RISC-V’s Increasing Influence


The industry is increasingly talking about benefits brought by the RISC-V architecture, but is it even the right starting point? While it may not be perfect, it may provide the flexibility necessary to move forward gradually. Computer architectures and software have followed in the footsteps of processors developed 80 years ago. They aimed to solve sequential, scalar arithmetic problems usin... » read more

Rethinking Chip Reliability For Harsh Conditions


As semiconductors push into environments once considered untenable, reliability expectations are being redefined. From the vacuum of space and the inside of jet engines to deep industrial automation and electrified drivetrains, chips now must endure extreme temperature swings, corrosive atmospheres, mechanical vibration, radiation, and unpredictable power cycles, all while delivering increasing... » read more

Chip Industry Week In Review


Updated for 12/20 government fundings and 12/23 for China trade investigation announcements. President Biden announced a trade investigation into "China's unfair trade practices in the semiconductor sector."  The announcement stated "PRC semiconductors often enter the U.S. market as a component of finished goods. This Section 301 investigation will examine a broad range of the PRC’s non-m... » read more

Chip Industry Week In Review


By Jesse Allen, Gregory Haley, and Liz Allan Bosch, Infineon, and NXP were cleared in Germany to each acquire 10% of the European Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (ESMC), established by TSMC, solidifying the supply chain against future shortages, particularly for automotive chips. “ESMC intends to build and operate another large semiconductor factory in Dresden, in which the three Europ... » read more

Week In Review: Design, Low Power


Earnings and Acquisitions Siemens will acquire Avery Design Systems, a simulation-independent verification IP supplier, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Siemens executives say the acquisition will “enhance Siemens’ offerings across mainstream verification IP segments, while further extending Siemens verification solutions into area... » read more

Week In Review: Design, Low Power


RISC-V RISC-V International announced four new specification and extension approvals. Efficient Trace for RISC-V defines an approach to processor tracing that uses a branch trace. RISC-V Supervisor Binary Interface architects a firmware layer between the hardware platform and the operating system kernel using an application binary interface in supervisor mode to enable common platform services... » read more

Week In Review: Design, Low Power


Edge, embedded, IoT Renesas Electronics will acquire Reality Analytics, Inc. (Reality AI), a provider of embedded AI and TinyML solutions for advanced non-visual sensing in automotive, industrial, and commercial products. The inference-based AI solutions can be implemented across various endpoint AI applications. “Customers are increasingly demanding highly customized solutions involving emb... » 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


Arm unveiled the Arm Cortex-M85 processor and expanded Arm Virtual Hardware to more platforms, including 3rd party devices. The Cortex-M85 is the highest performance Cortex-M processor to date, with 30% scalar performance uplift compared to the Cortex-M7, technology to support endpoint ML and DSP workloads, and includes Pointer Authentication and Branch Target Identification (PACBTI), a new arc... » read more

Week In Review: Design, Low Power


Design services firm SemiFive acquired Analog Bits, a provider of low-power mixed-signal IP. Analog Bits' portfolio includes precision clocking macros, I/Os, SerDes, and sensors to monitor PVT. It was founded in 1995 and based in Sunnyvale, California. “Analog Bits has a solid track record of developing and delivering differentiated and high-quality mixed signal IP addressing multiple market ... » read more

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