VLSIKshetra

Google has announced that it has achieved a major breakthrough in quantum computing, possibly nudging the technology away from the conceptual towards the practical. For the first time ever, the tech giant said it has developed a state-of-the-art quantum computing chip called Willow that solved in under five minutes a computation so complex, it would have taken a supercomputer around 10 septillion (10^25) years to complete. “The Willow chip is a major step on a journey that began over 10 years ago,” Hartmut Neven, the Google executive who founded and leads Quantum AI, the research team behind the breakthrough, said in a blog post on Monday, December We’ve always hypothesised that quantum computers can do something that classical computers cannot do. That is the main objective of quantum computing, but it has been based on theoretical constructions. If Google’s claims are true, it is a demonstration of that hypothesis to be correct,” Debapriya Basu Roy, an assistant pr...

The article is about advancements in multi-die design, focusing on solutions provided by Ansys and Synopsys for addressing the increasing complexity of semiconductor development. The discussion revolves around methodologies that improve power, performance, and area (PPA) outcomes for multi-die systems. Key points include: Thermal and Power Challenges : Multi-die systems pose challenges in managing heat and power. Advanced simulation tools from Ansys help in identifying and resolving thermal issues early in the design process, ensuring better reliability. Design Space Optimization : Synopsys utilizes AI-based tools like DSO.ai , which leverage reinforcement learning to explore vast design spaces efficiently. This allows for improved PPA by optimizing individual blocks before integration into larger systems. This technology enables significant productivity gains and power reductions across applications like GPUs, data centers, and mobile devices​ Fast Emulation and Verification : Tools ...

Intel’s Leadership Crisis Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) shares fell 6.1%, closing at $22.47, as the abrupt retirement of CEO Pat Gelsinger sent shockwaves through the market. The leadership vacuum raises concerns about Intel’s ongoing turnaround efforts. Under Gelsinger, Intel aimed to reclaim its competitive edge in PC graphics chips, AI servers, and desktop CPUs. However, the company’s significant cost-cutting measures—most notably the reduction of 15,000 jobs to save $10 billion —may hinder its ability to compete with rivals like AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA). Investors are increasingly skeptical of Intel’s ability to execute its ambitious plans, particularly as its key product timelines, such as the next-gen Panther Lake processors, remain years away from impactful revenue contributions. Broader Industry Declines: Microchip and ON Semiconductor The negative sentiment extended across the semiconductor sector: Microchip Technology (NASDAQ: MCHP): Shares dropped 7% after the co...

The semiconductor industry is booming, driven by surging demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC). Global semiconductor sales hit a record-breaking $55.3 billion in September 2024, marking a 10.2% quarterly growth, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association—the fastest pace since 2016. Amid this growth, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Intel emerge as key players, though they follow markedly different trajectories. TSMC strengthens its position as an industry leader, while Intel faces challenges that test investor confidence. Taiwan Semiconductor: The Dominant Force TSMC, the world's largest contract chip manufacturer, commands over 60% of the market. Its advanced 3nm and 5nm process technologies have solidified its status as a vital supplier to tech giants like Nvidia and Apple. In Q3 2024, TSMC reported stellar results, with revenue climbing 39% and net income surging 54.2%, demonstrating exceptional operational ef...

 Intel Corporation has announced the immediate retirement of CEO Pat Gelsinger, who will also step down from the company’s board of directors. In the interim, CFO David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus have been appointed as co-CEOs while the search for a new leader is underway. Gelsinger, a 40-year Intel veteran who returned as CEO in 2021, helmed the company during a tumultuous phase. Under his leadership, Intel experienced a 61% decline in stock price , implemented its largest-ever workforce reduction—impacting up to 17,475 employees —and grappled with significant competitive and operational challenges. Leadership Amid Unprecedented Industry Shifts During his tenure, Gelsinger initiated the IDM 2.0 strategy , aiming to restore Intel’s process leadership and expand its manufacturing capabilities. The strategy outlined an ambitious roadmap to deliver five nodes in four years , an effort critical to Intel's recovery. Early signs from the upcoming 18A node are promising, sugg...

Welcome to VLSIKshetra! Dive into today's top semiconductor and electronics news  As we look forward to 2025, the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) brings promising news for the global semiconductor market. They're predicting a substantial 12.5% growth, with the market reaching a staggering US$687 billion. What's driving this impressive surge? It's all about memory and logic sectors. Both are set to surpass the US$200 billion mark in 2025, with memory seeing an incredible rise of over 25% and logic not far behind with over a 10% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, other segments are also set for growth, though at a more modest single-digit pace. Geographically, every region is expected to flourish. The Americas and Asia Pacific are leading the charge with anticipated double-digit growth year-over-year, signaling robust and sustained expansion across the board. Additional Insights Technological Advancements : The increasing demand for advanced technolo...