Is an ASIC Right for Your Next IoT Product?

Is an ASIC Right for Your Next IoT Product?
by Daniel Nenni on 08-07-2017 at 7:00 am

According to a recent study by ARM, more than one trillion IoT devices will be built between 2017 and 2035. Based on research for an upcoming book on IoT devices and looking at SemiWiki IoT analytics I find that number to be reasonable, in fact, easily attainable. Even more interesting, the market for IoT devices and related services… Read More


Augmented Reality Broke My iPhone!

Augmented Reality Broke My iPhone!
by Daniel Nenni on 08-04-2017 at 12:00 pm

As a semiconductor professional I am always looking for the “next big thing” that will spur growth in our industry. Mobile, IoT, Automotive, and AI are the current leaders we closely track on SemiWiki.com. Last year I delved into augmented reality via the Pokemon Go game and after a solid year of research (yes I finished the game) … Read More


AI ASICs Exposed!

AI ASICs Exposed!
by Daniel Nenni on 08-01-2017 at 12:00 pm

Artificial intelligence, or AI is really heating up these days. The technology has been around for decades, but of late it is becoming quite a focus for applications such as data center analytics, autonomous vehicles and augmented reality. Why the rebirth? The trend appears to be driven by two forces – availability of data to train… Read More


CEO Interview: Chris Henderson of Semitracks

CEO Interview: Chris Henderson of Semitracks
by Daniel Nenni on 07-26-2017 at 7:00 am

In looking at the SemiWiki analytics over the last six years it is clear that the average age of our readers is trending down. (Yes, Google knows how old we are). The 25-35 age group now represents our largest readership and that is supported by the conferences I have attended recently. At the Design Automation Conference last month… Read More


The Transformation of Silvaco!

The Transformation of Silvaco!
by Daniel Nenni on 07-24-2017 at 7:00 am

Founded in 1984, Silvaco is now the largest privately held EDA company with a rich history including a recent transformation that is worth a blog if not a book. Coincidently, I started my career in Silicon Valley in 1984 and have had many dealings with Silvaco over the years including a personal relationship with Silvaco founder … Read More


Custom SoCs for IoT Revolution!

Custom SoCs for IoT Revolution!
by Daniel Nenni on 07-21-2017 at 7:00 am

There are two interesting transformations that are currently taking place inside the semiconductor industry: First, systems companies (not chip companies) are now driving the semiconductor industry. Second, IoT focused chips are accelerating design starts. The result is what I would call the Custom SoCs for IoT Revolution!… Read More


Bosch to Build $1.1 Billion Fab for Automotive and IoT!

Bosch to Build $1.1 Billion Fab for Automotive and IoT!
by Daniel Nenni on 07-02-2017 at 7:00 am

There has been quite a bit of coverage on this already but Bosch building a fab in Dresden is a big deal so let me share my experience, observation, and opinion as us bloggers do. The $1.1B question of course is: Why didn’t Bosch invest in GlobalFoundries FD-SOI fabs in Dresden instead? Automotive and IoT is perfect for FD-SOI,… Read More


New Concepts in Semiconductor IP Lifecycle Management

New Concepts in Semiconductor IP Lifecycle Management
by Daniel Nenni on 06-27-2017 at 7:00 am

Right before #54DAC I participated in a webinar with Methodics on “New Concepts in Semiconductor IP Lifecycle Management” with Simon Butler, CEO of Methodics, Michael Munsey, Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Accounts, and Vishal Moondhra, Vice President of Applications. Thewebinar introducedRead More


The Real Reason Siemens Bought Mentor!

The Real Reason Siemens Bought Mentor!
by Daniel Nenni on 06-26-2017 at 7:00 am

The Siemens purchase of Mentor last year for a premium $4.5B was a bit of a shock to me as I have stated before. I had an inkling a Mentor acquisition was coming but Siemens was not on my list of suitors. The reviews have been mixed and the Siemens commitment to the IC EDA market has been questioned so I spent some time on this at #54DAC.

First… Read More