We have been watching the ZTE saga play out on the public stage as we think it is an extremely important leading example of how the administration will truly act. As we all know, actions speak louder than words, and in the case of ZTE our words said one thing and our actions said something else. We need to analyze what the actions really… Read More
Smarter IC Layout Parasitic AnalysisIC layout parasitics dominate the performance of custom…Read More
Ceva IP: Powering the Era of Physical AIArtificial intelligence is rapidly moving beyond the digital…Read More
Accelerating Static ESD Simulation for Full-Chip and Multi-Die Designs with Synopsys PathFinder-SCAs analog and mixed-signal designs become increasingly complex,…Read MoreLegato Reliability Solution
This week Cadence introduced Legato™ Reliability Solution, intended to address increased challenges in designing high-reliability analog and mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, aerospace and defense applications.… Read More
Retooling Implementation for Hot Applications
It might seem I am straying from my normal beat in talking about implementation; after all, I normally write on systems, applications and front-end design. But while I’m not an expert in implementation, I was curious to understand how the trending applications of today (automotive, AI, 5G, IoT, etc.) create new demands on implementation,… Read More
5 Ways to Gain an Advantage over Cyber Attackers
Asymmetric attacks, like those in cybersecurity, benefit the aggressor by maintaining the ‘combat initiative’. That is, they determine who is targeted, how, when, and where attacks occur. Defenders are largely relegated to preparing and responding to the attacker’s tempo and actions. This is a huge advantage.… Read More
The Rise and Fall of ARM Holdings
Publishing a book on the history of ARM was an incredible experience. In business it is always important to remember how you got to where you are today to better prepare for where you are going tomorrow. The book “Mobile Unleashed” started at the beginning of ARM (Acorn Computer) where a company went from a crazy idea a couple of engineers… Read More
TSMC Technologies for IoT and Automotive
At TSMC 2018 Silcon Valley Technology Symposium, Dr Kevin Zhang, TSMC VP of Business Development covered technology updates for IoT platform. The three growth drivers in this segment namely TSMC low power, RF enhancement and embedded memory technology (MRAM/RRAM) reinforced both progress and growth in global semiconductor… Read More
Webinar: Thermal and Reliability for ADAS and Autonomy
OK, so maybe the picture here is a little over the top, but thermal and reliability considerations in automotive in general and in ADAS and autonomy in particular, are no joke. Overheating, thermal-induced EM and warping at the board-level, in the package or interposers, are concerns in any environment but especially when you’re… Read More
Machine Learning Drives Transformation of Semiconductor Design
Machine learning is transforming how information processing works and what it can accomplish. The push to design hardware and networks to support machine learning applications is affecting every aspect of the semiconductor industry. In a video recently published by Synopsys, Navraj Nandra, Sr. Director of Marketing, takes… Read More
Is there anything in VLSI layout other than “pushing polygons”? (9)
I moved from real layout work to management so I had little or no “hands-on” layout in my responsibility but I was very close to my team challenges in all 5 locations. During my 13 years in PMC Sierra I was involved in many initiatives some technical and some in developing relations with vendors. The biggest difference was that MOSAID… Read More
Don’t Balkanize Automotive Safety
The Wall Street Journal reported, last week, that auto makers are lining up on opposite sides of the talking cars debate. Some car makers – General Motors, Toyota and Volkswagen – are pushing Wi-Fi-based dedicated short range communication technology (DSRC) while others – Ford, Audi and BMW – are emphasizing 5G for the same application.… Read More



A Century of Miracles: From the FET’s Inception to the Horizons Ahead