Startup Funding: April 2021


April showers brought mega fundraising rounds to the semiconductor industry. In China, a mobile chipset maker looking to go public won significant funding along with partnerships with major smartphone companies. In the US, AI hardware startups are drawing interest with unique processor architectures and business models. Plus, a major test and design services company drew new investment. This mo... » read more

Week In Review: Auto, Security, Pervasive Computing


Data center, 5G security Nvidia won approval for its Mellanox Technologies Ltd. deal from China, according to an article on Bloomberg. Mellanox chips split up and manage AI datasets for parallel processing, which can be used in data centers for computing. Rambus has released security for 800 Gigbit Ethernet MAC (media access control) for enhanced data center and 5G infrastructure. It secure... » read more

A New Approach to Metrology


The startup Active Layer Parametrics Inc.'s ALPro 50 metrology tool offers “depth profiling of electrical properties at atomic-level resolution” —and automated processing with direct data transfer. The continuing miniaturization of microchips and nanochips has propelled the use of atomic-layer deposition and atomic-layer etch processes in semiconductor manufacturing. With miniaturization... » read more

The Week In Review: Design


M&A Barco Silex, now named Silex Inside, split from parent company Barco in a management buyout in partnership with a group of private investors lead by Dutch investment company Vehold BV. The company will continue its focus on security, video compression, and interface IP, along with design services. Tools & IP Mentor is making a version of its HyperLynx design rule checking tool ... » read more

The Quantum Man Effect


Recently I saw an art exhibit by one of my favorite artists, Julian Voss-Andreae, a German-born sculptor now living and working in Portland, Oregon. In addition to sculpting, he has studied physics, mathematics and philosophy. His background in science has informed and influenced his career in the arts, leading to his creation of pieces such as protein sculptures, based on frames of a protein f... » read more

Ray Zinn Reflects On 37 Years As CEO Of Micrel


Believed to be the longest serving CEO of any company to have existed in Silicon Valley, Ray Zinn does more in retirement than many people would accomplish as full time employees. While his name may not be at the top of most influential people in the valley, the industry may not be the same today had it not been for his contributions. Semiconductor Engineering spoke with him about his past, the... » read more

Silicon Catalyst: Semiconductor Incubator


Walk into any hall at CES this year and you're overwhelmed by the number of startups. Try doing the same at any semiconductor show, though, and the picture looks far different. Because of the startup capital required, and the amount of time it takes to see a return on investment, semiconductor entrepreneurs are having a much tougher time. Enter Silicon Catalyst, an incubator that was just st... » read more

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