Thad Trent

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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#HBM Prices to Increase by 5–10% in 2025, Accounting for Over 30% of Total #DRAM Value, Says TrendForce Corporation 💡 Avril Wu, TrendForce Senior Research Vice President, reports that the HBM market is poised for robust growth, driven by significant pricing premiums and increased capacity needs for AI #chips. HBM's unit sales price is several times higher than that of conventional DRAM and about five times that of #DDR5. This pricing, combined with product iterations in AI #chip #technology that increase single-device HBM capacity, is expected to dramatically raise HBM’s share in both the capacity and market value of the DRAM market from 2023 to 2025. Specifically, HBM’s share of total DRAM bit capacity is estimated to rise from 2% in 2023 to 5% in 2024 and surpass 10% by 2025. In terms of market value, HBM is projected to account for more than 20% of the total DRAM market value starting in 2024, potentially exceeding 30% by 2025. A big thank you again to Avril Wu and TrendForce 集邦科技 for the full article with more background and insights via the link below 🙏💡👇 https://lnkd.in/eDC9_Z7u #semiconductorindustry #semiconductors #semiconductor #tech #micron #skhynix #samsung #foundry #innovation #ai #nvidia #tsmc #server #it #ic

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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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Curious about the biggest challenge engineers face when dealing with obsolete components? Listen in as Dr. Bill Bradford, President of Flip Electronics, and Duker Dapper, VP and GM of Resurgent Manufacturing Services, explain this and more in the latest Electropages podcast. From navigating tough decisions to sustaining semiconductor lifecycles, discover insights driving industry resilience by listening to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/eweDyPkk

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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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Electronics production 3 month average charts. United States electronics production three-month-average change versus a year ago (3/12 change) was 0.4% in July 2024, the slowest since the pandemic year of 2020. Growth has been slowing since averaging 6.5% in 2022 and 2.3% in 2023. Japan has gone from averaging 6.0% 3/12 growth in 2023 to a 2% decline in June 2024. The 27 countries of the European Union (EU27) have reported declining electronics production since May 2023, except for a 3.2% increase in May 2024. In June 2024, EU27 production was down 8.0%. United Kingdom (UK) production has been declining since September 2023, except for a 0.7% increase in February 2024. UK production was down 3.7% in July 2024. Taiwan has been the strongest country in Asia, with 3/12 production (measured in New Taiwan dollars) moving from a 3.2% decline in June 2023 to an increase of 49% in July 2024. Market Research firm MIC estimates Taiwan produces 90% of global AI servers. TrendForce projects the US dollar value of the AI server market will grow 69% in 2024. Vietnam has also shown a strong turnaround in electronics production. The low in 3/12 change was negative 10.8% in May 2023. 3/12 growth was over 20% in June and July 2024. Vietnam has benefited from Samsung’s $22 billion investment in the country. Vietnam produces about half of Samsung’s smartphones. South Korea’s production turnaround was more recent, with 3/12 production change negative in February through April 2024. Production turned positive in May 2024 at 3.2% and reached 23.8% growth in July 2024. India is demonstrating healthy electronics production growth, with July 2024 3/12 growth of 14%. 3/12 change had been negative from October 2022 through March 2024. India has benefited from multinational companies increasing manufacturing in the country. Apple has begun manufacturing its latest generation of iPhones, the 16 series, in India. Apple plans to produce 25% of its iPhones in India by 2025, up from about 14% last year, shifting production from China. China remains the dominant electronics manufacturer in Asia, but growth has slowed as companies shift manufacturing to other countries. China’s 3/12 production change turned positive in April 2023 and peaked at 13.8% in June 2024. August 2024 3/12 growth was 12.3%, slower than the July data for the other countries in the chart. More info:https://lnkd.in/e-B3zk8C #interesting #technology #innovation #ai #semiconductors Jabil Flex Sanmina Celestica Season Group Kimball Electronics Foxconn Constanta Industrial Ltda Hi-Mix Eletrônicos S/A Diehl Group Asteelflash Molex Plexus Corp. Benchmark Firstronic SMTC Corporation TAXAN MEXICO

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#CapEx Down in 2024, Up Strongly in 2025 💡 The U.S. CHIPS and Science Act provides incentives for #semiconductor manufacturing in the United States. As of July 30, 2024, The CHIPS Program Office has announced over $30 billion in grants and over $25 billion in loans, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA). The awards have been given to fourteen companies; however, five companies have accounted for the vast majority of the funds. These fab projects are also receiving state and local subsidies. The total investment in these ventures will be over $284 billion. The timing of these projects varies, with some scheduled for completion in 2025. Other fabs will be finished over the next two to seven years. In addition to the companies listed below, Texas Instruments is in the process of applying for #CHIPSAct funding for its planned wafer fabs in Sherman, #Texas and Lehi, #Utah. A big thank you again to Bill Jewell and Semiconductor Intelligence, LLC for the full article with more background and insights via the link below 💡🙏👇 https://lnkd.in/eRgKq3yB #semiconductorindustry #semiconductors #semiconductor #tech #it #semiconductormanufacturing #subsidies #geopolitics #technology #ai #usa #china #korea #taiwan #japan #europe #germany #singapore Samsung Electronics Micron Technology SK hynix TSMC SMIC United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) GlobalFoundries Intel Corporation Texas Instruments STMicroelectronics Infineon Technologies

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The total market for Power Converters will exceed $164 BILLION by 2029 💡 As the #electricvehicle (#EV) market continues growing (followed by DC charging infrastructure), the need for #greenenergy sources becomes more critical to sustain the environmental benefits of #EVs. This drives the demand for #photovoltaic (PV) and #battery energy storage systems (BESS) to help balance the grid. The increasing synergy between these segments (EVs, DC charging, BESS, and PV) is boosting the demand for power converters. These four segments are projected to account for more than half of the total market, which is expected to reach $164.1 billion by 2029. At the same time, HVDC is increasingly being considered for grid upgrades. HVDC #technology is also driven by the increasing number of offshore wind installations. The HVDC power converter market will reach $3.8 billion by 2029 with a CAGR2023-2029 of 12.8%. Thanks again to Yole Group for the full article with more background, insights and charts via the link below 💡🙏👇 https://lnkd.in/emVR8tA4 #semiconductorindustry #automotiveindustry #tech #innovation #chips #automotivetechnology #batterytechnology #SiC #renewableenergy #it

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𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗮𝗯 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 I’ve seen firsthand how projects can get bogged down when teams rely on outdated methods. In semiconductor fabs, the tool install process alone can involve tracking thousands of moving parts—from electrical connections to chemical lines—and doing it right takes time. Each tool needs an average of 47 hours to be set up properly. With hundreds or even thousands of tools in a fab, the costs and delays from a single misstep add up fast. Our latest report highlights a problem I’ve encountered myself: an over-reliance on spreadsheets. They may seem manageable, but spreadsheets often create more issues than they solve. Without a unified digital source, each team member may be working from their own version of “the truth.” It’s easy to see how errors pile up when everyone isn’t looking at the same, up-to-date data. These errors don’t just slow projects down—they’re costing the industry over €𝟮𝟬𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿. 💸 Digital transformation is about more than just upgrading tools. It’s about equipping teams with a single, reliable source of information, enabling real-time updates, and reducing repetitive, manual data entry. When a change is made, that update needs to flow across the entire project seamlessly. That’s why the shift to digital is critical—not just for efficiency but for accuracy and, ultimately, cost savings. Our report dives into this, and it’s packed with insights into how AI and automation can optimize fab construction and operations, giving engineers the real-time insights they need to get ahead of potential delays. If you’re interested in learning more about these solutions, check out the full report here 👇 No sign-up is required. https://lnkd.in/eD4K5xpH #DigitalTransformation #Semiconductors #Manufacturing #Innovation #AI #Automation #ProjectManagement #Basesite

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🚀 New Episode Alert! "Inside the Mind of a Semiconductor Trailblazer: Ron Huemoeller on Innovation, Power Management, and Building a Legacy" Dive into Innovation & Leadership in Semiconductors with Ron Huemoeller, CEO of Saras Micro Devices! 🎧✨ 🎙️ Listen now on your favorite platform: ON YOUTUBE: https://lnkd.in/de9PQBDC ON SPOTIFY: https://lnkd.in/dWa6nbzT 🙏 [ Small favour request - please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE AND SHARE!!! We hit an impressive 2.2k Followers in a short time - with your help we can get it to 10K...] On this episode of the Semiconductor Leadership Podcast, we sit down with industry veteran Ron Huemoeller, whose journey has been nothing short of groundbreaking. From pioneering semiconductor packaging solutions to redefining power management, Ron's insights are a must-listen! Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll learn: 🔥 The Power of Influence – Discover how mentors like Seymour Cray inspired Ron’s passion and resilience, shaping him into the innovative leader he is today. 🔧 Revolutionary Technologies – Hear about the incredible packaging innovations Ron helped develop, like TSV and embedded trace substrates, that transformed the semiconductor landscape. 📈 Innovation Meets Profitability – Ron shares his secrets to accelerating time-to-market and aligning R&D with business goals, ensuring innovation drives real impact. 💡 Changing the Power Game – Learn how Saras is pioneering next-gen power management solutions designed to increase efficiency in data-heavy applications. 👥 Building a Legacy – Ron’s commitment to mentorship and fostering a culture of integrity leaves a powerful legacy for future semiconductor leaders. Whether you’re a seasoned industry professional or just curious about the future of tech, this episode is packed with insights on innovation, leadership, and the power of mentorship. Tap in and get inspired by the mind of a true semiconductor trailblazer!

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Imagine a wolf in the wild: keen-eyed and relentless, each step calculated and precise. This isn’t just the visualization of an apex predator but a metaphor for Wolfspeed's ambitious pursuits in the global silicon carbide (SiC) landscape. Under CEO Gregg Lowe, Wolfspeed has evolved from a broad semiconductor player (formerly Cree) into a hyper-focused SiC specialist. This shift wasn’t just a rebrand but a strategic pivot to capture leadership in a field that many believe will define the future of power electronics. Silicon carbide’s unique properties—higher efficiency, thermal conductivity, and ability to handle higher voltages—make it essential for next-generation electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy systems, and industrial applications. As the world moves toward greater electrification, these applications are scaling and they all need advanced power solutions that SiC can deliver. Wolfspeed’s journey to market leadership has involved bold moves, including their Mohawk Valley Fab in upstate New York, which is set to be the world’s largest SiC fab. Yet, such buildouts take substantial time and investment, and competitors aren’t idle. Infineon, for example, recently opened a 200mm SiC fab in Malaysia, asserting themselves as the “Alpha”. But Wolfspeed’s strategy goes beyond scaling up—it’s about owning the full vertical. By controlling SiC production from crystal growth to device fabrication, Wolfspeed minimizes dependencies and maximizes quality control, a rarity in the semiconductor industry. This integrated approach provides a distinct edge, appealing to customers seeking reliable partners who deliver both innovation and supply consistency. Like any hunt, the outcome is uncertain, marked by challenges both expected and unforeseen. Wolfspeed’s recent quarterly results were below expectations, impacted by closing an underperforming fab in Durham, NC, and a slowdown in EV demand. Such outcomes can affect investor confidence and make engineers look elsewhere for working on opportunities to design next-generation power ICs. Despite these challenges, Wolfspeed’s leadership is confident. Their latest earnings call projected robust growth and hinted at future partnerships to expand their influence. Collaborations with automotive and renewable energy leaders will help position Wolfspeed as a trusted partner in the supply chain, providing both expertise and operational capacity, factors that have certainly influenced the US Government to commit $750M in CHIPS Act funds to empower their growth. Lowe and Wolfspeed’s leadership are seasoned hunters and in my view, they seem sharply attuned to their target. As they stand on the edge of unprecedented market change, it’s clear they aren’t just pursuing any prey—they’re focused on the most valuable opportunities. Let’s hear from you - What strategies are essential for Wolfspeed to maintain its apex position in the SiC market? #semiconductorindustry #powermanagement #siliconcarbide

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Winbond's Strategic Shift for 2025: Navigating Near-Term Challenges to Seize Future Opportunities 🚀📈 As the semiconductor industry navigates economic shifts, Winbond Electronics is taking proactive measures to optimize its production strategy. With the third quarter of 2024 likely marking a performance peak, the company is preparing for a seasonal slowdown in Q4 by reducing output at its Taichung plant, bringing utilization down to 80%. This adjustment aligns with a focus on capacity management and inventory control to maintain market stability. Looking ahead, Winbond is optimistic about 2025, expecting a rebound fueled by stronger demand in networking and consumer applications. The company's plan to ramp up its 16nm process in the second half of 2025 aims to enhance competitiveness and meet evolving customer needs. Strategically, the Taichung plant will shift toward DRAM production, while the Kaohsiung facility continues to operate at full capacity on a 20nm process, handling a monthly output of 15,000 wafers. These moves are designed to ensure a smooth transition as customers upgrade their technology. Winbond's thoughtful approach underscores its commitment to balancing current market conditions with long-term growth objectives. #SemiconductorIndustry #Winbond #DRAM #ChipManufacturing #Taiwan #Networking #Technology #Innovation #CapacityManagement #EconomicOutlook #Tech

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It was great to spend some time with Ben Bajarin on The Circuit Podcast discussing the basics of #FPGAs, market insights, and Lattice Semiconductor’s focus as the low power programmable leader. Give it a listen: https://bit.ly/4c6F6rk

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Very nice interview by Salah Nasri with Ron Huemoeller, providing insight into his background, experiences, and influences, and how he's using those to guide and grow #sarasmicrodevices!

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Tesla had its strongest open since 2019 despite missing both top and bottom-line guidance. It appears the market still has some faith in what Elon says ... so I'd like to share this article and point out the following: • Tesla has to fix every single cyber truck shipped • Tesla is laying off ~10% of its workforce. These layoffs, coupled with the known quality issues, create a combination of reduced resources and increased scope due to new problems and ideas; I bet this will create more quality issues and delays. • Tesla has difficulties creating a quality car at a high price point, so what will a budget car look like? • Robo taxis get held up by parking cones and create significant community safety issues due to poor emergency services integration, which will be a significant hurdle. In short, there are better plays in the EV and auto industry. #Tesla

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