Semiconductor Process Analyst

👩‍🍳 How we use AI at Tech in Asia, thoughtfully and responsibly.🧔‍♂️ A friendly human may check it before it goes live. More news hereThe Hon Hai Research Institute (HHRI), part of Hon Hai Precision Industry Co (Foxconn), has unveiled new AI server technologies.The new technologies include a single-chip integrated circuit for high-temperature applications and a power management solution.The integrated circuit, developed using a silicon carbide process, was created with researchers from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and National Central University.It maintains performance at temperatures above 150°C, overcoming the limits of traditional silicon circuits.These aim to reduce power use during light loads and improve system startup stability.Foxconn, is expanding into EV, robotics, and digital healthcare, driven by advances in AI and semiconductor tech.🔗 Source: Focus Taiwan🧠 Food for thought1️⃣ Foxconn’s semiconductor pivot represents a strategic long-term transformationFoxconn’s unveiling of AI server-related silicon carbide technology marks a significant step in its years-long effort to diversify beyond contract manufacturing.The company has been methodically expanding into semiconductor manufacturing since at least 2018, when it first considered establishing a chip fabrication plant through its Sharp subsidiary 1.This silicon carbide technology aligns with Foxconn’s “3 plus 3” strategy and the broader transformation initiative known as “Foxconn 3.0,” which established the Hon Hai Research Institute with five dedicated research centers focusing on next-generation communications, AI, semiconductors, information security, and quantum computing 2.The push into advanced semiconductors represents a strategic pivot from Foxconn’s traditional assembly-focused business model toward higher-margin, technology-driven operations. This shift is similar to its repositioning through acquisitions of brands like Sharp to move from manufacturing-centric to design-driven approaches 3.This semiconductor diversification is particularly timely as the global market is projected to reach $697 billion in 2025, with a 7.5% CAGR potentially driving it to $1 trillion by 2030 4.2️⃣ Silicon carbide emerges as critical material for extreme computing environmentsHon Hai’s silicon carbide integrated circuit technology addresses a growing need for components that can function reliably in extreme conditions, particularly as AI computing expands into harsh environments.The technology’s ability to operate above 150°C overcomes the performance limitations of traditional silicon-based circuits. Silicon carbide (SiC) is rapidly expanding beyond its initial automotive applications into data centers, renewable energy systems, and industrial power supplies, driven by its superior thermal conductivity and efficiency in high-temperature environments 5.This material innovation is particularly relevant for AI server environments, where cooling and heat management remain critical challenges for maintaining performance and extending hardware lifespan 6.The development aligns with a broader industry trend toward specialized materials designed for extreme conditions 7.3️⃣ Power management innovations becoming critical differentiators in AI infrastructureHon Hai’s LLC resonant converter controller addresses the growing need for advanced power management in AI-intensive computing environments, where energy efficiency is increasingly crucial.The novel Burst Mode control solution aims to achieve higher power efficiency while reducing output voltage ripple, directly addressing the power optimization challenges that have become central to semiconductor design 5.This focus on power management comes as generative AI dramatically increases energy demands in data centers, creating an urgent need for more efficient power delivery systems 5.The growing importance of power components is further emphasized by industry forecasts showing high-bandwidth memory (HBM) revenues are expected to reach $21 billion in 2025, a 70% year-over-year increase driven largely by AI applications 8.These power management advances complement industry-wide efforts toward backside power delivery technology, which aims to reduce heat and improve power efficiency in next-generation semiconductors 9.Recent Foxconn developments

👩‍🍳 How we use AI at Tech in Asia, thoughtfully and responsibly.🧔‍♂️ A friendly human may check it before it goes live. More news hereNvidia is considering developing a new AI chip for the Chinese market, according to CEO Jensen Huang. This comes after the US imposed export restrictions on its H20 chips, which were specifically designed for China.Huang said, “We don’t have anything to announce at the moment, but we’re considering it,” noting the need to understand export limits before creating new products.He confirmed that Nvidia won’t release any new Hopper-series products for China due to performance limitations tied to the export rules.Despite the ban, Nvidia saw a 69% year-on-year revenue increase in Q1 and gave an optimistic forecast for the current quarter. However, the company expects an US$8 billion revenue loss in Q2 due to the restrictions.It also reported a US$4.5 billion charge in Q1 related to H20 chip inventory and purchase obligations.🔗 Source: South China Morning Post🧠 Food for thought1️⃣ Export controls accelerating China’s domestic AI chip developmentNvidia’s market share in China has reportedly plummeted from 95% to 50% as a direct result of U.S. export restrictions, creating a vacuum that Chinese manufacturers are rapidly filling 1.This shift aligns with a broader pattern where export controls intended to limit access to advanced technology often stimulate domestic innovation in target countries.The financial impact is substantial and immediate. Nvidia anticipates an $8 billion revenue loss in Q2 2025 from the H20 chip ban and has already recorded a $4.5 billion charge in Q1 due to excess inventory and purchase obligations.Jensen Huang’s statement that “the U.S

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading semiconductor test equipment supplier Advantest Corporation (TSE: 6857) today announced it has once again received top ratings in the 2025 TechInsights Customer Satisfaction Survey, capturing the No. 1 spot on this prestigious annual survey of global semiconductor companies for the sixth consecutive year.Advantest has been recognized in the TechInsights 2025 Global Semiconductor Supplier Awards - Top 10 Customer Service - Large (previously known as the “10 BEST”) ranking for each of the 37 years that the survey has existed. The survey ratings are based on direct customer feedback representing more than 46% of the world’s chip producers, which include integrated device manufacturers (IDMs), fabless companies, and outsourced assembly and test (OSAT) providers.According to TechInsights, Advantest has also been rated at the top of the TechInsights 2025 Global Semiconductor Supplier Awards - Assembly/Test Equipment Supplier (previously known as “THE BEST”) ranking this year and every year since 2020. The company has ranked Global #1 for the sixth consecutive year in the Top 10 Customer Service - Large category and was the only company to receive a five-star rating. Worldwide participants rated equipment suppliers among 14 categories based on three key factors: supplier performance, customer service, and product performance. The award categories span customer service, assembly and test equipment, test subsystems, wafer fab equipment (WFE) subsystems, WFE foundation chip makers, fab equipment and specialty chip makers.In the 2025 survey, Advantest achieved high customer ratings in the areas of Partnering, Trust in Supplier, Technical Leadership, Commitment, Recommended Supplier, Field Engineering Support, and Application Support.“Advantest’s steadfast dedication to technological advancement and customer success continues to fuel innovation across its worldwide customer base,” stated G