I am delighted to share my technical insights into RISC-V in this article to inspire and prepare the next generation of chip designers for the future of the open era of computing. If you understand how we build complex electronic devices like desktops and smartphones using processors, you would be more interested in learning and… Read More
High-End Interconnect IP Forecast 2022 to 2026
The Interface IP market has grown with 21% CAGR from 2017 to 2021 and we review the part of this market restricted to the high-end of PCIe, DDR, Ethernet and D2D IP made of PHY and controller targeting the most advanced technology nodes and latest protocol release. We will show that an IP vendor focusing investment on the high-end interconnect… Read More
AMAT and Semitool Deja Vu all over again
-Lam/Semisysco is a repeat of AMAT/Semitool
-Adds wet processing that larger companies lack
-Semisysco tools amazingly similar to those made by Semitool
-Lightning strikes twice for Ray Thompson
Deja Vu all over again
In a clear example of history repeating itself, Lam Research bought Semisysco, a company founded by Ray Thompson,… Read More
Micron- “The first cut isn’t the deepest”- Chops production & forecast further
-Micron announces more production cuts & lower forecast
-DRAM will be negative- NAND sounds barely flat (for now)
-Capital spending to be cut to near zero- essential only
-Will the rest of the industry follow suit?
“The first cut isn’t the deepest”
(Apologies to Rod Stewart)
When Micron first announced… Read More
AMAT – Backlog buffers downcycle- still fighting shortages – WFE down in 2023
-AMAT put up good numbers despite slowing cycle
-Growing backlog will help them manage declining orders
-Parts shortages still haunt but improving for 2-4 more quarters
-2023 will be down- too early to tell how much- 2024 who knows
Good numbers but already adjusted for China
Applied put up revenue of $6.7B and EPS of $2.03 versus … Read More
Semiconductors Down in 2nd Half 2022
The semiconductor market declined 6.3% in 3Q 2022 from 2Q 2022, according to WSTS. Based on the outlook for 4Q 2022, the second half of 2022 will be down over 10% from the first half of 2022. The 2H 2022 decline will be the largest half-year decline since a 21% drop in the first half of 2009 versus the second half of 2008 during the great … Read More
2023: Welcome to the Danger Zone
I just got this notice from my good friend and fellow sailor Rich Curtin. The Silicon Catalyst events are the best open networking events in Silicon Valley, absolutely. And this one includes another good friend Wally Rhines, the most interesting man in semiconductors, so you don’t want to miss this. The live event will definitely… Read More
Integrating High Speed IP at 5nm
Introduction:
The advancements in deep submicron technology and adding multiple functionalities to reduce costs combined with scaling existing operations means that SoC designs become ever more complex. The biggest driving factors to go below the 16nm process node are the decrease in power and the increase in performance … Read More
Step into the Future with New Area-Selective Processing Solutions for FSAV
Area selective processing (ASP) is assuming ever greater importance in semiconductor fabrication. ASP involves deposition and removal of materials at the molecular level¾10 nm or less. Key applications of ASP include self-aligned contacts and fully self-aligned vias (FSAVs), scaling boosters that are essential to continue… Read More
KLAC- Strong QTR and Guide but Backlog mutes China and Economic Impact
-KLA great quarter & guide as backlog mutes China/Economy
-Patterning starts to catch up to wafer inspection outperform
-China impact is limited to leading edge & specific customers
-Cuts in memory capex less impactful on KLA
KLAC reports strong quarter and good guide
Revenues were $2.7B with EPS of $7.06 versus street… Read More


CES 2026 and all things Cycling