Cohu, a global supplier of equipment and services that optimize semiconductor manufacturing yield and productivity, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Tignis, Inc. (“Tignis”), a leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven process control and analytics-based monitoring software. This acquisition positions Cohu to strengthen its analytics portfolio and expand its offerings into the semiconductor process control market, an area estimated to be worth $2.6 billion.
Tignis is well known for its innovative PAICe Monitor and PAICe Maker solutions, which harness advanced AI, machine learning (ML), and data science technologies to provide predictive and prescriptive automation for semiconductor manufacturing. These solutions deliver actionable insights by combining the understanding of physical phenomena with cutting-edge data analytics, enabling manufacturers to achieve improved yield, quality, and productivity.
The acquisition will also enhance Cohu’s software capabilities, particularly its DI-Core platform, with Tignis’ advanced analytics features. Additionally, the deal will bolster Cohu’s in-house data science expertise, positioning the company to meet the growing demand for smart manufacturing solutions as the semiconductor industry increasingly embraces Industry 4.0 technologies.
AI and Advanced Analytics: Unlocking Semiconductor Efficiency
The semiconductor industry is undergoing a transformative shift driven by Industry 4.0 principles. Integrated Device Manufacturers (IDMs), foundries, and equipment OEMs are all prioritizing AI and ML-based analytics to unlock efficiency gains, improve productivity, and minimize operational costs. With Tignis’ solutions, Cohu aims to meet these evolving needs.
Tignis’ flagship product, PAICe Monitor, is an AI-powered anomaly detection and predictive maintenance platform. It enables manufacturers to harness the power of machine learning for deep analysis and predictive modeling—capabilities that go beyond traditional process monitoring methods. By identifying issues before they escalate, PAICe Monitor minimizes unplanned downtime, reduces maintenance expenses, and improves equipment reliability.
In parallel, PAICe Maker provides advanced process control capabilities by automatically compensating for process drift over time. This AI-driven solution dynamically adjusts and optimizes manufacturing processes, helping customers maintain operational consistency while reducing variability. The result is a significant improvement in manufacturing efficiency and quality outcomes.
One of the key technologies underpinning Tignis’ solutions is its patent-pending Digital Twin Query Language (DTQL). This domain-specific scripting language simplifies complex analytics and data cleaning tasks without requiring advanced data science expertise. By bridging the gap between AI technology and user accessibility, DTQL enables manufacturers to adopt AI-driven process optimization faster and more effectively.
Tignis’ Growth and Alignment with Cohu’s Vision
Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with development teams in the U.S. and Canada, Tignis was founded in 2017 with a mission to deliver AI capabilities to process control systems. Since its inception, the company has focused on optimizing complex semiconductor and industrial manufacturing processes through the integration of machine learning and domain knowledge.
The acquisition of Tignis aligns with Cohu’s broader strategic goals of driving AI innovation in semiconductor manufacturing and enhancing its portfolio of data-driven solutions. Commenting on the acquisition, Cohu President and CEO Luis Müller expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the mutual value that both companies bring to the table.
We look forward to the very talented Tignis team joining the Cohu family. This acquisition represents a significant opportunity to accelerate our growth in semiconductor manufacturing, broaden our product portfolio, and deepen our customer presence, said Müller. Together, our combined expertise and complementary capabilities will drive artificial intelligence process predictability, empowering semiconductor manufacturers to achieve higher yield, improved quality, and greater productivity.
Tignis President, CEO, and Co-founder Jon Herlocker also underscored the importance of this collaboration, emphasizing the alignment of both companies’ visions.
This is a very exciting time for Tignis and our customers, said Herlocker. Cohu has a long and successful history in the semiconductor equipment market, and their vision for accelerating the adoption of AI/ML in semiconductor manufacturing and test is well-aligned with the goals Tignis has had since our founding. We are looking forward to creating epic solutions for our customers together as a team.
Transaction Details and Future Outlook
The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, as they are not considered material to Cohu’s financial performance. The acquisition will be funded with Cohu’s existing cash reserves and is expected to close in January 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.
This acquisition signals Cohu’s commitment to leveraging emerging AI/ML technologies to address the challenges and opportunities within semiconductor manufacturing. By integrating Tignis’ powerful AI solutions, Cohu is poised to deliver next-generation process control tools that improve semiconductor production efficiency and set new benchmarks for quality and yield optimization.
As the semiconductor industry continues to evolve, the combined strengths of Cohu and Tignis promise to unlock substantial value for manufacturers seeking to implement AI-driven automation, predictive analytics, and advanced process control solutions. This strategic partnership reinforces Cohu’s position as a leader in innovation, empowering its customers to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive market.
