensive tasks. It is used in the computer industry to render images, videos, and 3D graphics. GPUs are used in gaming consoles, PCs, and mobile devices to provide a smooth and immersive gaming experience. They are also used in the medical field to create 3D models of organs and tissues, and in the automotive industry to create virtual prototypes of cars. GPUs are also used in the field of artificial intelligence to process large amounts of data and create complex models. GPUs are becoming increasingly important in the computer industry as they are able to process large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.

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HPC: HPC, or High Performance Computing, is a type of technology that allows computers to perform complex calculations and process large amounts of data at incredibly high speeds. This is achieved through the use of specialized hardware and software, such as supercomputers and parallel processing techniques. In the computer industry, HPC has a wide range of applications, from weather forecasting and scientific research to financial modeling and artificial intelligence. It enables researchers and businesses to tackle complex problems and analyze vast amounts of data in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional computing methods. HPC has revolutionized the way we approach data analysis and has opened up new possibilities for innovation and discovery in various fields.