Nvidia's partnership with MediaTek is generating significant buzz in the semiconductor industry, attracting keen interest from analysts and stakeholders alike. The collaboration aims to bring the N1X and N1 platforms to market, targeting both commercial and consumer AI PC segments as part of Nvidia’s broader expansion strategy.
The explosive growth of ChatGPT has triggered unprecedented demand for artificial intelligence (AI) computing power, leading to industry-wide supply constraints. While Nvidia maintains its stronghold as the premier AI GPU provider, major cloud service providers (CSPs) like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are actively diversifying beyond Nvidia's solutions by accelerating their internal chip development initiatives.
Socionext, a Japanese IC design house, is advancing plans to develop semiconductor products utilizing 2nm process technology in North America. While the company considers Rapidus, currently developing 2nm mass production technology, as a potential manufacturing partner, it maintains a robust partnership with TSMC.
Taiwan-based electronics distributor WT Microelectronics has steadily expanded its global distribution network following the completion of its acquisition of Future Electronics. The company is optimistic about a recovery in automotive and industrial applications in the first half of 2025, which, along with its sustained momentum in artificial intelligence (AI) product lines, is expected to contribute significantly to profit growth.
International media reports about Arm's internal discussions regarding significant licensing fee increases for its Armv9 architecture and potential chip development plans have sparked widespread attention. These developments could signal the company's possible entry into the IC design market.
Intel Foundry has announced the addition of two new defense industrial base (DIB) customers, Trusted Semiconductor Solutions and Reliable MicroSystems, as part of the third phase of the Rapid Assured Microelectronics Prototypes - Commercial (RAMP-C) efforts under the Trusted & Assured Microelectronics (T&AM) Program in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)).
AI cloud computing will remain the primary growth driver for the tech industry in 2025, while the outlook for consumer AI applications remains mixed, largely hinging on whether users can be convinced of the need to replace their devices, according to sources at IC design houses.
The US has introduced stricter export controls on chips with 30 billion transistors at 16/14nm nodes to limit Chinese access to advanced processors. Industry sources indicate that this will immediately impact Chinese AI accelerator developers.
China will investigate allegations that the US dumps lower-end chips and unfairly subsidizes its own chipmakers, in potentially one of Beijing's strongest retaliatory moves against American technology sanctions. The government will look into the question of whether the US is giving its chipmakers an unfair advantage through incentives and grants, or illegally undercutting Chinese products, the Commerce Ministry said in a statement on January 16.
Cambricon Technologies, a leading AI chipmaker in China, has announced its 2024 financial forecast, estimating annual revenue of CNY1.07 to CNY1.2 billion (approx. US$146 to US$164 million). This marks a robust year-over-year growth of 50.8% to 69.2%. The company attributed the projected increase to its ongoing market expansion efforts and the growing adoption of AI applications, positioning 2024 as a year of significant revenue improvement compared to 2023.
Broadcom and Marvell have recently emerged as key players in the era of Generative AI, alongside Nvidia. While Broadcom CEO Hock Tan is well-known in the semiconductor industry, Marvell CEO Matt Murphy, who has led the company through a lengthy eight-year strategic adjustment, has also gained respect. Recently, he has attracted media attention due to rumors that Intel may be interested in recruiting him.
ASMedia's board of directors approved on January 15 the acquisition of Techpoint, a US-based company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, for US$390 million. The move marks ASMedia's strategic entry into the automotive sector, according to ASMedia president Chewei Lin.
As AI software and hardware giants turn their attention to India for profitable opportunities, the US's recent AI chip export controls limiting India's access to advanced processors have stirred concerns about the impact on strengthening US-India relations amid enduring ties between India and Russia.
Silicon photonics (SiPh) has garnered significant business interest as a technology solution for high-speed data transfer in the era of AI. Currently, leading US chip manufacturers maintain a substantial advantage, although Taiwan-based IC design firms are trailing; nonetheless, they have started to identify potential to penetrate the industry.
The Biden administration has introduced new AI computing power regulations as it prepares to leave office. This move is perceived by many as a form of "total control" over global AI computing power, particularly targeting countries outside the 18 major allied nations with relatively strict limits on AI chip purchases and application processes.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's visit to Siliconware Precision Industries (SPIL) on his current trip to Taiwan has garnered market attention to the company's emphasis on advanced packaging.
The US has introduced new regulations to prevent advanced chips from reaching China. This move aims to tighten restrictions on its geopolitical rival, urging chip manufacturers like TSMC and Samsung Electronics to increase their oversight of customers, particularly Chinese companies.
The US-China trade war has evolved into a high-stakes contest over technology and economic supremacy, with export controls emerging as one of Washington's most potent tools. However, while these measures have hindered Beijing's technological ambitions, their broader implications suggest a complex and potentially counterproductive dynamic. This article explores the efficacy of export controls, China's countermeasures, and the long-term ramifications for global trade and innovation.
In recent years, the Japanese government has concentrated its semiconductor subsidy investments primarily on chip manufacturing. This includes financial support for TSMC to set up factories in Japan, funding for Rapidus to develop 2nm logic IC mass production technology, and investments in memory and power semiconductor production domestically.
Infineon Technologies has broken ground on a new semiconductor backend production facility in Samut Prakan, south of Bangkok, strengthening its manufacturing presence.
As President Joe Biden approaches the end of his term, his administration has unveiled comprehensive regulations on AI technology, addressing national security concerns and economic competitiveness. The Interim Final Rule on Artificial Intelligence Diffusion establishes restrictions on high-end chips and closed-weight AI models, while maintaining exemptions for open-weight models.
The recent US chip ban is expected to exacerbate the challenging circumstances for China's GPU industry, intensifying both market and production pressures.
The latest US prohibition is prompting Chinese firms to step up their chip purchases, which is resulting in a surge in demand and prices for Nvidia's RTX 5090 GPU before its release, according to industry sources.
