TSMC OIP and the Insatiable Computing Trend!

TSMC OIP and the Insatiable Computing Trend!
by Daniel Nenni on 09-14-2017 at 12:00 am

This year’s OIP was much more lighthearted than I remember which is understandable. TSMC is executing flawlessly, delivering new process technology every year. Last year’s opening speaker, David Keller, used the phrase “Celebrate the way we collaborate” which served as the theme for the conference. This year David’s… Read More


Solido Debuts New ML Tool at TSMC OIP!

Solido Debuts New ML Tool at TSMC OIP!
by Daniel Nenni on 09-08-2017 at 7:00 am

The TSMC OIP Ecosystem Forum is upon us and what better place to debut a new tool to prevent silicon failures. Solido Design Automation just launched its latest tool – PVTMC Verifier – and will be demonstrating it in their booth at OIP. This is the third product that was developed within its Machine Learning Labs and is… Read More


Extraction Features for 7nm

Extraction Features for 7nm
by Tom Dillinger on 08-21-2017 at 12:00 pm

Frequent Semiwiki readers are familiar with the importance of close collaboration between the foundries and EDA tool developers, to provide the crucial features required by new process nodes. Perhaps the best illustration of the significance of this collaboration is the technical evolution of layout parasitic extraction.… Read More


Is an ASIC Right for Your Next IoT Product?

Is an ASIC Right for Your Next IoT Product?
by Daniel Nenni on 08-07-2017 at 7:00 am

According to a recent study by ARM, more than one trillion IoT devices will be built between 2017 and 2035. Based on research for an upcoming book on IoT devices and looking at SemiWiki IoT analytics I find that number to be reasonable, in fact, easily attainable. Even more interesting, the market for IoT devices and related services… Read More


The Transformation of Silvaco!

The Transformation of Silvaco!
by Daniel Nenni on 07-24-2017 at 7:00 am

Founded in 1984, Silvaco is now the largest privately held EDA company with a rich history including a recent transformation that is worth a blog if not a book. Coincidently, I started my career in Silicon Valley in 1984 and have had many dealings with Silvaco over the years including a personal relationship with Silvaco founder … Read More


Exclusive – GLOBALFOUNDRIES discloses 7nm process detail

Exclusive – GLOBALFOUNDRIES discloses 7nm process detail
by Scotten Jones on 07-08-2017 at 7:00 am

In a SemiWiki EXCLUSIVE – GLOBALFOUNDRIES has now disclosed the key metrics for their 7nm process. As I previously discussed in my 14nm, 16nm, 10nm and 7nm – What we know now blog GLOBALFOUNDRIES licensed their 14nm process from Samsung and decided to skip 10nm because they thought it would be a short-lived node. At … Read More


First Thoughts from #54DAC!

First Thoughts from #54DAC!
by Daniel Nenni on 06-24-2017 at 7:00 am

This was my 34[SUP]th[/SUP] DAC, yes 34. It is a shame blogging did not exist back then because I would have liked to have read thoughts from my eager young mind, or maybe not. The first thing that struck me this year is the great content. Before DAC I review the sessions I want to see and this year there were many more than I had time for. … Read More


Cadence Design Systems @ #54DAC!

Cadence Design Systems @ #54DAC!
by Daniel Nenni on 06-11-2017 at 8:00 am

This year Cadence Design Systems is showcasing system design enablement in their booth, capitalizing on the industry shift from naked chip design to system level chip design. Apple started it with making the chips inside the iProducts as part of the system and now other systems companies are looking to take more control over their… Read More


Noise, The Need for Speed, and Machine Learning

Noise, The Need for Speed, and Machine Learning
by Riko Radojcic on 05-08-2017 at 7:00 am

Technology trends make the concerns with electronic noise a primary constraint that impacts many mainstream products, driving the need for “Design-for-Noise” practices. That is, scaling, and the associated reduction in the device operating voltage and current, in effect magnifies the relative importance of non-scalableRead More