James Swonger

2024 Wafer Fab Equipment revenue will remain stable before a 2025 surge Wafer Fab Equipment (WFE) revenue is estimated to increase in 2024 by +1.3% year-on-year (YoY) to $108.1B. This is due to a WFE expenditure increase across advanced logic as well as #NAND and #DRAM memory, while legacy node investment is robust. Stronger 2024 growth in service and support revenue is expected, at + 6%YoY to $23.5B, due to increasing fab utilization rates worldwide. In the long term, WFE revenue is expected to have a +4.3% CAGR24-29, reaching $133.7B in 2029, while service and support revenue will be $27.6B in 2029, at a +3.3%CAGR24-29. The moderate growth rate is due to the large WFE revenue increase in 2021-2022, which is related to the large demand for semiconductor devices. As device revenue declined in 2023, the ratio of WFE revenue as a % of semiconductor device revenue reached as high as 19%. In particular, investments in Greater #China (domestic and foreign) ensured the overall WFE did not decline in 2023, and similar investment levels should continue in 2024. However, such high #investments by #chipmakers will not be sustainable in the long term and are expected to decline slowly due to continuous WFE buyouts, with capacity exceeding production needs, governmental incentives, and general increases in chip production costs. Thanks again to Yole Group for the full article with more background and insights via the link below 💡🙏👇 https://lnkd.in/ejy-Ve2k #semiconductorindustry #semiconductors #semiconductor #technology #tech #it #innovation #chip #chips #foundry #geopolitics #ic #ai #iot #ml #informationtechnology #datacenter #computer #hpc #data #cloud

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This Texas Instruments-contributed article discusses how integrating #DCcoupling and #RF sampling #ADCs boosts linearity and bandwidth in #RFsystems, which impacts overall performance.

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NEED PRECISION OPTICAL METROLOGY? AOM IN TUCSON, AZ, HAS ANSWERS. I’ve just been talking to Tyler Steele, part of the dedicated team working with AOM - Arizona Optical Metrology LLC. Established in 2009, they are well-known globally as a leading computer-generated hologram (CGH) supplier for the world’s most challenging optical engineering projects. Often, metrology is the limiting factor in fabricating complex optical surfaces, as methods for qualification and feedback are not precise, flexible, or capable enough. A CGH overcomes many of these surface testing challenges to make optical surface qualification feasible for most complex surfaces while maintaining precision, resolution, and speed. EXPANDING HORIZONS Now, AOM are reaching out to bring CGH technology to a broader set of optics and photonics applications. Complex optics are being used more widely than ever–and at precision and production volumes that seemed impossible just a few years ago. The challenges these applications face are on par with the biggest space telescope projects of the past, but with a fraction of the budget and extremely tight timelines to complete. Think of the volume market for AR glasses. AOM - Arizona Optical Metrology LLC is delivering new and novel solutions to optics projects and programs to address this new world of optics production. They enable a new level of precision and ease of use for complex optics metrology from surface figure error of aspheres, freeforms, and off-axis sections to optical system alignment. A CGH converts an interferometer regular wavefront (collimated or spherical) into a custom-designed wavefront that matches the unique shape of the surface to be tested. The result is an interferometric null test when the test optic is well aligned to the CGH. In my conversation below, Tyler answers the Optica question: What can you do for other Optica corporate members, and what can they do for you? Quite a lot, it seems. Together, the future of optics is very bright indeed! Contact them directly or drop me a line for an introduction.

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Altman held talks with TSMC about a potential partnership to build 36 factories. TSMC officials expressed concerns about the proposed number of fabs. The discussions were described as cordial, but the feasibility of operating the suggested number of fabs was questioned #AI #semiconductor #semiconductors #ChatGPT #TSMC #research #artificialintelligence #manufacturing #fab #development #construction #technology https://lnkd.in/dHVAbeHw

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As I've been doing analog design since the late 1970s and wrote a few analog simulators that include schematic capture(namely LTspice and QSPICE as well as one which will remain anonymous), I was asked to write up guidelines on how to draft. Since I had developed an unusual method of drafting empirically found to make a SPICE program to do what you want, I did. It was published but got messed up in edit. The editor didn't reach out to me to resolve issues before publication nor will he correct the corrupted version of the article. If you prepare schematics for simulation, the article is probably valuable:   https://lnkd.in/gvvx6u8Y --Mike

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A report in the #NYTimes today indicates stimulus from #CHIPS Act already appears to be taking effect.  Done right, we could see more than 30% of the most advanced logic devices manufactured domestically by 2032, up from basically zero today. The result is a change in the total percent of semiconductor devices changing from a downward trend towards less than 10% of global #semiconductormanufacturing to more than 14%. While this may not seem like a major change, consider that all global regions are simultaneously investing heavily in production and we begin to understand how significant this reversal actually is. The National Semiconductor Economic Roadmap (#NSER, https://lnkd.in/gtSGMNjt) modeled and predicted these trends almost 18 months ago (Exhibit 3, below) based upon US leadership in manufacturing capacity investments, and how supply chain, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and workforce development would be the cornerstones of this resurrection. We’ve seen multiple incentives planned, the directives made for a National Semiconductor Technology Center (#NSTC, #NATCAST) and National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (#NAPMP), supplier funding incentives being communicated, and most recently the announcement by #NIST of the CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute (https://lnkd.in/g_wb5dXG) dedicated to advancing innovation and productivity through digital twinning across the ecosystem to create a global digital twin for manufacturing, arguably this industry’s moonshot! Let’s align around the spirit of this stimulus and regain our leadership position in semiconductor manufacturing. https://lnkd.in/gwCzSJM5

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Hi everyone, Following our previous post on SEM overlay applications, I recalled a past interaction where someone asked if we could validate our measurements by matching CDSEM overlay measurements with optical measurements on the same targets. This brings up an important point for fab engineers and developers. Many of you consider metrology equipment as a "perfect scale," but it's crucial to remember that each scale has its own operational range. Let’s start from the basics: Optical targets are designed for optical tools, which have clearly defined resolution based on certain physical principles, such as flat illumination and visible light collection. Thus, the sizes of optical targets are derived from these principles. However, SEM tools operate on entirely different principles, using electron beam scanning and SE/BSE collection. Using optical targets with SEM tools violates a primary restriction of electron beam scanning—linearity of beam shape over the scanned region. This is typically defined over a 10-15 micron range, with optimal performance expected in the 0-5 micron range. All SEM calibrations aim to maintain scan flatness within this region, focusing on beam shape, astigmatism, resolution, and focus. Scanning a 50-micron range with an SEM compromises the experiment. Additionally, optical tools present edges as shadows (where the size of the edge is significantly smaller than the optical tool’s resolution), and inline detectors' linearity can be challenged at very large ranges. Introducing CDSEM overlay measurements on specialized CDSEM targets or topographic features enhances overall overlay reliability and reduces uncertainty for extremely small values—below 5 angstroms—not to match optical overlay values. In the attached video, you can see an attempt to measure an optical overlay target with an SEM—please avoid this approach. Feel free to comment and share your thoughts! #gazadelendaest #deeplearning #resolution #beam #EHAR #DeepStructures #metrology #Fab #problemsolving #LVTailoring #innovation #measurement #SecondaryElectronDetection #BackScatteredElectronDetection #CriticalDimentionMetrology #noisereduction #artificialneuralnetworks #CAD2SEM #Die2DB #EPE #PSD #precision #accuracy #lithography #tmu #NoiselessPSD #TargetDesign #ai #BlindDenoising #DeepStructures #neuralnetworks #weave #MassMeas #defects #beam #SecondaryElectronDetection #Overlay #EPE #labview #python #noisereduction #appliedmaterials #hitachi #kla

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Examples of Radio Frequency (RF) Applications Radio Frequency (RF) technology is integral to many aspects of modern life. Here are some key examples: 1. Communication Systems - Broadcasting: FM Radio: Stations like 98.7 FM transmit music, news, and talk shows over RF signals. Television: Networks such as NBC and CBS use RF waves to broadcast television programs. - Telecommunications: Mobile Phones: Smartphones use RF signals to connect to cellular networks for calls, texts, and internet access. Technologies like 4G and 5G operate on different RF frequency bands. Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi routers use RF waves in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to provide wireless internet connectivity. - Satellite Communication: GPS: Devices receive RF signals from satellites to determine precise locations, used in navigation systems. Satellite TV: Services like DirecTV use RF signals to broadcast television content from satellites. 2. Medical Applications - RF Skin Tightening: Thermage: Uses RF energy to heat the skin and stimulate collagen production. Exilis: Delivers controlled RF energy to improve skin laxity and contour the body. - MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI machines use RF pulses with strong magnetic fields to create detailed images of organs and tissues. 3. Industrial and Scientific Uses - Radar: Weather Radar: Detects and tracks weather conditions by emitting RF waves and analyzing reflections. Air Traffic Control: Guides aircraft by detecting their positions and movements. - RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification): Inventory Management: Retailers use RFID tags to manage inventory and track items. Access Control: RFID cards are used in secure access systems for buildings. 4. Consumer Electronics - Bluetooth: Wireless Headphones: Devices like Apple AirPods use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly to audio sources. Smart Home Devices: Products such as smart thermostats and lights use Bluetooth for home automation. - Remote Controls: Garage Door Openers: Use RF signals to open and close garage doors remotely. Car Key Fobs: Employ RF signals to lock and unlock car doors and start the engine from a distance. These examples illustrate the diverse applications of RF technology in everyday life, enhancing communication, entertainment, medical care, and industrial efficiency. For more information, visit www.DynamicEngineers.com #RFTechnology #Communication #MedicalTech #IndustrialApplications #ConsumerElectronics #Innovation #TechInEverydayLife

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It's not about a chip factory, it's about CHIP WAR "Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology" by Chris Miller is a book about the role of semiconductors in modern life and the geopolitical and economic implications of the industry. "The US's dominance" (according to book point of view): The US was once the world's leader in chip design and manufacturing, and used this technology to gain military superiority. So title of this post can be assumed as a tiny piece of massive puzzle and "Apple's A16 Chips Now Being Manufactured in Arizona TSMC" is just a chess movement or maybe one of first steps of a giant Domino. This domino has been started recently, The US "CHIPS Act" includes $39 billion in tax benefits, loan guarantees and grants, administered by the DOC to encourage American companies to build new chip manufacturing plants in the U.S. Signed into law in August 2022, the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act is intended to lure microchip manufacturing back to the United States after several decades of individual companies offshoring the technology. Although the country produced close to 40 percent of the world’s semiconductor supply in 1990, that statistic has slipped to just 12 percent. Taiwan, on the other hand, produces more than 60 percent of the world’s supply of semiconductors and more than 90 percent of the most advanced chips. The United States does not produce any higher-end chips today. #chipact #chipwar #tsmc #semiconductor #taiwan #semiconductor #technology #semiconductormanufacturing #chips

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Cadence Pegasus Verification System Have you ever wanted to write a DRC rule deck to check for space or width constraints on polygons? Or have you wondered how the multiple lines of an LVS rule deck extract and conduct a comparison between the schematic and layout? Read this blog to learn more. #Pegasus #Cadence #PhysicalVerification #DigitalDesign #Signoff https://ow.ly/9vCi50SxsS6

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I'm not sure that everyone is seeing what is happening now. First everyone is saying "we need more semiconductors", then governments around the world is pouring money into this. Semiconductor fabs are being built with "government support". However, in 2-8 years all this manufacturing capacity will come on line you need to fill the to 80-90% to make a profit, so will governments keep pouring money into this to keep them going? Lets look how well this turned out for the shipping industry during the 70s in Europe? They all went bust! So I don't see a rosy future for these new semiconductor manufacturing startups. Sure, the big three vendors (Samsung, Intel, TSMC) will continue to dominate but this will also eat from their profits! See what happen to SMIC in China when they are now competing against all the older technology fabs in China, profits are record low! ... and now India started saying we are going to invest in semiconductor fab technology to compete with China?!? ... but hey, doing silicon in a older technology is going to be CHEAP... which might enable Open Source Silicon tools to finally come-to-age!

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Strategic placement of decoupling capacitors and regulators is critical to keeping power stable, but no one approach is sufficient.

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semiStocks: Big Caps and Growth Stock Trends                     ... for the week ending July 19, 2024 ... There was the Trump Trade, based his comments around questions for defending Taiwan. TSMC was down 12%, ASE -7%, and UMC -6% W/W. But the inversion of that trade, where foundries outside Taiwan did not play out: GlobalFoundries was the only to finish in the black at only +2%, Tower slipped 3% and Intel was down 4%. SMIC was down 3%, but that may have been the impact of the Biden Trade, as he promised further restrictions, sending ASML tumbling. But then, why did China based ACMR beat them in the race to the bottom? I would argue that the market was just spooked and this dip is an opportunity, because little changed last week in the markets with demand or the technology trends these companies served. Outside of political jabbering, ASML and TSMC beat earnings estimates and Aehr hit it our of the park as it turned profitable. As for the longer term picture, my index of the market did bounce off the upper channel, as predicted last week. But it remained in the upper half of the channel. Importantly, it did not cross below the 200 day moving average, an important positive sign. That said, China's stocks did float the market last week. The more US centric SMH ETF clipped its lower channel, along with the S&P 500. Here's how my semiconductor stock average finished the week since its bottom the week of 10/27/2023: The Big Cap 8 Chip Stocks: 7/12 7/19 219% 191% NVIDIA 118% 93% TSMC 103% 88% Broadcom 90% 75% Qualcomm 103% 74% Micron 88% 57% AMD 25% 25% Samsung -3% -7% Intel 93% 75% Average  -- increase since the bottom week of 10/27/2023 The Big Cap 8 Chip Equipment Stocks: 7/12 7/19 86% 75% Teradyne 94% 74% ASMI 87% 67% KLAC 85% 60% AMAT 82% 59% TEL 83% 57% LRCX 61% 53% Advantest 84% 52% ASML 83% 62% Average  -- increase since the bottom week of 10/27/2023 The Semiconductor Stock Leadership since the bottom week of 10/27/2023: Growth Leaders 7/19 1 191% NVIDIA 2 178% Impinj 3 146% Cambricon 4 124% Nova 5 118% Semtech 6 103% Cirrus Logic 7 99% Monolithic Power 8 93% TSMC 9 91% Amkor 10 88% Broadcom 123% Average Growth Laggards 90 -36% Aehr Test 89 -34% Magnachip 88 -34% GalaxyCore 87 -30% CVD Eq 86 -28% Unigroup GM 85 -28% AIXTRON 84 -27% CRM 83 -27% Wolfspeed 82 -23% SMIC 81 -22% United Nova -29% Average  -- increase since the bottom week of 10/27/2023 Can you help me out? Please click the like button so I know these write-ups are of value for you. This for the greater good as I have no investments in these stocks. Also, no guarantees here. I am not a stock analyst. These are just observations and opinions. My opinions here are subject to many unknowns that will cause actual results and outcomes to be different from what is written. This is not investment advice and is not tailored to your specific investment needs. Do your homework and consult a professional investment advisor. #Semiconductor #StockstoWatch #stockmarket #techstocks

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Biden Makes $11 Billion Push to Beat #China at #Chip #Research - US launches new R&D centers for #chips and packaging #technology - Industry groups warn that patent seizure may undermine effort The Biden administration’s efforts to revitalize the chip industryhave mostly focused on doling out multibillion-dollar grants for domestic factories. But there’s a less-discussed side to the push: turning cutting-edge #semiconductor research into a more enticing field for #Americans. As part of the 2022 Chips and Science Act, the U.S. Department of Commerce is spending $11 billion to boost US leadership in research and development. The hope is to create the next generation of critical electronic components, and beat #Beijing in the battle for advanced technology. That will involve everything from developing better measurement techniques for #microelectronic materials to new strategies for what’s known as chip packaging — fitting the components together for use. Officials have allocated nearly 85% of the Chips Act manufacturing incentives, including a $6.1 billion grant to Micron Technology Inc.set to be unveiled Thursday. But they’re just beginning to open applications for R&D funding that some experts say could prove more critical in the long term. Thanks again to Mackenzie Hawkins and Bloomberg News for the full article with more background and insights via the link below 💡🙏👇 https://lnkd.in/e3gU7EF4 #semiconductorindustry #semiconductor #geopolitics #foundry #dram #nand #nandflash #memory #computing #chipsact #usa #innovation #it

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Crowbars - a further layer of protection in power electronics. By definition, a crowbar is a steel bar, usually flattened and slightly bent at one or both ends, used as a lever to pry things open. In power electronics, the word became a metaphor for an electric approach that looks like using brute force to handle failure-events by initiating a controlled overcurrent situation and at the same time, safely trigger superordinate fuses or protective switch gear. Protecting electronic devices is an omnipresent task for electrical engineers but is not limited to single applications. Far larger installations like industrial areas, solar inverters for utilities, multi access-point EV-charging stations or train- and subway-train stations need to be protected from hazardous conditions as well. Classical fuses may not be able to protect power semiconductor switches when dealing with high power levels. Crowbars can be used to clear short circuits by diverting currents through themselves, thus giving enough time to fuses or protecting switch gear to disconnect the short circuit's cause.  In addition, crowbars can be triggered in case of overvoltage and act as a supporting safety measure as well. More details on crowbar design and an explanation, why a crowbar works fine even if it gets destroyed can be found in the corresponding whitepaper available on the Littelfuse website: https://lnkd.in/eCwBUXgr

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USA's exemplary semiconductor investment surpasses cumulative spending of the past 30 years. Unprecedented financial surge propels domestic semiconductor manufacturing to new heights. Semiconductor industry propelled by massive funding influx, shaping the future of US chip production. #semiconductor #manufacturing #production #semiconductormanufacturing #investment #fab #technology #tech #research #electronics #microelectronics https://lnkd.in/den5BGVD

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