China’s AI Develops Intel-Quality Chips Without Any U.S. Software

As the US-China tech conflict escalates, both nations strive for independence in critical technologies. The US has tightened access to advanced chip tools, prompting China to intensify efforts to reduce its dependence on Western software. A notable initiative from China’s Academy of Sciences is the launch of QiMeng, an AI-powered platform for automating chip design, which traditionally has been dominated by American companies. QiMeng utilizes large language models to simplify complex design tasks and was developed collaboratively with multiple scientific institutions. Open-sourced on GitHub, it allows rapid chip production, with designs taking just days compared to weeks for human engineers. The platform consists of three functional layers, supporting various design applications. In the context of US export restrictions on electronic design automation software, QiMeng aims to enhance efficiency, cut costs, and advance China’s self-reliance in chip technologies, despite acknowledging challenges in fabrication and resources.

Source link