US bets heavily on subsidies to rebuild semiconductor industry
The US government is embarking on a historic intervention in the global semiconductor industry. The CHIPS and Science Act has already resulted in major funding for Intel and TSMC, and now Samsung is poised to receive up to $6.4 billion in subsidies to boost its US manufacturing footprint. This unprecedented financial commitment reflects both a desire to secure America's position as a technological leader and growing geopolitical concerns about reliance on overseas suppliers.
AI boom fuels chip sales: What to expect in 2024
"Welcome to 2024: it promises to be quite the AI ride," declares Forbes contributor Karl Freund, highlighting the "explosive growth" of the AI market. This growth is fuelled by a diverse range of applications, from autonomous vehicles and edge computing to healthcare diagnostics and creative content production. As TrendForce notes, "demand for AI chips across various sectors is surging," fueled by advancements in natural language processing and computer vision.
Which EMI filter tests best in harsh environments?
Failing an EMC test can feel like a major project setback – especially when you’re working with military applications, where stringent harsh-environment standards are a must.
Shift in electronics supply chain: from scarcity to surplus
The electronics industry is currently navigating a significant shift from a period of shortage to a surplus of inventory. Initially, the pandemic-induced component shortages led to panic-buying, resulting in a massive $250 billion glut in the U.S. electronics inventory. This situation was exacerbated by extended lead times and increased consumer electronics purchases during lockdowns.
Electronics industry accused of failing to meet emissions targets
In a striking rebuke, Greenpeace has called out the global electronics industry for its inadequate efforts in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. A recent report by the environmental group scrutinised the decarbonisation initiatives of eleven leading electronics companies, finding their actions insufficiently aligned with the ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement.
Navigating future chip technology: the MAPT roadmap
The semiconductor industry is poised for a transformative decade, marked by geopolitical shifts, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), and the drive toward clean energy. In this dynamic landscape, the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) has released the MAPT Roadmap, a critical guide designed to steer the chip market through these changes and challenges.
Hyundai and Kia secure future with Infineon’s SiC chips
In a significant move, Hyundai and Kia have secured their future semiconductor needs by inking a deal with Infineon, a major player in the chip industry. This agreement, lasting until 2030, specifically focuses on silicon carbide (SiC) and silicon power semiconductors, reflecting the growing importance of these components in the automotive sector.
NAND flash market tightening: anticipated shortage ahead
The NAND Flash market is set to enter a phase of scarcity and price increases, as forecasted by Pua Khein-Seng, CEO of Phison, a renowned NAND Flash control chip manufacturer. This prediction stems from a combination of reduced production by key memory chip manufacturers and a rebound in the end market.
Electronic components sell-by dates: do they go off?
Customers should avoid specifying a general date code restriction on new orders for electronic components, recommends the ECIA (Electronic Components Industry Association) in this new policy document.
AI applications are rapidly growing and driving IC Design Houses – TrendForce
TrendForce reports that with new product releases and a surge in urgent orders for specialised specifications, Q1 revenue of the global top ten IC design houses remained on par with 4Q22 - even increasing 0.1% to a total revenue of US$33.86 billion.
Intel to build $4.6bn assembly and test plant in Poland
Intel plans to invest up to $4.6B to set up a semiconductor assembly and test facility near Wrocław, Poland, to help the EU work toward its goal of a more resilient semiconductor supply chain.
The next chip shortage: view from the experts at Semi Engineering
Will geopolitics and technology shifts drive a new supply and demand imbalance? According to Semi Engineering, the new global investment promised is focussed on chips developed at the most advanced process nodes, or specialty processes such as SiC and GaN.
Bite of UFLPA labor law will change the supply chain
The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) is a United States law that prohibits companies from importing goods that are produced in or sourced from the Xinjiang region of China. The law is meant to stop goods from being produced through forced labor or human rights abuses. The law has had a ripple effect, prompting companies to review their supply chains for any connections to Xinjiang.
Passive component makers eyeing a robust demand recovery in 2H23
Demand for passive components is recovering as the global economy shows signs of improvement. According to industry sources, demand for passive components in the first quarter of 2023 was up 10% year-on-year, with the strongest growth seen in the automotive and industrial sectors.
Positive news! Edible batteries are on the menu
According to an article in TechHQ, researchers in Italy have created a proof-of-concept edible battery made from foodstuffs that could inspire digestible devices.
ESIA: Global semiconductor market is expected to grow by 11.8% in 2024
After a decline this year, the semiconductor market is expected to bounce back in 2024 with nearly 12% growth estimated by the European Semiconductor Industry Association (ESIA).
Apple Vision Pro: predicted to ship modest 200k units next year
The market’s response will heavily depend on the subsequent introduction of the ability of Apple to offer enticing everyday functionalities that will drive the rapid growth of the AR market as a whole, comments TrendForce.
Can nearshoring help companies avoid counterfeit components?
In this article, Electronic Times makes the point that a reduced supply chain complexity makes it easier to ensure authenticity and avoid counterfeit components.
Chips that help design new chips: is The Terminator knocking on our door?
To avoid electronics supply-chain disruptions, you may also wish to consult an expert in electronics component supply. With more than three decades of supply-chain expertise, Astute Electronics is ideally placed to work with you on your daily component requirements.
LED chip prices see 3–5% surge, reports TrendForce
In recent years, heightened industry competition has forced some companies to exit the LED chip market, explains TrendForce. Most of the suppliers who have remained in the market have reported consistent losses over an extended period, causing them to transition into more profitable sectors such as display technology. This shift resulted in reduced supply and correspondingly lower inventory levels.
Samsung’s $230b pledge for Seoul chip hub attracts more companies
To avoid electronics supply-chain disruptions, you may also wish to consult an expert in electronics component supply. With more than three decades of supply-chain expertise, Astute Electronics is ideally placed to work with you on your daily component requirements.