The Semiconductor Shortage False Narrative!

The Semiconductor Shortage False Narrative!
by Daniel Nenni on 10-01-2021 at 6:00 am

Port of Oakland

The semiconductor shortage has really caught the world’s attention. Friends and family who don’t really know what a semiconductor is now ask me to explain it. This is great news for the semiconductor industry for different reasons which I will discuss here. We can also discuss the downside risks.

First, let’s look at a bit of semiconductor… Read More


Podcast EP39: The History of TSMC with Dr. Walden Rhines

Podcast EP39: The History of TSMC with Dr. Walden Rhines
by Daniel Nenni on 09-24-2021 at 10:00 am

Dan is joined by Dr. Walden Rhines for a far-reaching discussion of the history of TSMC and the foundry business model. The past, present and potential future scenarios are all explored.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wally_Rhines

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in these podcasts belong solely to the speaker,… Read More


WEBINAR: SkillCAD now supports advanced nodes!

WEBINAR: SkillCAD now supports advanced nodes!
by Daniel Nenni on 09-20-2021 at 10:00 am

SkillCAD SemiWiki Webinar

Originally containing a handful of commands to help with common layout tasks, SkillCAD has evolved into the industry standard for analog, RF and mixed signal design for customers using Cadence Virtuoso.  With over 85 customers worldwide and over 120 functions including the powerful, patented V-editor, metal routing and pin… Read More


Podcast EP38: Semianalysis on Intel GF TSMC and the Foundry Business

Podcast EP38: Semianalysis on Intel GF TSMC and the Foundry Business
by Daniel Nenni on 09-17-2021 at 10:00 am

Dan is joined by Dylan Patel of Semianalysis.com covering Intel, GF, TSMC, the semiconductor shortage and more. This is a candid discussion between analysts on current semiconductor events.

https://semianalysis.com/

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in these podcasts belong solely to the speaker, and not to the… Read More


ASML is the key to Intel’s Resurrection Just like ASML helped TSMC beat Intel

ASML is the key to Intel’s Resurrection Just like ASML helped TSMC beat Intel
by Robert Maire on 09-09-2021 at 6:00 am

TSMC INTEL ASML Hurricane 1

-Intel’s access to high-NA EUV tools may be their elixir of life
-TSMC’s EUV adoption helped it vault faltering Intel & Samsung
-Maybe ASML should invest in Intel like Intel invested in ASML
-Shoe is on the other foot- But cooperation helps chip industry

Intel is dependent upon ASML for its entire future
If Intel… Read More


The Arm China Debacle and TSMC

The Arm China Debacle and TSMC
by Daniel Nenni on 09-03-2021 at 6:00 am

Barnum and Baily Circus

Having spent 40 years in the semiconductor industry, many years working with Arm and even publishing the definitive history book “Mobile Unleashed: The Origin and Evolution of ARM Processors in Our Devices” plus having spent more than 20 years working with China based companies, I found the recent Arm China media circus quite … Read More


TSMC Wafer Wars! Intel versus Apple!

TSMC Wafer Wars! Intel versus Apple!
by Daniel Nenni on 08-18-2021 at 10:00 am

Intel TSMC SemiWiki

The big fake news last week came from a report out of China stating that TSMC won a big Intel order for 3nm wafers. We have been talking about this for some time on SemiWiki so this is nothing new. Unfortunately, the article mentioned wafer and delivery date estimates that are unconfirmed and from what I know, completely out of line. … Read More


Intel Accelerated

Intel Accelerated
by Scotten Jones on 07-27-2021 at 6:00 am

Intel Process Name Decoder

Intel presented yesterday on their plans for process technology and packaging over the next several years. This was the most detailed roadmap Intel has ever laid out. In this write up I will analyze Intel’s process announcement and how they match up with their competitors.

10nm Super Fin (SF)

10nm is now in volume production in three… Read More


GloFo inside Intel? Foundry Foothold and Fixerupper- Good Synergies

GloFo inside Intel? Foundry Foothold and Fixerupper- Good Synergies
by Robert Maire on 07-18-2021 at 6:00 am

Intel GlobalFoundries Acquisition

Intel reportedly talking to Abu Dhabi to buy GloFo for $30B
Would jumpstart Intel Foundry but require investment & repair
Avoids IPO risk – Allows Abu Dhabi escape- NY benefits
Doesn’t impact near term shortage or market share

Reported by WSJ- Intel in talks to buy GloFo
The Wall Street Journal reported that Intel… Read More


TSMC Design Considerations for Gate-All-Around (GAA) Technology

TSMC Design Considerations for Gate-All-Around (GAA) Technology
by Tom Dillinger on 07-12-2021 at 6:00 am

mobility differences 3

The annual VLSI Symposium provides unique insights into R&D innovations in both circuits and technology.  Indeed, the papers presented are divided into two main tracks – Circuits and Technology.  In addition, the symposium offers workshops, forums, and short courses, providing a breadth of additional information.

At… Read More