PCIe (peripheral component interconnect express) is an interface standard for connecting high-speed components contained in PCs, MACs and other types of processors. Think graphics, storage arrays, Wi-Fi and the like. This communication standard has become incredibly popular. The first version of the standard was released… Read More
Real-Time AI-driven Image Signal Processing with Reduced Memory Footprint and Processing Latency
In our day to day lives, we all benefit from image signal processing (ISP), whether everyone realizes it or not. ISP is the technique of processing image data captured by an imaging device. It involves a series of algorithms that transform raw image data into a usable image by correcting for distortions, removing noise, adjusting… Read More
Investing in a sustainable semiconductor future: Materials Matter
In 2020 TSMC established its Net Zero Project with a goal of net zero emissions by 2050. I remember wondering how could this possibly be done before 2050 or at all for that matter. After working with TSMC for 20+ years I have learned never to bet against them on any topic and green manufacturing is one of them, absolutely.
TSMC presented… Read More
Micron Mandarin Memory Machinations- CHIPS Act semiconductor equipment hypocrisy
-We think China issue is overblown- Zero sum game theory
-US should respond Tit-for-Tat and then some- Chop Chinese Chips
-Chip equip makers duplicitous behavior- smacks of hypocrisy
-Exporting chip equip biz/jobs to Asia while asking for CHIPS Act$
Memory Market remains a zero sum game market much like petroleum
China’s… Read More
Why Generative AI for Chip Design is a Game Changer
AI-generated chip design is progressing at an incredible pace!
Earlier this week, I wrote about the Efabless AI Generated Open–Source Silicon Design Challenge. If you haven’t done so already, take a closer look at the challenge and see first-hand what this is all about. In talking to Mike Wishart and Mohamed Kassem, co-founders… Read More
AMAT- Trailing Edge & China Almost Offset Floundering Foundry & Missing Memory
-AMAT reported inline resulted helped by trailing edge & China
-Memory remains at very low levels- Foundry remains uninspiring
-China seems to be buying anything they are allowed to buy
-The recovery is too far out & unknown to handicap
Quarter was OK and Guidance also OK
Revenue was $6.63B and EPS of $1.86 versus reduced… Read More
Steep Decline in 1Q 2023
The global semiconductor market dropped 8.7% in 1st quarter 2023 versus 4th quarter 2022, according to WSTS. This was the steepest quarter-to-quarter decline since a 14.7% drop in 1Q 2019. 1Q 2023 was down 21.3% from a year earlier, the largest year-to-year decline in thirteen years since a 30.4% drop in 1Q 2009. Revenues of the … Read More
SPIE 2023 – imec Preparing for High-NA EUV
The SPIE Advanced Lithography Conference was held in February. I recently had the opportunity to interview Steven Scheer, vice president of advanced patterning process and materials at imec and review selected papers that imec presented.
I asked Steve what the overarching message was at SPIE this year, he said readiness for … Read More
Join the AI Generated Open-Source Silicon Design Challenge!
As we all know design starts are the life blood of the semiconductor industry, both big and small. Enabling those design starts is what the semiconductor ecosystem is all about and Efabless has a very unique value proposition in this regard.
Efabless is a free cloud-based chip design platform, growing community of 9000+ chip designers,… Read More
Chip War without Soldiers
Every country realizes the importance of producing skilled chip designers who could decide their success as soldiers by creating advanced AI chips for winning the Chip War. Also, every country is now gearing up to build a good semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem to balance the global semiconductor supply chain that could … Read More
Selling the Forges of the Future: U.S. Report Exposes China’s Reliance on Western Chip Tools