Regardless of where you grew up you probably know the story of Alice in Wonderland. The story is over 100 years old, but holds up to the present day, thanks in part to some magic from Disney. It evokes visions of a place that elicits admiration and wonder, to create a place of magical charm. In the context of AI, it takes on a more relevant… Read More
SPIE- EUV & Photomask conference- Anticipating High NA- Mask Size Matters- China
– SPIE EUV & Photomask conference well attended with great talks
– Chip industry focused on next gen High NA EUV & what it impacts
– Do big chips=big masks? Another Actinic tool?
– AI & chip tools, a game changer- China pre-empting more sanctions
The SPIE EUV & Photomask conference in Monterey
… Read MoreMcKinsey & Company Shines a Light on Domain Specific Architectures
When we hear McKinsey & Company, we may think of one of the “Big Three” management consultancies. While that’s true, this firm has a reach and impact that goes far beyond management consulting. According to its website, the firm accelerates sustainable and inclusive growth. While this is an inspirational statement, the… Read More
Samtec Increases Signal Density Again with Analog Over Array™
Samtec is well-known for its innovative signal channel solutions. Whether the application requires copper or fiber, Samtec can deliver incredible performance and flexibility. The quality of the company’s models, eval kits and design support are well-known. There is another aspect of Samtec’s innovation. I touched on it in… Read More
Micron Chip & Memory Down Cycle – It Ain’t Over Til it’s Over Maybe Longer and Deeper
- The memory down cycle is longer/deeper than many thought
- The recovery will be slower than past cycles- a “U” rather than “V”
- AI & new apps don’t make up for macro weakness
- Negative for overall semis & equip- Could China extend downcycle?
Micron report suggests a longer deeper down cycle
… Read MoreSemiconductor Devices: 3 Tricks to Device Innovation
The semiconductor industry’s incredible juggernaut has been powered by device innovations at its very core. Moreover, present-day enterprises encounter immense competitive pressures and innovations are a key differentiator to maintain their competitive edge1.
“It wasn’t that Microsoft was so brilliant or clever… Read More
Nvidia Number One in 2023
Nvidia will likely become the largest semiconductor company for the year 2023. We at Semiconductor Intelligence (SC-IQ) estimate Nvidia’s total 2023 revenue will be about $52.9 billion, passing previous number one Intel at an estimated $51.6 billion. Nvidia’s 2023 revenue will be almost double its 2022 revenue on the strength… Read More
Water Sustainability in Semiconductor Manufacturing: Challenges and Solutions
Water, the planet’s lifeblood, remains a finite and precious resource. The Earth’s total water supply has remained relatively constant over millennia. However, it is the uneven distribution of freshwater and the challenges of providing access to clean water that are causing stress in various parts of the world.… Read More
Has U.S. already lost Chip war to China? Is Taiwan’s silicon shield a liability?
- Huawei’s 7NM chip? This wasn’t supposed to happen
- Are Chips a weapon for U.S. or China? Role reversal?
- Will Taiwan turn from protected asset to unwanted liability?
- Are sanctions so porous that US has already lost to China?
While EUV is critical to advanced chips there are workarounds
Many people either thought or assumed… Read More
SMIC N+2 in Huawei Mate Pro 60
Up until last December I was president and owner of IC Knowledge LLC, at the end of November, I sold IC Knowledge LLC to TechInsights. It has been interesting to become an insider at the world’s leading semiconductor reverse engineering and knowledge company. The latest SMIC N+2 analysis is an excellent example of TechInsight’s… Read More


Consolidation and Competition: Who is Winning the $4.5 Billion Interface IP Race?