Kelvin Low

Micron Technology Expands #Datacenter #DRAM Portfolio with MR-DIMMs The #compute market has always been hungry for #memory bandwidth, particularly for high-performance applications in #servers and #datacenters. In recent years, the explosion in core counts per socket has further accentuated this need. Despite progress in #DDR speeds, the available bandwidth per core has unfortunately not seen a corresponding scaling. The stakeholders in the industry have been attempting to address this by building additional #technology on top of existing widely-adopted memory standards. With #DDR5, there are currently two #technologies attempting to increase the peak bandwidth beyond the official speeds. In late 2022, SK hynix introduced MCR-DIMMs meant for operating with specific #Intel #server platforms. On the other hand, JEDEC - the standards-setting body - also developed specifications for MR-DIMMs with a similar approach. Both of them build upon existing DDR5 #technologies by attempting to combine multiple ranks to improve peak bandwidth and latency. How MR-DIMMs Work: The MR-#DIMM standard is conceptually simple - there are multiple ranks of memory modules operating at standard DDR5 speeds with a data buffer in front. The buffer operates at 2x the speed on the host interface side, allowing for essentially double the transfer rates. The challenges obviously lie in being able to operate the logic in the host memory controller at the higher speed and keeping the power consumption / thermals in check. Thanks again to Ganesh T S and AnandTech for the full article with more background and insights via the link below 💡🙏👇 https://lnkd.in/eXnBey4s #semiconductorindustry #semiconductors #semiconductor #chip #chips #dram #innovation #datacenter #ai #äiot #computer #computing #hpc #it

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Terrific article in Nikkei Asia about EdgeCortix's innovative & efficient approach to delivering AI inference at the edge. Worth a read.

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10 Fabrication Steps to Build a Semiconductor Chip 💡 (by TechoVedas) Behind the scenes, a highly intricate and choreographed dance unfolds within the confines of a semiconductor fabrication facility, commonly known as a fab In the world of #electronics, #semiconductor #Chips are the unsung heroes powering our technological marvels. Behind the scenes, a highly intricate and choreographed dance steps unfolds within the confines of a semiconductor fabrication facility, commonly known as a fab. A complex facility known as a fab manufactures semiconductor devices. The process includes several steps, and we will provide a simplified overview using the example of a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (#CMOS) process, a common method for producing integrated circuits (#ICs) like #microprocessors. A big thank you again to TechoVedas for the full article with more background and insights via the link below 💡🙏👇 https://lnkd.in/egtg9YCG #semiconductorindustry #semiconductors #semiconductormanufacturing #ai #icdesign #technology #foundry #euv #duv #wafer #chip #geopolitics

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#Intel Vs. #Samsung Vs. #TSMC #Foundry competition heats up in three dimensions and with novel technologies as planar scaling benefits diminish 💡 The three leading-edge #foundries — Intel, Samsung, and TSMC — have started filling in some key pieces in their roadmaps, adding aggressive delivery dates for future generations of #chip #technology and setting the stage for significant improvements in performance with faster delivery time for custom designs. Unlike in the past, when a single industry roadmap dictated how to get to the next process node, the three largest #foundries increasingly are forging their own paths. They all are heading in the same general direction with 3D #transistors and packages, a slew of enabling and expansive technologies, and much larger and more diverse ecosystems. But some key differences are emerging in their methodologies, architectures, and third-party enablement. Roadmaps for all three show that transistor scaling will continue at least into the 18/16/14 angstrom range, with a possible move from #nanosheets and forksheet FETs, followed by complementary FETs (CFETs) at some point in the future. The key drivers are #AI / #ML and the explosion of #data that needs to be processed, and in most cases these will involve arrays of processing elements, usually with high levels of redundancy and homogeneity, in order to achieve higher yields. A big thank you again to Ed Sperling and Semiconductor Engineering for the full article with more background and insights via the link below 💡🙏👇 https://lnkd.in/eWbsgkMs #semiconductorindustry #semiconductormanufacturing #tech #it #chips #innovation #semiconductors #taiwan #southkorea #usa #japan #ai #iot #automotivetechnology #adas #datacenter #computer #it #germany

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Qualcomm has approached Intel Corporation for a potential acquisition, which could lead to one of the largest M&A deals in history, though it is still uncertain if an agreement will be reached due to possible antitrust scrutiny. Intel's shares rose following the report of Qualcomm's interest, despite the company facing significant challenges, including a 37% decline in stock value over the past year and ongoing restructuring efforts led by CEO Pat Gelsinger. Qualcomm is engaging with U.S. regulators in hopes that an all-American merger could alleviate regulatory concerns, while Intel is also exploring various options and has received a boost from recent announcements, including a deal with Amazon Web Services (AWS). #semiconductor #technology #Intel #Qualcomm #Amazon #chipmaker

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In this bonus episode - "Free Gold - Understand the value you represent ... The Power of Impenetrable Confidence" in my Semiconductor Leadership Podcast Series. We are close to 1,500 subscribers in just under 3 months. I think we can do 2,000 by the summer. Please subscribe if it is of value to you: https://lnkd.in/diktXgVg In this exclusive bonus episode of the Semiconductor Leadership Podcast, we delve into the often underestimated power of confidence in the high-stakes world of BUSINESS. Discover how to have that impenetrable confidence to shape perceptions, influence decisions, and drive innovation in this fiercely competitive industry. We’ll explore a real-world scenario whereby someone experiments by handing $2,000 worth of gold for free to the random public and where confidence has been a game-changer where you can discuss strategies to build and project this essential quality, and analyze its impact on perceived value both within a company and in the market at large. Tune in to gain insights that could redefine how you lead and succeed in the semiconductor realm. Robert Quinn Ksenia V. Mia Chen

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At Broadcom, we enable today's Gen AI and deliver breakthrough technologies that will power tomorrow’s AI. A cluster of one million XPUs requires over 10 million high bandwidth links. Our SerDes roadmap provides the right foundation for our high performance XPUs and switches to drive power efficiency and scale for these large clusters. Here is our sixth video of the “Enabling AI” video series. #enablingAI #connectedbybroadcom

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Intel brings ground-breaking AI processors to PCs, with the 2nd generation of the Core Ultra processors within a year. Intel®️ Core™️ Ultra 200V (codenamed Lunar Lake) brings the most power efficient processor that Intel has ever built, with AI capabilities through unparalleled CPU, GPU and NPU performance. Integrating AI at its core, Intel®️ Core™️ Ultra 200V series of processors deliver up to 120 TOPS of AI Performance, enabling 300+ AI Experiences developed by our ISV partners across 100+ applications and bringing ~80 compelling AI PC designs across ~20 OEMs. Tune in on September 12th as we get ready to launch these supercharged processors in India. #AI #IntelAI #Intel #iamintel #intelcoreultra  

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Here’s why Empower Semiconductor made my Top 10 Power Semi Startups to Bet On list… As Empower Semi celebrates its 10-year anniversary, it's clear the company is another amazing chapter being written by three impressive leaders who have been transforming the power sector for decades. Founded in 2014 by David Lidsky, Tim Phillips, and Gene Sheridan, their names are etched into the annals of history for their myriad contributions to power ICs. David co-founded Volterra, whose high-current, high-performance PMICs helped shape the server, storage, and cloud computing markets. Tim, who holds 25 US patents, was instrumental in forming the Enterprise Power BU at International Rectifier and led the company to a new wave of growth in data centers, cloud storage, and high-performance compute (HPC). Gene hardly needs an introduction, owing to his 30+ year legacy of pioneering new power devices, including some of the earliest commercial successes in GaN technology. Their experiences, particularly in high-growth sectors like data centers and HPC, enabled them to anticipate the rapid increase in energy demand driven by the burgeoning digital economy. CPU and GPU makers had begun to transform the global compute landscape, but that only amplified the need for efficient power management solutions. Empower Semi was formed to respond to this challenge, and has pioneered the development of some of the industry's smallest, fastest, and most simplistic PMICs. Their proprietary technology enables them to develop high-performance, low-power, and low-voltage DC-DC converters that have been recognized as game-changers in the server and data center markets, enabling customers to reduce system sizes, increase system performance, and simplify designs. Empower’s digital control and monitoring capabilities are also highly desirable because customers can monitor and control their power systems in real-time, providing them with greater visibility and control than alternatives. The company’s capabilities were further augmented when they welcomed CTO and SVP of Engineering, Trey Roessig. His experience has been instrumental in realizing their vision of integrating power management directly into SoCs and chiplet architectures, streamlining the development of a new generation of processors for data centers and HPC. As Empower’s leadership team looks to the future, it's clear that their commitment to innovating in power management will continue to drive their growth. While other companies may benefit from having a key figure lead a Business Unit, Empower has a veritable “super group” of leadership talent – experts who not only understand the business but have been instrumental in shaping the technology behind it. Being so well-positioned means they will make a major impact in the data center, cloud, and HPC sectors well into the future and my bet is on Empower to become a leading player in those markets. #semiconductorindustry #powermanagement #artificialintelligence

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Here’s why Empower Semiconductor made my Top 10 Power Semi Startups to Bet On list… As Empower Semi celebrates its 10-year anniversary, it's clear the company is another amazing chapter being written by three impressive leaders who have been transforming the power sector for decades. Founded in 2014 by David Lidsky, Tim Phillips, and Gene Sheridan, their names are etched into the annals of history for their myriad contributions to power ICs. David co-founded Volterra, whose high-current, high-performance PMICs helped shape the server, storage, and cloud computing markets. Tim, who holds 25 US patents, was instrumental in forming the Enterprise Power BU at International Rectifier and led the company to a new wave of growth in data centers, cloud storage, and high-performance compute (HPC). Gene hardly needs an introduction, owing to his 30+ year legacy of pioneering new power devices, including some of the earliest commercial successes in GaN technology. Their experiences, particularly in high-growth sectors like data centers and HPC, enabled them to anticipate the rapid increase in energy demand driven by the burgeoning digital economy. CPU and GPU makers had begun to transform the global compute landscape, but that only amplified the need for efficient power management solutions. Empower Semi was formed to respond to this challenge, and has pioneered the development of some of the industry's smallest, fastest, and most simplistic PMICs. Their proprietary technology enables them to develop high-performance, low-power, and low-voltage DC-DC converters that have been recognized as game-changers in the server and data center markets, enabling customers to reduce system sizes, increase system performance, and simplify designs. Empower’s digital control and monitoring capabilities are also highly desirable because customers can monitor and control their power systems in real-time, providing them with greater visibility and control than alternatives. The company’s capabilities were further augmented when they welcomed CTO and SVP of Engineering, Trey Roessig. His experience has been instrumental in realizing their vision of integrating power management directly into SoCs and chiplet architectures, streamlining the development of a new generation of processors for data centers and HPC. As Empower’s leadership team looks to the future, it's clear that their commitment to innovating in power management will continue to drive their growth. While other companies may benefit from having a key figure lead a Business Unit, Empower has a veritable “super group” of leadership talent – experts who not only understand the business but have been instrumental in shaping the technology behind it. Being so well-positioned means they will make a major impact in the data center, cloud, and HPC sectors well into the future and my bet is on Empower to become a leading player in those markets. #semiconductorindustry #powermanagement #artificialintelligence

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Great article with insights by Bernard Murphy at SemiWiki.com, "Arteris Frames Network-On-Chip Topologies in the Car." "... while there is plenty of complexity in evolving car architectures and the consequent impact on subsystem chip/chiplet designs, connected on-chip through both coherent and non-coherent networks, the intent behind these systems is quite clear. We just need to start thinking about total car system architecture rather than individual chip functions." #Arteris #NetworkOnChip #Automotive https://bit.ly/3UiKqls

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Record #semiconductor revenue reported, despite market weakness 💡 In a new analysis, Omdia reports that total semiconductor revenue reached a record high of $162.1 billion in 2Q24, marking a 6.7% quarterly growth. This figure surpasses the previous record set in 4Q21 by approximately $500m. The record growth was largely driven by NVIDIA, the industry’s top revenue generator, which now has quarterly semiconductor revenue $18 billion higher than 4Q21. While 2Q24 set a new revenue record, not all companies are benefitting. Although revenue for the semiconductor market is $33 billion higher than a year ago, over 50% of the companies tracked recorded lower semiconductor revenue compared to a year ago. This shows that the market’s revenue growth is not being shared by half of the companies. Of the 125 companies tracked in both the record quarters of 4Q21 and 2Q24, more than 70% had lower semiconductor revenue in 2Q24 than in 4Q21. Thanks to Electronic Products & Technology for the full article with more background and insights via the link below 🙏💡👇 https://lnkd.in/emNsVujx #semiconductors #semiconductor #technology #tech #it #chip #chips #ai #aiot #automotive #innovation #ic #semiconductors #memory #it #semiconductormarket #datacenter #dram #nand #nandflash #server

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#Technology gap between leading Western and Chinese #semiconductor #foundries (by Michał Bochenek) #China's #chip industry is experiencing a remarkable growth spurt. But how well do we truly understand the breathtaking pace at which Chinese manufacturers like SMIC and Shanghai Huahong (Group) CO., LTD are closing the gap with their Western rivals? Here's a visual comparison of #semiconductor #technology development by market leaders such as IBM, Motorola Solutions, Intel Corporation and TSMC since 1978. The chart contrasts their progress with the achievements of #Chinese companies. The #semiconductorindustry in #China faced a widening technological gap, reaching 17 years by 2014. This year marked a turning point, as #China's State Council identified the #semiconductors industry as critical to national security in its "Outline for Advancing the National Integrated Circuit Industry". The launch of the national "Big Fund" and the "Made in China 2025" initiative one year later provided resources and direction for Chinese companies to begin (very) successfully closing the gap. A very big thank you to Michał Bochenek , Daniel Nenni and SemiWiki.com for the full article with more background and insights via the link below 💡🙏👇 https://lnkd.in/d4YbAmFt #semiconductor #innovation #geopolitics #chip #chips #ic #icdesign #it #foundry #computing #computer #ai #aiot #evehicles #pc #server #data

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TSMC dominates global #foundry market with 61% market share in 4Q23, says Counterpoint Technology Market Research 💡 Counterpoint released the global foundry market share ranking for the fourth quarter of 2023, showing that TSMC maintained its leadership status with a 61% market share driven by strong demand from #AI and the restocking of #smartphones. #TSMC #5nm capacity utilization reached 100%, thanks to strong demand for AI #GPUs from NVIDIA. Meanwhile, Apple's #iPhone15 continued to drive growth at the leading #3nm node. These two catalysts contributed sub-#7nm node revenue, which accounted for approximately 70% of TSMC's total revenue for the quarter, demonstrating the company's technological competitiveness. Thanks again to Judy Lin 林昭儀 and DIGITIMES Asia for the full article with more background and insights via the link below 💡🙏👇 https://lnkd.in/eHZ3MztP #semiconductorindustry #semiconductors #semiconductor #technology #it #ai #tech #ic #chip #chips #asml #euv #technology #tech #innovation #taiwan #usa #geopolitics #samsung #intel #southkorea #aio #ev #mobile

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I recently had the opportunity to speak with Bryon Moyer of Semiconductor Engineering about how innovations in materials advance #semiconductor performance, scaling, power and cost efficiency. It was a good discussion on how Atomera leverages an element we all take for granted to enhance the complex process of semiconductor manufacturing. Using partial monolayers of oxygen in strategic parts of a transistor can lower its variability, improve its resistance and power handling capability and even help manage the stress caused by crystal lattice and thermal expansion mismatches between different materials. Long story short, oxygen helps us improve device reliability and develop efficient and cost effective semiconductors. Its also pretty good at helping us breathe. https://bit.ly/3XwjCOX

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Every single person on your team — no matter what their position is — should know and live by your company’s values. When I first joined Coherent Corp. (known as II-VI at the time) as a board member, we had 7 values. They were printed on the back of everyone’s business card but, still, I could never remember them all. In the wake of a large acquisition, I was walking around various facilities and chatting with everyone. I asked if anyone knew what our company’s values were — and no one knew them! That was a hint of an opportunity. I realized that the acquisition was a period of transformation for the company, and it was an opportunity to revisit our values. I remember studying the values of all the S&P 500 companies for inspiration, taking into consideration the founding values of II-VI as well as the values of the companies we had acquired. Eventually, I decided on: ICARE which stands for integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect and enthusiasm. Taken in that order, they have allowed our team to declare “I care” as the primary reason for working at Coherent and helping change the world. I firmly believe that values (and sticking to them) are integral to a company’s success. This might be a little bold to say but as far as I know, today, there’s no one in the company that doesn’t know what our values are.

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"Scotty we need more power!" For those of use old enough to remember Star Trek TOS (and if you don't know what that is I'll wait for you to visit the wikipedias...) this phrase is burned indelibly into our brains. Invariably some nefarious force was holding the Enterprise against its will, or the ship was trying to outrun a baddie, or an incoming energy bolt threatened the integrity of the hull, and always the solution was "more power". The world we live in today is quite different. Not to say that the need for compute power has reduced, in fact quite the opposite given the enormous computational requirements of modern AI and HPC workloads. But that "power" must now be weighed against the power (energy) required to use it. In AI it's no longer about TOPS, it's about TOPS/W. And a laptop that dramatically outperformed its competitors but had only a 30 minute battery life would be considered fairly useless. So when the power (energy) requirements of datacenters start to be measured as a percentage of global energy consumption it's easy to see why managing and reducing power (energy) is a critical part of modern designs. Enter the Movellus Aeonic Power product family. By integrating the power supply for components of an SoC the power (energy) can be made more localized, smarter, more efficient, and the overall demand for energy can be reduced significantly. So rather than running all of your compute cores or AI acceleration clusters full tilt when only a few are needed, you can now modulate power at the core or block or cluster level to reduce the energy to precisely what is needed and no more, and this fine grained power control can yield immediate benefits. Advanced power savings like this were once attainable only by the largest and most advanced teams on the planet, but the field has been leveled. If you want to know more just send me a note, or come visit us at DAC 2024. Or just keep burning more energy than you have to, reducing your competitiveness and decreasing reliability, that's an option too... #AI #PowerDelivery #DAC2024

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Texas Instruments Wins $4.6 Billion in #ChipsAct Grants, Loans - Funding will support $18 billion in spending in #Texas, #Utah - Biden administration almost finished allocating #chips grants Texas Instruments Inc. is set to receive $1.6 billion in Chips Act grants and $3 billion in loans, the #Bidenadministration announced Friday, marking the latest major award from a program designed to boost #American #semiconductormanufacturing. The funding will help pay for one factory in Utah and two in Texas — projects that will cost about $18 billion through 2029 — the Commerce Department said in a statement. The effort is expected to generate around 2,000 #manufacturing #jobs and thousands more in #construction. In total, #TexasInstruments plans to spend around $40 billion across both states, including an additional two factories in #Sherman, Texas. It’s likely that those will come online after 2030, and the Commerce Department has said it will prioritize projects that will be done by the end of the decade. Thanks again to Mackenzie Hawkins and Bloomberg for the full article with more background and insights via the link below 💡🙏👇 https://lnkd.in/eFiP2W4P #semiconductorindustry #semiconductors #semiconductor #technology #tech #it #chips #it #geopolitics #subsidies #usa #innovation #chip #ic

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Just as we feared, our January 3 percent growth assumption for Q1-2024 has proved optimistic. The first quarter crashed, wiping US$13 billion off the quarter, which, in turn, has reduced our full year forecast by US$50 billion. Low unit sales, driven by ‘take of pay’ long-term price agreements (LTAs) from the Covid-boom era, are exacerbating industry attempts to rein back excess inventory. Just like the emperor’s new clothes, the supposed 2024 Super-Cycle has evaporated in a puff of smoke. It always was a delusion, Q1 removed all doubt. Visit our website for your copy of the May Industry Update Forecast Webinar side deck and video, see the highlights here: https://lnkd.in/evNyJxNH

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