Cohu, Inc., a global leader in equipment and services optimizing semiconductor manufacturing yield and productivity, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Tignis, Inc., a provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven process control and analytics-based monitoring software.
This strategic acquisition allows Cohu to expand its analytics offerings within the $2.6 billion semiconductor process control market, leveraging Tignis’ innovative PAICe Monitor and PAICe Maker solutions. These solutions combine AI, machine learning (ML), and data science to deliver predictive and prescriptive automation, enabling semiconductor manufacturers to improve yield, quality, and productivity.
Tignis’ PAICe Monitor is an AI-driven anomaly detection and predictive maintenance platform, offering deep analysis and prediction modeling that surpasses traditional methods. PAICe Maker, an AI-driven advanced process control solution, reduces maintenance costs and process variability by automatically adjusting for process drift. The solutions are powered by Tignis’ patent-pending Digital Twin Query Language (DTQL), which simplifies complex data cleaning and analytics tasks, making them accessible to users without requiring data science expertise.
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Seattle, WA, Tignis specializes in bringing AI capabilities to process control, optimizing semiconductor and industrial manufacturing processes. The acquisition will enhance Cohu’s expertise in data science, integrating advanced analytics into its DI-Core software to provide more robust solutions to customers.
Luis Müller, Cohu’s President and CEO, expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating, “We look forward to the 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.”
Jon Herlocker, Tignis’ President, CEO, and Co-founder, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Cohu’s vision for accelerating the adoption of AI/ML in semiconductor manufacturing aligns perfectly with the goals Tignis has had since our founding. We’re excited to create innovative solutions together for our customers.”
The transaction, expected to close in January 2025, will be funded with Cohu’s cash on hand. The terms of the deal are not material to Cohu’s financials and are not being disclosed.
