AI processing requirements reveal weaknesses in current methods

AI processing requirements reveal weaknesses in current methods
by Tom Simon on 05-07-2018 at 12:00 pm

The traditional ways of boosting computing throughput are either to increase operating frequency or to use multiprocessing. The industry has done a good job of applying these techniques to maintain a steady increase in performance. However, there is a discontinuity in the needs for processing power. Artificial Intelligence… Read More


7nm SERDES Design and Qualification Challenges!

7nm SERDES Design and Qualification Challenges!
by Daniel Nenni on 11-22-2017 at 7:00 am

Semiconductor IP is the fastest growing market inside the fabless ecosystem, it always has been and always will be, especially now that non-traditional chip companies are quickly entering the mix. Towards the end of the year I always talk to the ecosystem to see what next year has in store for us and 2018 looks to be another year of … Read More


CEO Interview: Alan Rogers of Analog Bits

CEO Interview: Alan Rogers of Analog Bits
by Daniel Nenni on 03-06-2017 at 7:00 am

It has been incredible to watch the Semiconductor IP market grow from millions to billions of dollars during my career in Silicon Valley. In fact, more than half of my professional experience involves IP so when I talk about what it takes to be successful it is certainly worth a listen.

In my opinion the key ingredient to a successful… Read More


IP development strategy and hockey

IP development strategy and hockey
by Tom Dillinger on 01-19-2017 at 7:00 am

eye diagrams min

One of the greatest hockey players of all time, Wayne Gretzky, provided a quote that has also been applied to the business world — “I skate to where the puck will be, not to where it has been.” It strikes me that this philosophy directly applies to IP development, as well. Engineering firms providing IP must anticipate… Read More


Analog Bits and TSMC!

Analog Bits and TSMC!
by Daniel Nenni on 01-10-2017 at 12:00 pm

TSMC Wafer

As a long time semiconductor IP professional I can tell you for a fact that it is one of the most challenging segments of semiconductor design. Given the growing criticality of semiconductor IP, the challenges of being a leading edge IP provider are increasing and may be at a breaking point. The question now is: What does it take to … Read More


DesignCon 2014 AMS Panel Report

DesignCon 2014 AMS Panel Report
by Daniel Nenni on 02-05-2014 at 10:15 am

DesignCon 2014 was very crowded! I have not seen the attendance numbers but as the first conference of the New Year it was very encouraging. The strength of the fabless semiconductor ecosystem is collaboration and face-to-face interactions are the most valuable, absolutely.

The session I moderated was on Mixed Signal Design … Read More


Silicon Correlation, Not EDA Marketing Sparkles!

Silicon Correlation, Not EDA Marketing Sparkles!
by Daniel Nenni on 10-07-2012 at 9:00 pm

It’s all about the silicon. It’s all about silicon correlation. TSMC Open Integration Platform should be renamed TSMC Silicon Correlation Platform or TSMC SCP. One of the problems I have with EDA technical papers today is that they are not silicon based. Anybody can put up slides with marketing sparkles on them but if you want qualified… Read More


Global Semiconductor Alliance Ecosystem Summit Trip Report!

Global Semiconductor Alliance Ecosystem Summit Trip Report!
by Daniel Nenni on 10-10-2011 at 7:06 pm

Being an internationally recognized industry blogger (IRIB) does have its benefits, one of which is free invites to all of the cool industry conferences! The presentations are canned for the most part but you can learn a lot at the breaks and exhibits if you know the right questions to ask, which I certainly do.

The GSA Semiconductor
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