Research Bits: September 11


Combining digital and analog Researchers from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) propose integrating 2D semiconductors with ferroelectric materials for joint digital and analog information processing, which could improve energy efficiency and support new functionality. The device uses a 2D negative-capacitance tungsten diselenide/tin diselenide tunnel FET (TFET), which consu... » read more

Research Bits: March 14


Shift register-in-memory architecture Researchers at the Singapore University of Technology and Design propose a new reconfigurable shift register-in-memory architecture for devices that can work both as a reconfigurable memory component and as a programmable shift register. The device is based on phase-change alloys, which can switch reversibly between the glassy amorphous state and the or... » read more

MicroLEDs Move Toward Commercialization


The market for MicroLED displays is heating up, fueled by a raft of innovations in design and manufacturing that can increase yield and reduce prices, making them competitive with LCD and OLED devices. MicroLED displays are brighter and higher contrast than their predecessors, and they are more efficient. Functional prototypes have been developed for watches, AR glasses, TVs, signage, and au... » read more

GaN ICs Wanted for Power, EV Markets


Circuits built with discrete GaN components may get the job done, but fully integrated GaN circuits remain the ultimate goal because they would offer many of the same advantages as integrated silicon circuits. These benefits include lower cost as the circuit footprint is scaled, and reduced parasitic resistance and capacitance with shorter interconnect runs. In addition, improved device perf... » read more

Power/Performance Bits: Feb. 15


3D printed piezoelectrics Researchers at University of Notre Dame and Purdue University developed a hybrid 3D printer that combines multi-material aerosol jet printing and extrusion printing, integrating both functional and structural materials into a single printing platform. They used it to create an all-printed piezoelectric wearable device. The stretchable piezoelectric sensors conform ... » read more

3D Printing For More Circuits


After several years of experimentation, and growing success in volume manufacturing for some use cases, technologies for 3D printing of electronic circuits are becoming more common. Some innovations in processes and materials are moving these technologies closer to mainstream electronics manufacturing. Christopher Tuck, professor of material science at the University of Nottingham, observed ... » read more

Thermal Floorplanning For Chips


Heat management is becoming crucial to an increasing number of chips, and it's one of a growing number of interconnected factors that must be considered throughout the entire development flow. At the same time, design requirements are exacerbating thermal problems. Those designs either have to increase margins or become more intelligent about the way heat is generated, distributed, and dissi... » read more

Power/Performance Bits: Feb. 16


Superconducting microprocessor Researchers at Yokohama National University created a superconducting processor with zero electrical resistance. Huge amounts of power are being used by computers today, and compared to the human brain, they are many orders of magnitude less efficient. Superconductors have been a popular approach to making computers more efficient, but this requires extreme co... » read more

200mm Demand Surges


A surge in demand for various chips is causing shortages for select 200mm foundry capacity as well as 200mm fab equipment, and it shows no signs of abating in 2021. Foundry customers will face a shortfall of 200mm capacity at select foundries at least in the first half of 2021, and perhaps beyond. Those customers will need to plan ahead to ensure they obtain enough 200mm capacity in 2021. Ot... » read more

Startup Funding: October 2020


October 2020 was a big month for startups across the automotive space, with sizeable funding all around. Three startups based out of China brought in over $100M apiece for ADAS and autonomous driving, and a fourth U.S.-based startup saw $125M investment for simulating and testing autonomous driving systems. Two electric vehicle manufacturers also received $100M+ rounds. Collectively, the auto c... » read more

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