The Ways In Which OpenAI Can Reinvent Semiconductor Chip Development

OpenAI's involvement in semiconductor chip development could mark a significant shift in the industry, bringing about advancements in silicon design, silicon software stack development, R&D investment, and the application of GenAI in chip design. 

However, the complexity and cost of chip development have escalated...

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THREAD

Arm and RISC-V will eventually compete in the same market. As of today, Arm is certainly leading the race and with close to 31 Billion Arm powered devices shipping YoY. It will be interesting to know how RISC-V will catch up Arm and how it will align the long-term focus.

U.S. has announced the vision to boost capabilities for advanced packaging, a key technology for manufacturing state-of-the-art semiconductors. Approximately $3 billion in funding for the National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP) will be used to drive U.S. leadership in advanced packaging. An initial funding opportunity for this program is expected to be announced in early 2024. Focus will be on: - Materials, Substrates, Equipment, Tools, Processes, Power Delivery, Thermal Management, Photonics, Connectors, A Chiplet Ecosystem, Co-Design For Test, Repair, Security, Interoperability And Reliability.

Tenstorrent is one of the few promising startups aiming for scalable and efficient hardware for deep learning. This could directly have an impact on gpu based architecture. Learn about how it can achieve this plan by following a four step process.

I published my thoughts on growth of compound semiconductors in the November/December issue of EPDT. Read and explore more about compound semiconductors including how India is provided big incentive to setup compound semiconductor focused manufacturing facilities.

Automotive semiconductor is not only about silicon chips, but also about PCB. With more than 30-40% of cost of modern car driven by the increase need of silicon chips, there seems to be a massive growth opportunity for the PCB vendors. More so, when the thermodynamics aspect of automotive is sooner or later going to be 100% powered by alternate-fuel.

Arizona State University (ASU) is pushing the case of training more workforce to fill the gap of 70K by 2030. It has recently launched the microelectronics workforce development hub. Focus will be on:

-- Test Engineer
-- Process Engineer
-- Applications Engineer
-- Field Service Engineer
-- Semiconductor Engineer
-- Integrated Circuit Designer
-- Research And Development
-- Quality And Reliability Engineer
-- Semiconductor Packaging Engineer
-- Supply Chain And Operations Engineer
-- Semiconductor Manufacturing Technician

VLOG

Watch this insightful video explaining the roles and responsibilities of a Sales Engineer including the future growth opportunity.

A sales engineer in the semiconductor industry plays a pivotal role in bridging the technical and business domains. They are responsible for understanding complex semiconductor products and technologies and effectively communicating their benefits to potential clients. Their part involves identifying customer needs, presenting technical solutions, and ensuring product offerings align with the client's requirements. They often collaborate with engineering teams to tailor solutions, demonstrating a deep understanding of semiconductor functions, applications, and market trends to facilitate informed purchasing decisions.

Career growth for sales engineers in the semiconductor industry often involves progression from handling smaller accounts or specific product lines to managing more significant, more strategic accounts or regions. With experience, they may advance to senior sales roles, oversee larger sales teams, or transition into account management positions focusing on key clients. Some may move into business development, focusing on expanding market reach and developing new business opportunities. Continued education and staying current with technological advancements can lead to specialized roles in emerging fields within the industry, such as IoT or AI applications in semiconductors.

GOVERNMENT

India, EU sign semiconductor pact to help build a robust supply chain that will help in building a “robust supply chain” and support innovation. The MoU was sealed during a “stock-taking call” between leaders of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC). The EU announced that the agreement will lead to sharing information on “granted public subsidies”.

US government has allocated approximately $3 billion in funding for the National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program. It will be used to drive U.S. leadership in advanced packaging. An initial funding opportunity for this program is expected to be announced in early 2024.

US state of Arizona has announced last week the creation of a registered apprenticeship program in collaboration with NXP Semiconductors and $4 million to support semiconductor apprentices. These programs will provide a turbo boost to Arizona’s already robust semiconductor talent pipeline, creating more opportunities for Arizonans to receive hands-on training in this high-wage field.

INDUSTRY

Tata Group is looking for land to set up a semiconductor chip assembly, testing, monitoring and packing (ATMP) unit as part of its initial efforts to develop a local manufacturing ecosystem, according to three people aware of the group’s plans. After Micron Technology, Tata Group will become the second large scale company to foray into ATMP business.

Rapidus is collaborating with Leti and the University of Tokyo to develop 1nm technology node. To start with, Rapidus is setting a modest goals for its 1nm-class manufacturing processes as it plans to improve power efficiency and performance by 10% to 20% compared to 2nm fabrication technology. Mainstream adoption of 1nm process technology will happen in the 2030s, following the adoption of 2nm, 1.8nm, and 1.4nm nodes this decade.

ACADEMIA

UCLA has created first stable, fully solid-state thermal transistor. The transistor prototype opens doors for more efficient thermal management in integrated circuits—and even presents interesting opportunities in human metabolic research.

RESEARCH

DARPA is eyeing to create next-generation semiconductor manufacturing hub. The program, dubbed Next-Generation Microelectronics Manufacturing, will fund the research and equipment to create a domestic center for prototyping cutting-edge fabrication techniques, which DARPA hopes will give the U.S. semiconductor industrial base a leading edge. The goal is to stand up the capability by 2029. 

TOOLS

nanaHUB has different types of silicon focused tools that can help students and researchers to focus on forward looking research and development. 

Google also has several key information on open source development of silicon chip.

JOBS

India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) has several key openings to promote semiconductor and display manufacturing in the country. Expertise from different professional backgrounds facilitates the smooth conduct of ISM business operations.

CONNECT

Whether you are a student with the goal to enter semiconductor industry (or even academia) or a semiconductor professional or someone looking to learn more about the ins and outs of the semiconductor industry, please do reach out to me.

Let us together explore the world of semiconductor and the endless opportunities:

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