Electronics production continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the recovery is mixed by country. The chart below shows three-month-average (3/12) change versus a year ago in electronics production by local currency for key Asian countries. China was averaging about 10% growth prior to the pandemic. After… Read More
Tag: semiconductors
Podcast EP27: Veriest and its role in the semiconductor ecosystem
It’s not a Semiconductor Shortage It’s Demand Delirium & Poor Planning
-The semiconductor industry is not to blame its the customers
-How do you fix something that’s not really broken?
-Long taken for granted, semi’s are sexy again
-Pawns in a Political Power Play?
Its not the chip makers that screwed up. It’s the customers that stressed the system beyond breaking
The semiconductor… Read More
Why Tech Tales are Wafer Thin in Hollywood
Mad scientists have been a staple of Hollywood science fiction since Dr Victor Frankenstein created his eponymous monster in 1931. Pre-pandemic, the Marvel Cinematic Universe was the main source of on-screen geeks-turned-superheroes, from Iron Man’s Tony Stark to Ant Man’s Hank Pym.
When it comes to real-life scientists on… Read More
Digital Filters for Audio Equalizer Design
Equalizers were initially designed and developed for movie theaters and amphitheaters or outdoor areas but now they have become ubiquitous. Equalization is essential for creating professional sound and creating real life like sound effects. Equalizers are used for controlling the energy/loudness of a particular frequency… Read More
Podcast EP10: The M&A Landscape for Semis and EDA
Dan and Mike are once again joined by Dr. Walden Rhines for an overview of the M&A scene for semiconductors and EDA. Wally discusses the periodic expansion and contraction of these markets along with the factors that cause these trends. Wally concludes with a view of the future.
Wally Rhines is widely recognized as an expert … Read More
Semiconductor Shortage – No Quick Fix – Years of neglect & financial hills to climb
– Semi Situation Stems from long term systemic neglect
– Will require much more than money & time than thought
– Fundamental change is needed to offset the financial bias
– Auto industry is just the hint of a much larger problem
Like recognizing global warming when the water is up to your neck
The problem… Read More
The Chip Market / China Conundrum
In its February 20, 2021 edition, the Economist published an article entitled “How to kill a democracy; China faces fateful choices, especially involving Taiwan”. It went on to quote “To many Chinese, the island’s conquest is a sacred national mission” as well as a by-line “America is losing its ability to deter a Chinese attack… Read More
Podcast EP9: Why Fabs and Fabless Matter
Dan and Mike are joined by Ray Zinn, the longest serving CEO in Silicon Valley. Join us for a tour of the very beginnings of the semiconductor industry and the rise of the fabless movement. Beyond a historical perspective, Ray also discusses the importance of semiconductor technology and its impact on the world, governments and … Read More
“For Want of a Chip, the Auto Industry was Lost”
Semiconductor production can’t be turned on and off like a switch
Semiconductor fabs have to run 24/7 to make money. They have to be running full all the time to fully utilize the high running costs and in the case of new fabs, high capital costs.
Unlike a brake pad factory hat can hire and fire people at will and source readily … Read More