When I first started working with the foundries 25 years ago I would have never imagined that I would make a career out of it, which I most certainly have. Fortunately, I recognized early on that not only are the foundries the cornerstone of the semiconductor ecosystem, they are also a very important economic bellwether,… Read More
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Is the ASIC Business Dead?
Image Removed We covered the ASIC business in Chapter 2 of our book “ Fabless: The Transformation of the Semiconductor Industry ” using VLSI Technology and eSilicon as shining examples. Neither of which now exist. The ASIC business model was a critical steppingstone in the transformation of the semiconductor industry.
Source: Is the ASIC Business Dead?
AMD & Intel & TSMC – “Menage a trois” – The trouble with trouples
I A 3 way Chip Relationship Competing for Wafers, Moore’s Law & Love Who’s Competing with Whom? All’s Fair The 3 way relationship is more complex than it seems.
Source: AMD & Intel & TSMC – “Menage a trois” – The trouble with trouples
TSMC Announces Major Expansion to Feed 7nm, 5nm Demand
It’s good times to be in the foundry business — at least if you are TSMC. The firm has announced plans for much higher capital expenditures than it originally forecast for this year. Originally, TSMC expected to spend ~$11B on CapEx improvements for 2019.
Source: TSMC Announces Major Expansion to Feed 7nm, 5nm Demand
Intel hits 10nm goals and signals a shift away from traditional CPUs
Enlarge / Intel will begin producing 10nm products in its Chandler, Arizona, facility as well as the two current 10nm facilities in Oregon and Israel. Intel’s years-long struggle with the 10nm manufacturing process may finally be over.
Source: Intel hits 10nm goals and signals a shift away from traditional CPUs
With TSMC and Samsung Fighting for Global Processor Dominance, TSMC Brakes Ground for 3nm Plant & Reveals Future Plans
As 2018 began, TSMC broke ground for their 5nm processor plant that will be making chips for Apple’s iPhone 12 in 2020. The story now shifts to 3nm and beyond.
Overclocking Results Show We’re Hitting the Fundamental Limits of Silicon – ExtremeTech
CPU IPC can keep improving, but both Intel and AMD are having trouble raising clocks. It’s not clear there’s a solution to the problem.
Source: Overclocking Results Show We’re Hitting the Fundamental Limits of Silicon – ExtremeTech