Liz Allan

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Liz Allan is managing editor at Semiconductor Engineering.

Author's Latest Posts

Auto Ethernet 10BASE-T1S Steps Up, With Tbps On The Horizon
By Liz Allan - 23 Mar, 2026 - Comments: 0

Key Takeaways: Automotive Ethernet, particularly 10BASE-T1S, is emerging as a replacement for CAN in vehicle networks, with higher speeds anticipated for future autonomous and connected cars. The transition to Ethernet in automotive domains is not universal; some OEMs may retain CAN or LIN in certain areas due to cost, and integrating various Ethernet standards can be technically feasib... » read more

Limiting AI/ML Tools To Ensure Physical AI Safety, Security
By Liz Allan - 05 Mar, 2026 - Comments: 0

Key Takeaways: AI-based tools can help monitor physical AI systems and LLMs, but human oversight is still needed to avoid false positives, bias, and other anomalies. For autonomous vehicles and robots, edge case scenarios and understanding human values are weak points, especially as moral and social values change over time. AI tools are growing and becoming increasingly helpful for c... » read more

AI Starting To Simplify Design Of Programmable Logic
By Liz Allan - 26 Feb, 2026 - Comments: 0

Key Takeaways AI/ML and agentic tools are getting better at helping design and compile FPGAs, but downstream programming is slower to benefit. FPGAs historically have been designed using Verilog or VHDL, but higher-level languages could push more intelligence into compilers. ML tools can also help with mixed-signal co-design by automatically tuning DSP algorithms based on analog simu... » read more

Can A Computer Science Student Be Taught To Design Hardware?
By Liz Allan - 17 Feb, 2026 - Comments: 2

Key Takeaways New approaches are being devised and tested to address the talent shortage. Leveraging AI in design tools will help engineers become more efficient, and potentially could reduce the time it takes to train engineering students. EDA companies are looking at whether it's possible to train computer science and software engineers to become hardware engineers. A vari... » read more

Consumer And Med Tech Mushroom As Quantum Closes In
By Liz Allan - 05 Feb, 2026 - Comments: 0

Key Takeaways: Universities and companies are making devices inspired by biology and the human senses to help with health monitoring, semiconductor materials development, human-computer interfaces, and more. When this nascent technology becomes a viable product, government regulations will be needed to ensure consumer safety in tracking or treating their body and the environment. Qua... » read more

Flexible ICs, MEMS, Metal Oxides Solve Fresh Problems
By Liz Allan - 05 Feb, 2026 - Comments: 0

Key Takeaways: Flexible ICs are durable and form-fitting, but they add manufacturing challenges to already complex processes, while printed flex sensors lack infrastructure. MEMS are finding new popularity in massively parallel systems, on one device, or in many devices distributed across a network. Metal oxide-based sensors are more scalable than those relying on photonic crystals, ... » read more

AI’s Impact On Engineering Jobs May Be Different Than Expected
By Liz Allan - 29 Jan, 2026 - Comments: 0

Key Takeaways: AI is expected to eliminate many repetitive, entry-level tasks, but that may allow engineering students trained on the latest tools to start in more senior positions. AI is a force multiplier. It can accelerate the learning curve for junior engineers. While AI is very good at solving multi-dimensional problems, domain expertise, critical thinking, and sanity checks wil... » read more

Security Threats Converge On IoT, Industrial ICs, Physical AI
By Liz Allan - 08 Jan, 2026 - Comments: 0

Devices in a broad range of edge AI applications are increasingly at risk of hacking or tampering, with the stakes varying greatly depending on how much the device can impact and interact with human life. Design methods and protection techniques must now be included up front in the design cycle for optimal protection of consumers and companies as the quantum threat looms. In today’s factor... » read more

Annual Global IC Fabs And Facilities Report
By Liz Allan - 07 Jan, 2026 - Comments: 0

Semiconductor companies announced a significant number of facilities in 2025 as global onshoring efforts continued across manufacturing, materials, packaging, design, and R&D. Investments came from both industry and government sources. Organizations worked together to solve current technology challenges, including soaring demand for AI chips and advanced memory, as well as complex applic... » read more

Programmable Chips Evolve For Shifting Needs
By Liz Allan - 23 Dec, 2025 - Comments: 0

ICs and SoCs are utilizing a range of processing elements that allow them to optimize current workloads while hedging their bets for the future. What used to be a simple choice between an ASIC, FPGA, or DSP, has evolved into a mix of processor types and architectures, including varying levels of programmability and customization. Speed is essential, but technology is evolving so quickly that... » read more

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