How To Optimize A Processor


Optimizing any system is a multi-layered problem, but when it involves a processor there are at least three levels to consider. Architects must be capable of thinking across these boundaries because the role of each of the layers must be both understood and balanced. The first level of potential optimization is at the system level. For example, how does data come in and out of the processing... » read more

Repositioning For A Changing IC Market


Sailesh Chittipeddi, executive vice president at Renesas, sat down with Semiconductor Engineering to talk about how changes in end markets are shifting demand for technology. What follows are excerpts of that conversation. SE: Renesas has acquired a number of companies over the past several years. What's the goal? Chittipeddi: The goal very simply is to create an industry leading solutio... » read more

Standardizing Chiplet Interconnects


The chip industry is making progress on standardizing the infrastructure for chiplets, setting the stage for faster and more predictable integration of different functions and features from different vendors. The ability to choose from a menu of small, highly specialized chips, and to mix and match them for specific applications and use cases, has been on the horizon for more than a decade. ... » read more

Week In Review: Manufacturing, Test


GlobalFoundries launched GF Labs, an “open framework of internal and external research and development initiatives that deliver a differentiated pipeline of market-driven process technology solutions for future data-centric, connected, intelligent and secure applications.” Greg Bartlett, GF's senior vice president of technology, engineering at quality, said the goal is to develop and exp... » read more

Week In Review: Design, Low Power


Cadence's digital full flow was certified for the GlobalFoundries 12LP/12LP+ process platforms. The certified tools include the Innovus Implementation System, Genus Synthesis Solution, Tempus Timing Signoff Solution, Voltus IC Power Integrity Solution, Quantus Extraction Solution, Litho Physical Analyzer (LPA), and Pegasus Verification System. Siemens Digital Industries Software's Calibre nm... » read more

Week in Review: Manufacturing, Test


Industry Numbers NAND flash memory is forecast to hit US $83 billion this year, an increase of 24%. DRAM is projected to hit $118 billion, up 25%, according to a recent Yole report. Both are historic records. DRAM and NAND revenues are expected to be a $260 billion market in 2027 (combined), with advanced technologies such as EUV lithography, hybrid bonding and 3D DRAM driving this. SEMI in... » read more

Week In Review: Design, Low Power


Tools & IP MIPS announced its first products based on the RISC-V ISA. The eVocore IP cores are designed to provide a flexible foundation for heterogeneous compute, supporting combinations of eVocore processors as well as other accelerators, with a Coherence Manager that maintains L2 cache and system-level coherency between all cores, main memory, and I/O devices. They target high-performan... » read more

Week In Review: Auto, Security, Pervasive Computing


Automotive, mobility Fraunhofer IIS has opened a five-kilometer (3.11-mile) 5G test bed for automotive 5G applications near the city of Rosenheim in Bavaria, Germany. A closed 5G network with multiple base stations covers the test track, where connected cars can be tested under real conditions. “The automotive test bed is designed specially for developers and users that want to test new conn... » read more

Zero Dark Silicon


Planning for AI requires an understanding of how much data needs to be processed and how quickly that needs to happen. Nick Ni, senior director of data center AI and compute markets at AMD, talks with Semiconductor Engineering about data bubbles and domain-specific designs, why dark silicon is no longer as useful as in the past, and how to optimize power and performance in both the data center ... » read more

Week In Review: Manufacturing, Test


Acquisitions & Investments California-based MaxLinear plans to acquire Taiwan-based Silicon Motion (SMI), in a cash and stock deal valued at about $3.8 billion. Silicon Motion’s NAND flash controller technology for solid state storage devices, will extend MaxLinear’s RF, analog, and mixed signal portfolio. ISMC will invest about $3 billion in a semiconductor plant in India’s south... » read more

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