ASIC and FPGA Design and Verification Trends 2020

ASIC and FPGA Design and Verification Trends 2020
by Daniel Nenni on 10-28-2020 at 6:00 am

2020 Wilson Report Verification ASIC FPGA

Harry Foster and I started in semiconductors at the same time so it was great to reminisce while talking about the latest Wilson Research Group Functional Verification Trend reports. Before I get into the reports lets talk about Harry who is a verification superstar:

Harry is Chief Scientist Verification for the Design Verification… Read More


Digital Design Technology Symposium!

Digital Design Technology Symposium!
by Daniel Nenni on 10-07-2020 at 6:00 am

Synopsys Digital Design Symposium 2020
Virtual events are coming fast and furious. Even though we are sheltering there is still the need to pick and choose carefully because time really is big money inside the semiconductor design ecosystem, absolutely. 

Synopsys virtual events are high on my list for three reasons:

  1. They are very well organized and professionally
Read More

WEBINAR: Design Adaptive eFPGA IP

WEBINAR: Design Adaptive eFPGA IP
by Daniel Nenni on 09-18-2020 at 10:00 am

Menta Adaptive Design eFPGA Webinar 1

Since the start of PROMS, PLDs and FPGAs we have learned the importance of programmability in modern semiconductor design. Today we have eFPGAs for “design adaptive” embedded programmability and that is what this webinar is all about.

Several key points are discussed starting with the Law of Accelerating Returns as it applies… Read More


Alchip moves from TSMC 7nm to 5nm!

Alchip moves from TSMC 7nm to 5nm!
by Daniel Nenni on 08-20-2020 at 10:00 am

Alchip 5nm TSMC

While Alchip is speeding its way down the TSMC process technology roadmap I am reminded how important services are to the semiconductor ecosystem. We can thank ASIC companies like Alchip for the heavy investment systems companies have made into semiconductors. We covered this in our book “Fabless: The Transformation of the SemiconductorRead More


Alchip Delivers Cutting Edge Design Support for Supercomputer Processor

Alchip Delivers Cutting Edge Design Support for Supercomputer Processor
by Mike Gianfagna on 07-23-2020 at 6:00 am

MN 3 Supercomputer

Alchip issued a press announcement recently entitled Alchip Provides Supercomputer Processor Design Support. The release is literally a tour de force of technology, with many advanced design and packaging accomplishments. First, let’s examine the basics of the design.

Preferred Networks, Inc (PFN) is the customer. They … Read More


Menta CEO Update 2020

Menta CEO Update 2020
by Daniel Nenni on 07-13-2020 at 6:00 am

vincent markus menta

What products are Menta offering today?
Menta is a semiconductor IP provider. We are the only proven European provider of programmable logic to be embedded inside customers’ SoCs and ASICs. This programmable logic is in the form of embedded FPGA IP. So, we offer our customers the possibility to have a small portion of their SoC as… Read More


CEO Interview: Johnny Shen of Alchip

CEO Interview: Johnny Shen of Alchip
by Daniel Nenni on 06-10-2020 at 10:00 am

Alchip IPO Johhny Shen Kinying Kwan 1

Alchip was founded in 2003 by a group of Silicon Valley veterans that followed a similar path of working for semiconductor companies then moving to the EDA/IP/ASIC ecosystem. In fact, I used to play basketball with the Alchip co-founder/chairman during that time and can tell you he is a fierce competitor. Good thing too because … Read More


CEO Interview: Robert Blake of Achronix

CEO Interview: Robert Blake of Achronix
by Daniel Nenni on 05-25-2020 at 10:00 am

Robert Blake Achronix CEO SemiWiki

Achronix came to SemiWiki in 2017 and we added a chapter on the history of Achronix in our update version of “Fabless: The Transformation of the Semiconductor Industry”. So yes we know quite a bit about Achronix and the FPGA business so it was a pleasure to do a CEO Q&A with Robert Blake. First lets take a look at his … Read More


Reducing Your ASIC Production Risk!

Reducing Your ASIC Production Risk!
by Daniel Nenni on 03-23-2020 at 10:00 am

Delta Managing the ASIC Supply Chain

Managing the ASIC manufacturing is one of the biggest challenges of chip projects.

Building an ASIC supply chain requires specific expertise. Throughout the process you’ll be confronted with hundreds of decisions that will require specific knowledge in order to be addressed correctly, avoid costly mistakes and lose time. … Read More


Where has the ASIC Business Gone?

Where has the ASIC Business Gone?
by Daniel Nenni on 11-25-2019 at 10:00 am

As the traditional ASIC business disappears before our eyes with the recent divestitures and acquisitions, I have been asking questions amongst the fabless semiconductor ecosystem and am getting few answers.

Who or what is going to step in to enable start-ups and new to silicon systems companies with application specific chips?Read More