Author's Latest Posts


Stakes Are High For Aerospace, Defense IC Designs


Chips destined for the skies or armed forces need extra everything. They require higher layers of abstraction to simulate all the moving parts in the field, high-reliability testing for harsh environments, in addition to system-level test. They also need radiation-hardening and ceramic materials for space, extra safety layers, and advanced security techniques. As in the automotive sector, th... » read more

Wearable Connectivity, AI Enable New Use Cases


The sensing and processing technology used in smart phones, watches, and rings is starting to be being deployed in a wide variety of wearable devices, ranging from those that fill the gap between sports and med tech, to haptic devices to assist the visually impaired and AR/VR glasses. Emerging applications include payment, building, and factory wearables. Most of these devices process signal... » read more

Chip Industry Technical Paper Roundup: Feb. 25


New technical papers recently added to Semiconductor Engineering’s library: [table id=408 /] Find all technical papers here. » read more

Med Tech Morphs Into Consumer Wearables


Doctors have been using advanced technology for years, but the growing trend is for consumers to use devices at home and have direct access to their data. Watches and rings that were once primarily used for counting steps or registering sleep patterns can now read blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen, body temperature, and other early signs of illness. Meanwhile, various patches are under d... » read more

Universities Augment Engineering Curricula To Boost Employability


Increasing numbers of universities are offering semiconductor courses in their engineering programs, and also in math, physics, and business degrees. Most universities now offer a broad foundation so students can pivot to other industries during cyclical downturns, or when technology and science create entirely new and potentially lucrative opportunities, such as generative AI, advanced pack... » read more

Global IC Fabs And Facilities Report: 2024


The chip industry made significant capital investments this year to build new fabs and facilities or expand existing premises. A number of sites were dedicated to SiC, GaN, DRAM, HBM, along with packaging and assembly by OSATs, and essential gases, chemicals, and other components. More than a dozen R&D centers were also established for 8-inch wafers, EUV, and advanced packaging. Investments... » read more

Top Tech Videos Of 2024


In 2024, hot topics included challenges involving chiplets and heterogeneous integration, AI, data management, MCUs, power semis, software-defined vehicles, sensors, adaptive test, yield tracking, safety monitoring, security, and much more. Top 5 most watched videos in 2024: Overlay Optimization In Advanced IC Substrates How To Stop Row Hammer Attacks What’s Changing In DRAM ... » read more

Shortcutting Graduates’ Path To Productivity In Manufacturing And Test


Manufacturing, test, assembly, and analytics companies are finding unique ways to engage with universities in an effort to shore up the talent pipeline. The industry is recruiting graduates from universities across the U.S. while partnering with local institutes to serve specific needs. Industry/university co-operation includes: Mapping job descriptions Providing curricula frameworks... » read more

Chip Companies Play Bigger Role In Shaping University Curricula


A shortage of senior engineers with the necessary skills and experience is forcing companies to hire and train fresh graduates, a more time-consuming process but one that allows them to rise through the ranks using the companies' preferred technology and systems. Universities and companies share the goal of helping a graduate become productive in the workplace as quickly as possible, and the... » read more

Asia Government Funding Surges


Billions of dollars have been pouring into Asian countries for the past few years in an effort to boost their production capacity, explore leading-edge technology, compete on the global stage, and shore up supply chains in the face of geopolitical turmoil. Each country has its own plan to maintain a foothold in the global market, from China’s Big Fund to Korea’s Yongin Cluster and Japan�... » read more

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