Here are some links to current electronics industry trends worth to check out:
2021 ELECTRONIC DESIGN FORECASTS
Check out all the forecasts for this year from the editors and industry experts.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/magazine/50043?utm_source=EG+ED+IoT+for+Engineers&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS210129062&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
If You Build It, Will They Come: The Butterfly Effect
As the pandemic rages on and with political tumult in the air, 2021 will present various challenges for new products and technologies.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/altembedded/article/21152061/electronic-design-if-you-build-it-will-they-come-the-butterfly-effect?utm_source=EG+ED+Analog+%26+Power+Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS210112082&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Technology Overkill
Whether it’s tough-to-install software or needlessly complex products replete with thick manuals, it’s high time that the “user-friendly” aspect is once again a key factor in today’s designs.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/communiqu/article/21153900/electronic-design-technology-overkill?utm_source=EG+ED+Analog+%26+Power+Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS210129048&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
2021 Forecast for the Edge
Jason Shepherd, VP of Ecosystem at ZEDEDA, shares his predictions on what will be trending in edge computing in 2021.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/iot/article/21152901/zededa-2021-forecast-for-the-edge?utm_source=EG+ED+IoT+for+Engineers&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS210129062&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Analog Matters, Even in a Digital World
Why is machine learning in analog the key to smart devices with longer-lasting batteries?
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/analog/article/21154259/aspinity-analog-matters-even-in-a-digital-world?utm_source=EG+ED+Analog+%26+Power+Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS210129051&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Taking the Pulse of Trends in Timing—the Heartbeat of Electronics
In this forecast article, Piyush Sevalia, EVP Marketing at SiTime, explores three significant trends impacting the timing market in 2021 and beyond.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/analog/article/21153309/sitime-taking-the-pulse-of-trends-in-timingthe-heartbeat-of-electronics?utm_source=EG+ED+Analog+%26+Power+Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS210120096&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
US Chip Sector Continues to Grow as Global Sales Rebound in 2020
Overall sales by US-based companies came to $208 billion in 2020, or around 47% of the market, while chips shipped into the US for use in electronics production totaled $94.2 billion, up around 20% from 2019.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/embedded-revolution/article/21154323/electronic-design-us-chip-sector-continues-to-grow-as-global-sales-rebound-in-2020?utm_source=EG+ED+Analog+%26+Power+Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS210204079&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Three Possible 2021 Outcomes: Pick Only One
There are three ways that 2021 could evolve. This article details each of the three and explains how and why each will result in relatively predictable revenues, but it’s uncertain which of these three will develop.
https://www.mwrf.com/technologies/semiconductors/article/21154243/three-possible-2021-outcomes-pick-only-one?utm_source=RF+MWRF+Today&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS210204039&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Chip supply is so tight it is shutting down automotive production lines and could affect other industries as well.
White House working to address semiconductor shortage hitting auto production
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-autos-semiconducts-biden-idUSKBN2AB2AU
US senators urge action on shortage of auto chips
CALL FOR FUNDING: A global shortage of chips used in auto production threatens the US’ post-pandemic economic recovery, a bipartisan group of senators wrote
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2021/02/04/2003751722
CEOs Urge President Biden to Fund Chips, Executive Order Expected
https://www.eetimes.com/ceos-urge-president-biden-to-fund-chips-executive-order-expected/
Car chip shortages a sign of wider demand crunch: ASML executive
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-asml-semiconductors-idINKBN2AB28Z
Carmakers have been hit hard by a global chip shortage — here’s why
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/08/carmakers-have-been-hit-hard-by-a-global-chip-shortage-heres-why-.html
Auto Industry Chip Shortages Reflect Wider Shortfall
https://www.eetimes.com/auto-industry-chip-shortages-reflect-wider-shortfall/
How Covid led to a $60 billion global chip shortage for the auto industry
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/11/how-covid-led-to-a-60-billion-global-chip-shortage-for-automakers.html
TSMC to Start Dedicating New Capacity to Auto Chips First
https://www.tomshardware.com/news/TSMC-to-prioritize-auto-chips-when-adding-capacity
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Tomi Engdahl says:
Is GaN Replacing Silicon as a Mainstream Power Solution?
Nov. 26, 2021
The emergence of gallium nitride (GaN) is changing the way designers think about their power electronics designs. We talked to Dan Kinzer at Navitas to get a handle on the situation.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/techxchange/talks/video/21181809/is-gan-replacing-silicon-as-a-mainstream-power-solution?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Auto%20Electronics&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS211118119&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
Applied Materials Says Chip Shortage Is Hitting Its Chip-Making Tools
Dec. 1, 2021
Executives at Applied Materials, which makes equipment used to manufacture chips and other parts such as displays, said that supply chain bottlenecks are taking a toll on its sales and profits.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/embedded-revolution/article/21182451/electronic-design-applied-materials-says-chip-shortage-is-hitting-its-chipmaking-tools?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS211117051&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
TSMC Chairman Says “Nothing To Be Addressed” In Response To Intel CEO
https://wccftech.com/tsmc-chairman-says-nothing-to-be-addressed-in-response-to-intel-ceo/
The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) chairman Dr. Mark Liu refused to comment on statements made by Intel Corporation’s chief executive officer (CEO) Mr. Patrick Gelsinger earlier this week. In his statements, the Intel chief had cast doubt on the geopolitical stability of Taiwan and used it to argue for a greater push towards semiconductor manufacturing in the United States. Dr. Liu responded to questions from the press at a forum in Taiwan yesterday, where he downplayed Mr. Gelsinger’s comments.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Prolonged waiting period due to chip shortage can have negative impact: Maruti
https://www.livemint.com/auto-news/prolonged-waiting-period-due-to-chip-shortage-can-have-negative-impact-maruti-11638685313603.html
Longer waiting periods with semiconductor shortage affecting production can have a negative impact on car demand, although the supply constraints of chips have gradually improved over the last few months, according to a senior official of car market leader Maruti Suzuki India. The company currently has a pending order of around 2.5 lakh units with demand in the market continuing to be buoyant, while its production was over 80 per cent of normal in November.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Semiconductor shortage to be cleared by middle of next year, says Nissan
https://www.drive.com.au/news/semiconductor-shortage-to-be-cleared-by-middle-of-next-year-says-nissan/
A shortage of semiconductors has crippled the global automotive industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but Japanese manufacturer Nissan says production should return to normal by the middle of 2022.
Tomi Engdahl says:
US-China tech war: Beijing’s efforts to catch up in advanced chips on hold as country’s attention turns to mature nodes
Only TSMC, Samsung and Intel have stayed in the race below 10nm, so it makes sense for Chinese firms to focus resources on mature chip tech, say analysts
https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-war/article/3157790/us-china-tech-war-chinas-efforts-catch-advanced-chips-hold-countrys
In recent years Chinese suppliers have made some progress in developing high-end photoresists, key materials used in the lithography process
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to Solve Analog High Voltage Delivery Challenges with a Bootstrap Approach
https://www.digikey.com/en/articles/how-to-solve-analog-high-voltage-delivery-challenges?dclid=CNn54YOc0fQCFZbUGAodMCUOxQ
It’s a unique challenge to deliver the hundreds of analog volts that automated test equipment or precision control systems frequently require. Conventional operational amplifiers (op amps) cannot service the high output voltage swings, while discrete amplifier alternatives require a high degree of tweaking and consume more pc board real estate.
However, there is another option: bootstrap the combination of a high voltage rail-to-rail output op amp and a pair of FETs that are able to withstand high breakdown voltages.
This article will describe the problems high analog voltages present and common ways to solve them. It will then show how to use a bootstrap approach using a high voltage precision amplifier from Analog Devices, along with high voltage MOSFETs from Microchip Technology and Infineon Technologies.
These will be used to create a precision, high performance solution that provides twice the amplifier’s nominal signal range while continuing to provide higher performance with minimal board real estate.
Power supply bootstrapping techniques
The bootstrapping configuration controls a device’s supply voltages in relation to its output voltage. The bootstrap circuit has a pair of discrete transistors and a resistive bias network (Figure 1).
Many high voltage amplifiers eliminate the need for a bootstrap power supply. For example, the Analog Devices 10 megahertz (MHz) ADHV4702-1BCPZ shown in the Figure is a ±110 volt power supply that suffices for most high voltage applications. However, if the system requires yet higher voltages, the bootstrap approach easily doubles this circuit’s operating range.
To execute the boostrap, Infineon Technologies’ IRFP4868PBFN-channel MOSFET is used as Q1. This device has a breakdown voltage of 300 volts and ID max of 70 A. Q2 is the TP2435N8-G P-channel MOSFET from Microchip Technology. This has a breakdown voltage of 350 volts.
In Figure 1, the ADHV4702-1 precision amplifier has an operating supply voltage range of ±12 volts to ±110 volts. With a ±110 volt supply voltage, the typical output voltage range is ±108.5 volts. With ±VS equaling ±300 volts, this bootstrap circuit is a foundation for an amplifier that can attain an output swing of ±120 volts or more.
This bootstrap concept, also known as flying rails, continuously adjusts the amplifier’s supply voltages so that they are symmetric around the amplifier’s output voltage, VOUT. Accordingly, the output remains within the supply range. In the follower bootstrapped circuit, the resistor voltage dividers (RBOT and RTOP) keep the difference between VCC and VEE constant at ±90 volts while the amplifier output range is ±200 volts. A Spice simulation illustrates this floating supply phenomenon (Figure 2).
Bootstrapping provides a high signal capability for any op amp. However, the amplifier’s slew rate impacts this high voltage configuration’s dynamic performance. In Figure 1, the op amp’s slew rate limits the ability of VCC and VEE response to a dynamic signal. Bootstrapping amplifiers is best applied for low frequency and DC applications where the supplies move slowly.
Bootstrap design implementation
The op amp power supply bootstrap design follows a three-step process:
Assess the tradeoff between the amplifier and MOSFET power dissipation
Determine the maximum amplifier output swing and assign the amplifier supply voltage
Account for resistor power requirements
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to Use Integrated GaN Switches for High Efficiency, Cost-Effective Offline Power Supplies
https://www.digikey.com/en/articles/how-to-use-integrated-gan-switches-for-offline-power-supplies?dclid=CIjx14Oc0fQCFc3gGAodczEBvw
The range of applications for compact 100-watt power supplies continues to increase, from AC-DC chargers and adapters, USB power delivery (PD) chargers, and quick charge (QC) adapters, to LED lighting, white goods, motor drives, smart meters, and industrial systems. For designers of these offline flyback power supplies, the challenge is to ensure robustness and reliability, while at the same time continuing to lower cost, improve efficiency, and reduce the form factor for higher power density.
To address many of these issues, designers can replace silicon (Si) power switches with devices based on wide bandgap (WBG) technologies such as gallium nitride (GaN). Doing so translates directly to improved power supply efficiency and reduced need for heatsinking, enabling higher power density. However, compared to Si, GaN switches are more difficult to drive.
Designers can overcome the issues associated with fast switching speeds, such as stray inductance and capacitance and high-frequency oscillations, but doing so takes added development time and cost. Instead, designers can turn to highly integrated offline flyback switcher ICs with internal GaN power devices.
This article briefly discusses the advantages of GaN and its design challenges. It then introduces three integrated offline flyback switcher IC platforms with internal GaN power switches from Power Integrations and shows how they can be used to produce high-efficiency power converter designs. Complementary MinE-CAP bulk capacitor miniaturization and inrush management ICs are discussed, as well as a useful online design environment.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Custom Cable for Industrial Automation
https://www.digikey.com/en/articles/custom-cable-for-industrial-automation?dclid=CM3Sgf6b0fQCFUJbGAodfjkI_w
Tomi Engdahl says:
Specification and Use of Muting Functions on Light Curtains
https://www.digikey.com/en/articles/specification-and-use-of-muting-functions-on-light-curtains?dclid=COy8tP2b0fQCFYESGAod-vQFwA
Tomi Engdahl says:
Apple, Intel, Ford CEOs and Other Executives Urge U.S. Chip Subsidies
Dec. 2, 2021
Executives from more than 50 companies sent a letter urging Congress to pass the CHIPS Act, which would roll out $52 billion in subsidies to support chip manufacturing, design, and research in the U.S.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/markets/automotive/article/21182710/electronic-design-apple-intel-ford-ceos-and-other-executives-urge-us-chip-subsidies?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS211130075&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
FTC haluaa estää Nvidia-Arm-jättikaupan
https://etn.fi/index.php/13-news/12909-ftc-haluaa-estaeae-nvidia-arm-jaettikaupan
Reilu vuosi sitten Nvidia ilmoitti, että se aikoo ostaa englantilaislähtöisen Arm:n japanilaiselta Softbankilta. 40 miljardin dollarin jättikauppaa on se jälkeen arvioitu eri maiden kilpailuviranomaisten toimesta. Kun osa kaupan esteistä on poistunut, USA:n kansallinen kauppakomissio FTC haluaa estää kaupan oikeusteitse.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Chance Miller / 9to5Mac:
Report details the supply chain issues that forced Apple to significantly scale down its iPhone and iPad production plans — As Apple’s ever-important holiday shopping season continues, the company is facing what a new report from Nikkei Asia describes as the “nightmare before Christmas.”
iPhone production reportedly halted briefly in ‘nightmare before Christmas’ scenario caused by parts shortage
https://9to5mac.com/2021/12/07/apple-iphone-production-shortages/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://etn.fi/index.php/13-news/12919-piirien-sopimusvalmistus-edelleen-kovassa-kasvussa
Tomi Engdahl says:
Siemensin tehoanalyysi tukee 5 nanometrin prosessia
https://etn.fi/index.php/13-news/12954-siemensin-tehoanalyysi-tukee-5-nanometrin-prosessia
Tomi Engdahl says:
Tällainen ihmetransistori pidentää kännykän toiminta-ajan viikkoon
https://etn.fi/index.php/13-news/12959-taellainen-ihmetransistori-pidentaeae-kaennykaen-toiminta-ajan-viikkoon
IBM ja Samsung ovat kehittäneet IBM:n Albanyn tutkimuslaitoksessa uuden transistorirakenteen, joka lupaa jatkaa Mooren lain viitoittamaa kehitystä vielä vuosia eteenpäin. Kyse on VTFET-transistorista (Vertical-Transport Nanosheet Field Effect Transistor), jossa idea on itse asiassa hyvin yksinkertainen: transistori on siinä nostettu pystyasentoon.
IBM:n tutkijoiden mukaan VTFET-transistorin myötä prosessorien suorituskyky voisi kasvaa kaksinkertaiseksi. Toisaalta piirien tehonkulutusta voitaisiin leikata jopa 85 prosenttia. Tutkijoiden mukaan tämä mahdollistaisi sen, että älypuhelimen akku jaksaisi toimia viikon ajan yhdellä latauksella.
Tähän asti sirulle on pakattu enemmän transistoreita kutistamalla hilan ja johtimien pituutta. Askelvalotuksen kehittymisen myötä tämä on onnistunutkin, mutta IBM:n mukaan pienempään skaalaamisen fyysiset rajat tulevat vastaan. Tätä rajaa kutsutaan nimellä CGP (Contacted Gate Pitch).
Tomi Engdahl says:
Läpimurto: Uusi transistorirakenne tekee prosessoreista kaksi kertaa tehokkaampia
https://etn.fi/index.php/13-news/12945-laepimurto-uusi-transistorirakenne-tekee-prosessoreista-kaksi-kertaa-tehokkaampia
Tomi Engdahl says:
Intel kasvattaa piiriensä tiheyden 10-kertaiseksi
https://etn.fi/index.php/13-news/12950-intel-kasvattaa-piiriensae-tiheyden-10-kertaiseksi
Puolijohdealan kovimmat kehittäjät ovat tällä San Franciscossa IEDM-konferenssissa, jossa esitellään yritysten uusimpia innovaatioita. Intel hehkutti kokouksessa lisäävänsä jatkossa piiriensä liitäntä- ja kotelointitiheyttä jopa 10-kertaiseksi. Tämä tapahtuu Foveros-pakkaustekniikan uudella Direct-evoluutiolla.
Foveros on muutaman vuoden ajan ollut Intelillä järjestelmäpiirien pakkaustekniikan ytimessä. Nyt tekniikasta on esitelty evoluutioversio, jossa alustan ja piirien väliset liitäntänystyt voivat olla alle 10 mikrometrin kokoisia. Tämä kasvattaa liitäntätiheyden kertaluokkaa suuremmaksi.
Foveros Direct -tekniikan myötä Intel esitti muille kutsun ryhtyä standardoimaan tätä hybridimuotoista kotelointitekniikkaansa. Tarkemmin tekniikkaa esitellään ensi heinäkuussa Intel Accelerated -tapahtumassa.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Labor Shortage Looms Over U.S. Ambitions for American-Made Chips
Dec. 13, 2021
As Intel, TSMC, and other semiconductor giants plan to build production plants in the U.S., the country needs to boost its current workforce by a minimum of 50% to keep the new fabs running, a report said.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/analog/article/21183485/electronic-design-labor-shortage-looms-over-us-ambitions-for-americanmade-chips?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS211206057&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
Molex to Acquire Keyssa’s 60 GHz Wireless Connector Technology
Dec. 13, 2021
Molex is trying to take advantage of the rising demand for high-speed, board-to-board contactless connectivity in mobile and consumer devices.
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/analog/article/21183604/microwaves-rf-molex-to-acquire-keyssas-60-ghz-wireless-connector-technology?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Analog%20%26%20Power%20Source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS211208096&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
With mobile and consumer products becoming ever-smaller and thinner, OEMs feel greater pressure to simplify communications within the device itself while enhancing data-transfer speeds.
To that end, Molex has acquired core technology and intellectual property (IP) from Keyssa Inc., a pioneer in high-speed contactless connectors. Keyssa’s wireless chip-to-chip technology, which comes to Molex with over 350 filed patent applications, will complement the company’s push to expand and diversify its micro-connector portfolio with highly flexible, cable-free connectors for near-field, device-to-device applications.
In addition to eliminating the need for physical cables or connectors, the technology acquired by Molex also alleviates concerns over pairing and reliability. Design for manufacturability is also enhanced with fully encased, dust- and water-proof packaging with wide alignment tolerances.
The Keyssa technology operates at data rates up to 6 Gb/s on the 60-GHz band with no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth interference. The tiny, low-power, low-latency, solid-state contactless connectors can solve critical data-transmission needs with minimal overhead.
Molex plans to advance these current capabilities by supporting exponentially higher data rates and full-duplex communications.
Molex also will take advantage of the Virtual Pipe I/O (VPIO) technology Keyssa developed to resolve protocol inefficiencies. By aggregating low- and high-speed protocols for simultaneous transmission over one or more links, VPIO can help compensate for real-time events that impact link performance integrity. Used in combination, VPIO and contactless connectors can create extensible and efficient I/O that is free from the limitations of mechanical connectors while being capable of adapting and scaling as dictated by application demands.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Anton Shilov / AnandTech:
Report: chipmakers are on track to spend $152B on new fabs and production equipment in 2021, up 34% YoY, which is the strongest YoY growth since 2017 — Semiconductor makers have drastically increased their capital expenditures (CapEx) this year in response to unprecedented demand for chips that is going to last for years.
Semi CapEx to Hit $152 Billion in 2021 as Market on Track for $2 Trillion by 2035
by Anton Shilov on December 17, 2021 11:00 AM EST
https://www.anandtech.com/show/17122/semi-capex-to-hit-152-billion-in-2021-as-market-on-track-for-2-trillion-by-2035
Tomi Engdahl says:
Max A. Cherney / Protocol:
Inside Intel’s Ronler complex in Hillsboro, Oregon, where it conducts its most advanced research and houses the company’s most important chip manufacturing site — HILLSBORO, Ore. — To create a beam of ultraviolet radiation precise enough to print the world’s most advanced microchips …
Lasers and molten tin: Inside Intel’s plans for the world’s most advanced chip-making process
After years of manufacturing struggles, Intel has gone all in on extreme ultraviolet lithography to make its most advanced chips. The technology is theoretically precise enough to hit your thumb with a laser pointer from the moon.
https://www.protocol.com/enterprise/intel-euv-fab-chips
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.anandtech.com/show/17123/tsmc-unveils-n4x-node-high-voltages-for-high-clocks?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_content=anandtech&utm_campaign=socialflow
TSMC this week announced a new fabrication process that is tailored specifically for high-performance computing (HPC) products. N4X promises to combine transistor density and design rules of TSMC’s N5-family nodes with the ability to drive chips at extra high voltages for higher frequencies, which will be particularly useful for server CPUs and SoCs. Interestingly, TSMC’s N4X can potentially enable higher frequencies than even the company’s next-generation N3 process.
One of the problems that is caused by shrinking sizes of transistors is shrinking sizes of their contacts, which means increased contact resistance and consequent problems with power delivery. Various manufacturers use different ways of tackling the contact resistance issue: Intel uses cobalt contacts instead of tungsten contacts, whereas other makers opted to forming contacts using selective tungsten deposition technology. While these methods work perfectly for pretty much all kinds of chips, there are still ways to further improve power delivery for high-performance computing (HPC) designs, which are relatively immodest about the total about of power/voltage being used. This is exactly what TSMC did to its N4X node. But before we proceed to details about the new fabrication process, let us see what advantages TSMC promises with it.
TSMC claims that its N4X node can enable up to 15% higher clocks compared to a similar circuit made using N5 as well as an up to 4% higher frequency compared to an IC produced using its N4P node while running at 1.2V. Furthermore – and seemingly more important – N4X can achieve drive voltages beyond 1.2V to get even higher clocks. To put the numbers into context: Apple’s M1 family SoCs made at N5 run at 3.20 GHz, but if these SoCs were produced using N4X, then using TSMC’s math they could theoretically be pushed to around 3.70 GHz or at an even higher frequency at voltages beyond 1.2V.
Tomi Engdahl says:
IoT, äly ja automaatio aseina sirupulaa vastaan
https://etn.fi/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12994&via=n&datum=2021-12-22_13:52:04&mottagare=30929
Maailmanlaajuinen pandemia on nopeuttanut kasvua sekä elektroniikka- että puolijohdeteollisuudessa, ja globaali sirupula on haastanut sen suuresti. Ongelmaan voidaan vastata IoT-tekniikalla, automaatiolla ja älykkäämmällä tuotannolla, kirjoittaa Siemens Digital Industries Softwaren Alan D. Porter.
Pandemian vallan tullessa etätyöstä tuli monille normi, ja tällä on odottamattomia seurauksia. Yössä kotoa työskentelyä tukevien teknologioiden, kuten kannettavien tietokoneiden, näyttöjen, kameroiden ja puhelimien, kysynnän kasvu pahensi sirujen jo ennestään kasvavaa kulutustrendiä. Tämän seurauksena tehtaat keskittyivät näiden tilausten täyttämiseen 5G- ja Internet of Things (IoT) -tekniikoiden käyttöönoton lisäksi.
Samaan aikaan autoteollisuus ennusti, että uusien autojen tarve putoaisi rajusti pandemian vuoksi, johon liittyy matkustusrajoituksia ja lukituksia monissa maissa. Tämä ennustus toteutui. Ensimmäisen pandemian huipun aikana vuoden 2020 puolivälissä uusien ajoneuvojen myynti laski, monet jälleenmyyjät sulkivat näyttelytiloja ja autotehtaita suljettiin. Kuluttajien into ostaa uusia autoja kuitenkin elpyi paljon nopeammin kuin kukaan ennusti. Monet ihmiset mieluummin ajavat autoa julkisen liikenteen tai lentoyhtiöiden sijaan.
Mielenkiintoista on, että koska työntekijät saattoivat työskennellä melkein mistä tahansa, vapaa-ajan ajoneuvojen kysyntä kasvoi dramaattisesti. Kuten monilla toimialoilla, valmistajat tällä alueella olivat täynnä tilauksia, mikä aiheutti lisävaikutusta ruuhkaan ja IC-pulaan. Kaikki nämä tekijät johtivat ja ohjaavat edelleen autoteollisuuden mikropiirien kysyntää tehtailta.
Ei ole epäilystäkään siitä, että mikrosirujen kysyntä säilyy korkeana vuoteen 2022 asti, sillä markkinoiden kysyntä on vahvaa tuotteille, jotka ovat älykkäämpiä, toimivampia, jatkuvasti kytkettyjä, laadukkaampia ja halvempia. Joten suuri kysymys elektroniikka- ja puolijohdeteollisuudelle on, mitä voidaan tehdä puristavan sirupulan helpottamiseksi?
Pitkän aikavälin ratkaisu on tietysti rakentaa lisää tehtaita, mutta se vie vuosia, maksaa miljardeja ja edustaa raakaa voimaa ratkaisuna (brute force). Toisaalta on olemassa vaara, että jossain vaiheessa palaamme ylikapasiteettiin. Siemensillä uskomme, että vuonna 2022 yritykset voivat mennä pitkälle IC-toimitusketjun ongelmien ennakoinnissa ja ratkaisemisessa hyödyntämällä olemassa olevia valmistusprosessejaan ja niihin liittyvää dataa.
Jos yritykset voivat keskittyä automaatioon ja tehtaat voivat toimia etänä, ne voivat ylläpitää tuotantoa myös toisen pandemian tai muun suuren katastrofin tai häiriön edessä. Älykkään tehtaan automaatio-ohjelmistot voivat tehdä yhteistyötä toimitusketjun ekosysteemin kanssa saadakseen enemmän reaaliaikaisia näkemyksiä, ja yritykset voivat toimia sen mukaisesti ja reagoida tehokkaammin katastrofien sattuessa.
IoT pitää kaikki kytkettynä mihin tahansa koneeseen, järjestelmään tai tietokantaan tehtaalla.
IC-pula tarkoittaa myös sitä, että yritykset etsivät pikaisesti vaihtoehtoisia toimittajia. Tämä tarkoittaa, että heidän on ymmärrettävä toimitusketjunsa joustavuus, jotta he voivat määrittää ensimmäisen ja toisen lähteen ja pienentää toimittajan nopeaan vaihtamiseen liittyviä riskejä.
Integroituminen älykkääseen digitaaliseen markkinapaikkajärjestelmään on välttämätöntä myös elektronisten komponenttien työnkulussa. Nykyinen komponenttipula on aidosti paljastanut toimitusketjujen haurauden ja luo mandaatin digitaaliselle muutokselle ja älykkäälle päätöksenteolle.
Tomi Engdahl says:
SK Hynix gets China approval to take over Intel’s NAND business
https://techcrunch.com/2021/12/22/sk-hynix-gets-china-approval-to-take-over-intels-nand-business/?tpcc=tcplusfacebook
South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix said on Wednesday it has received merger clearance from the Chinese antitrust authority for its $9 billion acquisition of Intel Corp’s NAND and SSD (solid-state drive) business, clearing the final hurdle to completion of securing regulatory approval in eight jurisdictions.
Last October, the U.S. chip giant and SK Hynix reached the acquisition deal. Following the agreement, SK Hynix obtained nods from watchdog agencies in South Korea, the U.S., the European Union, Taiwan, Brazil, Britain and Singapore.
Tomi Engdahl says:
More Attention Needed Around Rare Earth Elements
https://www.eetimes.eu/more-attention-needed-around-rare-earth-elements/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=link&utm_medium=EETimesEuropeWeekly-20211223
The supply chain problems and price hikes that have frustrated the global electronics industry have focused primarily on semiconductors and have been well documented here.
But there is an equally significant problem that, arguably, is even more complicated for the electronics sector in the long term — that surrounding rare earth elements.
These complex compounds can impact the production of a whole range of goods ranging from batteries, mobile phones, laptops, hard drives, displays, lasers, electric vehicles, defence equipment, and medical diagnostic devices.
The supply situation for these vital minerals is compounded by global political tensions, since the vast majority of the 17 rare earth materials are sourced in China, which is the single country that has the end-to-end capabilities of mining, refining, and processing the elements and is believed to enjoy a 55% global share of the minerals, and an even higher 85% of the refining capacity.
Electronics in Europe: Dead, Dying, or Reviving?
https://www.eetimes.eu/electronics-in-europe-dead-dying-or-reviving/
2021 has seen a severe supply crunch in electronic components, particularly silicon chips and crystals. The prolonged shortage has catapulted an industry story onto the front pages. It is one thing for electronics supply managers to be under increased stress.
It is quite another when a car factory shuts down because it can’t get components.
The electronic component industry is notoriously cyclical, with regular periods of feast or famine. The current component shortage can be traced to typical immediate causes: a miscalculation of demand with the corresponding lack of supply in development and a scramble to catch up.
However, the 2021 chip crisis has led to a more sustained period of soul searching in the West, particularly in Europe.
Recent events have led us to question whether we have collectively made at best a wrong turn or at worst a strategic blunder of potentially catastrophic proportions.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Automation Is No Longer Just an Option
https://www.eetimes.eu/automation-is-no-longer-just-an-option/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=link&utm_medium=EETimesEuropeWeekly-20211223
Imagine a time when manufacturing is flexible enough to scale and to weather disruptions. That time isn’t far off.
In recent months, Bosch and Infineon have opened 300-mm wafer fabs in Dresden, Germany, and Villach, Austria, respectively. Automation buzzed about. “It’s a fully automated fab,” Otto Graf, head of the Bosch Dresden plant, proudly told EE Times Europe. Similarly, Reinhard Ploss, CEO of Infineon, declared at the inauguration ceremony, “It is very important for us, in order to be successful, to automate all the tasks, and we need to shape the transformation of our workforce.”
“The Covid-19 pandemic hasn’t started any new trend, but it accelerated the use of robotics beyond established practice,” said Susanne Bieller, general secretary of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). “In this respect, the pandemic has proven to be the biggest single driver for change in industry.”
Tomi Engdahl says:
How Preventive and Predictive Maintenance Is Changing Production
https://www.eetimes.eu/how-preventive-and-predictive-maintenance-is-changing-production/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=link&utm_medium=EETimesEuropeWeekly-20211223
Unexpected outages, a frequent problem for most companies, increase the cost and risk of doing business.
Maintenance, which is necessary to prevent such outages, comes in two types: reactive and preventive. Performed after an outage has happened, reactive maintenance involves lower upfront costs and fewer staff members. Reactive maintenance does not require planning. However, it makes budgeting, downtime, and overtime pay unpredictable. Energy costs increase, and equipment lifespan shrinks.
The aim of preventive maintenance is to increase production efficiency through regular maintenance of equipment and assets. Although preventive maintenance involves higher upfront costs, more staff members, and more planning, it reduces budgeting and downtime unpredictability. In addition, it reduces energy and payroll costs while increasing equipment life expectancy. According to a study by The New Building Institute, reactive maintenance can increase energy use by 30% to 60% and decrease equipment lifespan. In addition, a study by the U.S. Department of Energy Operations and Maintenance reports that preventive maintenance can result in energy savings of as much as 18%.
Preventive maintenance has broad applications in various sectors, including manufacturing, hospitality services, fleet management, oil and gas, and property management.
Tomi Engdahl says:
IC industry in 2021: 17 chipmakers surpass $10 billion in sales
https://www.edn.com/ic-industry-in-2021-17-chipmakers-surpass-10-billion-in-sales/
According to the highlights made available from an upcoming industry research, 17 semiconductor companies will surpass $10 billion in sales in 2021. While The McClean Report will be released in January 2022, the highlights reveal some interesting developments.
Start with AMD, NXP and Analog Devices that have emerged as mega suppliers. Though it’s no surprise that Analog Devices has become a mega supplier in 2021, thanks to its acquisition of analog and power chipmaker Maxim Integrated. According to the report, Analog Devices’ 2021/2020 chip sales are forecast to jump by 24%.
AMD has been firing on all cylinders with market share gains in processors for data center servers while it continues to serve mass markets for consumer PCs and game consoles. AMD—along with MediaTek, Nvidia and Qualcomm—is also forecast to post a sales gain of greater than 50% this year.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Demand for Low-End Laptop CPUs is Tanking
https://uk.pcmag.com/laptops/136768/demand-for-low-end-laptop-cpus-is-tanking
The decline in entry-level PC shipments during this year’s third quarter also caused the average selling price for CPUs to shoot up, according to Mercury Research.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Russian-Made Elbrus CPUs Fail Trials, ‘A Completely Unacceptable Platform’
MCST’s Elbrus-8C fails to win the approval of Russia’s biggest bank.
https://www.tomshardware.com/news/russias-biggest-bank-tests-elbrus-cpu-finds-it-unacceptable?utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_content=tomsguide
Homebrew Hardware…
As part of its ongoing conflict with the Western world following the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the ongoing war against Ukraine, Russia has publicly declared its intention to substitute hardware and software developed in the U.S. and Europe with its domestic technologies. On the hardware side of matters, this meant migrating from x86 AMD’s Epyc and Intel’s Xeon Scalable platforms to its homegrown CPUs, such as MCST’s Elbrus processors based on a proprietary VLIW-like architecture, as well as Baikal Electronics’ Arm-based SoCs.
So far, some of the Russian government agencies and government-controlled companies have adopted Baikal and Elbrus-based systems. But when it comes to mission-critical servers, nobody has embraced any of the homebrew machines. This happens to a large degree because most Russian-made machines have fewer cores (compared to mainstream servers), insufficient capacity of slow and outdated memory, low clocks, and poor out-of-box software optimization.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Thanks to the Chip Shortage, Texas Instruments Is Worth $170 Billion
Even in digital age, the company’s analog chips are essential, and they are in short supply
https://www.wsj.com/articles/thanks-to-the-chip-shortage-texas-instruments-is-worth-170-billion-11640341805
Tomi Engdahl says:
Europe completes first phase of silicon independence project https://www.theregister.com/2021/12/24/european_processor_initiative_phase_one_concludes/
The European Processor Initiative (EPI) has concluded the first phase of its efforts to create made-in-Europe chips, an effort it is hoped will reduce reliance on imports, improve sovereign capabilities, and create the continent’s first exascale supercomputer.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Sky-rocketing chip prices? Not with embedded FPGA (eFPGA)
https://www.edn.com/sky-rocketing-chip-prices-not-with-embedded-fpga-efpga/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=link&utm_medium=EDNFunFriday-20211224&oly_enc_id=2359J2998023G8W
Today’s chip design market has become extremely competitive and when you add on the rising cost of semiconductor manufacturing, it’s no wonder why the embedded FPGA (eFPGA) market is taking off. In fact, Allied Market Research projects that eFPGA license revenue in 2024 to grow to $300 million, which is a compound annual growth rate of more than 50% per year for 5 years. The reason? Simply stated, eFPGA has become a significant factor in chip design, particularly as the industry moves to the more complicated and expensive process nodes.
Using eFPGA, chip designers are no longer locked in once RTL is frozen, but rather have the flexibility to make changes at any point in the chip’s life span, even in the customers’ systems. This eliminates many expensive chip spins and enables designers to address many customers and applications with the same chips. It also extends the life of chips and systems because designers are now able to update their chips as protocols and standards change.
Tomi Engdahl says:
IC industry in 2021: 17 chipmakers surpass $10 billion in sales
https://www.edn.com/ic-industry-in-2021-17-chipmakers-surpass-10-billion-in-sales/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=link&utm_medium=EDNWeekly-20211223&oly_enc_id=2359J2998023G8W
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://semiengineering.com/week-in-review-design-low-power-177/?cmid=51b37b55-b1b1-490c-aa51-659c8bf1e90e
The European Processor Initiative, an effort between a number of companies, universities, and research institutes to develop HPC chip technologies and infrastructure in the EU, shared the results of its first three years. In the General-Purpose Processor group, partners defined the architectural specifications of Rhea, the first generation of the EPI General-Purpose Processor (GPP). With 29 RISC-V cores, the Arm Neoverse V1 architecture seeks to offer a scalable and customizable solution for HPC applications. RTL has been completed and the full design implementation is currently at the validation stage using emulations. The Accelerator group is working on RISC-V vector architectures for HPC acceleration and developed a suite of technologies including a vector processing unit, many-core stencil and tensor accelerator, and variable precision accelerator. It produced a test chip with multiple distributed banks of shared L2 cache and coherence home nodes optimized for the high-bandwidth requirements of the vector processing units and connected via a high-speed NoC. The Automotive group produced a proof of concept for an embedded high-performance compute (eHPC) platform and associated software development kit tailored for automotive applications. It was demonstrated in a road-approved BMW X5.
Successful conclusion of European Processor Initiative Phase One
https://www.european-processor-initiative.eu/successful-conclusion-of-european-processor-initiative-phase-one/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://semiengineering.com/week-in-review-manufacturing-test-178/?cmid=51b37b55-b1b1-490c-aa51-659c8bf1e90e
TSMC has introduced another version of its 4nm process technology. The process, called N4X, is tailored for high-performance computing products. Recently, TSMC introduced another 4nm process, called N4P, which is an enhanced version of its 5nm technology. N4X is also an enhanced version of its 5nm technology. N4X, however, offers a performance boost of up to 15% over TSMC’s N5 process, or up to 4% over the even faster N4P at 1.2 volt. TSMC expects N4X to enter risk production by the first half of 2023. Intel and Samsung are also working on 4nm.
Tomi Engdahl says:
A $31B Goal for the Global AC-DC and DC-DC Merchant Power Supply market
December 16, 2021 Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio
https://www.powerelectronicsnews.com/a-31b-goal-for-the-global-ac-dc-and-dc-dc-merchant-power-supply-market/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=link&utm_medium=EEWebEngInsp-20211223
WAWT presents us with a five-year CAGR growth expectation of 4.8 percent from the global AC-DC and DC-DC merchant power supply market
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.eetimes.com/schottky-diodes-hemts-integrated-with-gan-ic/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=link&utm_medium=EEWebEngInsp-20211223&oly_enc_id=2359J2998023G8W#
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.techat.fi/nain-taklaamme-yhdessa-komponenttien-saatavuusongelmat/
Tomi Engdahl says:
AMD Ensures Growth for CPU Sales: Inks New Wafer Contract with GF
By Anton Shilov published 4 days ago
AMD seems confident about its CPU sales growth.
https://www.tomshardware.com/news/amd-ensures-growth-for-cpu-sales?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_content=tomsguide&utm_campaign=socialflow
Hampered by undersupply, AMD has just shown how it can increase sales of its CPUs by at least 33% in the coming years.
Overall, AMD increases its committed purchases from GlobalFoundries (made using 12 nm and 14 nm-class nodes) from $1.6 billion to $2.1 billion through 2025, an about 30% increase in revenue. And while this means a decrease per year, given the already known reduction per I/O die chip price for AMD, the company expects its CPU sales (that made by TSMC) to rise by at least more than 30% in the coming years.
What products does AMD get from GlobalFoundries now that most of its high-end compute silicon comes from TSMC? Ingredients for its premium CPU products include an input/output die (IOD), which essentially means all AMD EPYC and AMD high-end Ryzen processors with an I/O die. Yet there is some math going in into the place.
Tomi Engdahl says:
The world came to know semiconductors in a big way in 2021—unfortunately due to their relative scarcity in some supply chains.
The Chip Shortage, Giant Chips, and the Future of Moore’s Law IEEE Spectrum’s biggest semiconductor headlines of 2021
https://spectrum.ieee.org/top-semiconductors-news-2021?utm_campaign=RebelMouse&socialux=facebook&share_id=6836355&utm_medium=social&utm_content=IEEE+Spectrum&utm_source=facebook
With COVID-19 shaking the global supply chain like an angry toddler with a box of jelly beans, the average person had to take a crash course in the semiconductor industry. And many of them didn’t like what they learned. Want a new car? Tough luck, not enough chips. A new gaming system? Same. But you are not the average person, dear reader. So, in addition to learning why there was a chip shortage in the first place, you also discovered that you can—with considerable effort—fit more than two trillion transistors on a single chip. You also found that the future of Moore’s Law depends as much on where you put the wires as on how small the transistors are, among many other things.
So to recap the semiconductor stories you read most this year, we’ve put together this set of highlights
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Extreme Engineering of ASML’s EUV Light Source
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ge2RcvDlgw
After 20+ years of development, extreme ultraviolet lithography has become a commercial reality. As I write these words, multi-million dollar machines from ASML use EUV light to create impossibly small patterns in wafers.
This technological magic requires a powerful heart inside of it. And indeed, there is an amazing system driving ASML’s $150 million lithography machine: The EUV Light Source.
In this video, we are going to look at the lasers firing pulses at tin droplets to create the powerful, 13.5 nanometer wavelength light for our latest, greatest microprocessors.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Supply Chain Transformed: The Product Journey
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/industrial/video/21182102/digikey-supply-chain-transformed-the-product-journey?utm_source=EG%20ED%20Connected%20Solutions&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS211220031&o_eid=7211D2691390C9R&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C7211D2691390C9R&oly_enc_id=7211D2691390C9R
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Year Everyone Remembered That Chips Matter
https://www.wired.com/story/year-everyone-remembered-chips-matter/
Shortages of semiconductors messed up production of everything from cars to toys. Plans are in the works for more factories, but they’ll take years.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Europe’s antitrust policy shouldn’t ignore China
https://techcrunch.com/2021/12/28/europes-antitrust-policy-shouldnt-ignore-china/
Europe has a well-earned reputation for regulating Big Tech, taking the lead on privacy, data protection and especially competition. Now, new antitrust legislation that introduces criteria to identify large online “gatekeepers” is winding its way through the European Parliament. But while the Digital Markets Act is expected to target a number of U.S. tech companies, if used strategically the DMA — and European antitrust and competition policy writ large — can also be a tool to compete with China.
Tomi Engdahl says:
CPUs Could Use 85 Percent Fewer Transistors With New Adaptive Tech
By Francisco Pires published 5 days ago
Reduces the number of transistors required by a staggering 85%.
https://www.tomshardware.com/news/researchers-develop-intelligent-transistors-uses-85-percent-fewer-transistors
Tomi Engdahl says:
U.S. vs. China Rivalry Boosts Tech—and Tensions Militarized AI threatens a new arms race
https://spectrum.ieee.org/china-us-militarized-ai?share_id=6832865
Tomi Engdahl says:
Stephanie Yang / Wall Street Journal:
The chip industry faces a recruitment gap, as plans for new fabs in the US will require an estimated 70K to 90K more workers by 2025 compared to 2020 levels
Chip Makers Contend for Talent as Industry Faces Labor Shortage
https://www.wsj.com/articles/chip-makers-contend-for-talent-as-industry-faces-labor-shortage-11641124802?mod=djemalertNEWS
Limited supply of qualified workers poses challenge as facilities are built to bolster global supply of semiconductors
Tomi Engdahl says:
Meghan Bobrowsky / Wall Street Journal:
IDC estimates global desktop shipments rose 7% YoY in 2021 after dropping sharply in 2020, as some remote workers who started on laptops switched to desktops
Desktop PC Sales Rebound as Pandemic Work Evolves
https://www.wsj.com/articles/desktop-sales-rebound-as-pandemic-work-evolves-11640860381?mod=djemalertNEWS
Computing performance, screen size and price have proved to be the machine’s enduring benefits