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July 14
- $35bn Synopsys takeover of Ansys conditionally approved by China regulator
➀ China’s State Administration for Market Regulation conditionally approved Synopsys’ $35 billion acquisition of Ansys, mandating Synopsys to uphold existing customer contracts and guarantee renewal rights for Chinese clients;
➁ The approval marks a critical step in finalizing the deal after previous approvals from U.S. and EU regulators;
➂ The decision follows the U.S. government’s recent lifting of export restrictions on EDA tools and services to China, contextualizing the regulatory landscape.
- Japan EV makers postpone US production plans
➀ Nissan, Toyota, and Honda have delayed U.S. EV production plans due to ending tax breaks and weak demand;
➁ Nissan postponed two EV SUV models to late 2028/early 2029, Toyota halted EV output in Indiana to focus on hybrids, and Honda canceled a strategic SUV project;
➂ The U.S. eliminated EV incentives up to $7,500, with EVs accounting for less than 7% of total car sales.
- Interface IP market to reach $5.4bn by 2029
➀ The interface IP market grew by 23.5% in 2024, projected to reach $5.4 billion by 2029, driven by protocols like PCIe, DDR, and Ethernet with 17-21% CAGR;
➁ Synopsys dominates over 55% of the market, facing no major challengers, while competitors explore multi-product strategies (ASIC, ASSP, chiplets);
➂ AI systems and datacentric applications (e.g., HPC) fuel demand for advanced interfaces like DDR5, HBM, and 224G SerDes, with TSMC's HPC platform as a key growth driver.
- Q3 Flash prices to rise 5-10%
➀ TrendForce projects Q3 2025 NAND Flash prices to rise 5-10%, with client SSD demand boosted by OEM inventory clearance, Windows 10 support end, new CPUs, and China's DeepSeek PC popularity.
➁ Enterprise SSD prices to increase 5-10% due to NVIDIA Blackwell platform shipments and strong Chinese client orders, while eMMC/UFS prices rise modestly (0-5%).
➂ Wafer prices forecast to grow 8-13%, driven by QLC product promotions and broad demand across consumer, enterprise, and AI-driven sectors.
- UK Government joins Eutelsat €1.5 billion capital boost
➀ The UK government invests €90 million in Eutelsat's €1.5 billion capital raise, joining France's APE and other investors to boost satellite communications capabilities;
➀ Post-transaction, the UK will hold a 10.89% stake in Eutelsat, reinforcing its commitment to space as a strategic asset for economic growth (£364 billion annual impact) and national security;
➂ Eutelsat CEO highlights the UK's historical role in OneWeb (acquired in 2022), emphasizing collaboration in Low Earth Orbit technology and sovereign control over critical infrastructure.
- Ed’s EV Wonga Coup
➀ The UK's zero-tariff policy on Chinese EV imports has led to a surge in low-cost models like the £15k Leapmotor and £25k GWM ORA, reducing the price gap between EVs and ICE vehicles.
➀ The author leveraged investments in Chinese EV stockists through offshore funds and used UK media to promote Chinese brands, strengthening ties with Chinese officials.
➂ Collaborations with government figures and strategic publicity efforts aim to secure financial rewards alongside diplomatic recognition.
July 11
- DVCon Europe announces keynote lineup
➀ DVCon Europe announces two keynote speakers: Ralph Schleifer from CARIAD discussing virtual development in automotive, and Amanda Brock of OpenUK on open-source software trends;
➁ Keynote topics include advancements in simulation technologies, digital twins, and the evolution of open source over the past decade;
➂ The conference, sponsored by Accellera, will take place in Munich from 14-15 October 2025, with early registration discounts available.
- Raspberry Pi store to pop-up in Bristol
➀ Raspberry Pi announces a two-day pop-up store at The Mall in Bristol's Cribbs Causeway on August 29-30, 2025;
➀ The event targets audiences in the South West region;
➁ Registration or login is required to access full article details.
- Intel’s 450mm Fab
➀ In 2011, Intel announced plans for a 450mm wafer pilot line by 2015, targeting test wafers in 2012 and equipment readiness by 2013;
➁ Developing 450mm fab equipment was estimated to cost $20 billion, with unclear funding sources and a pending EU proposal;
➂ Only Intel, Toshiba, TSMC, and Samsung were deemed financially capable of adopting 450mm fabs at the time, amid skepticism about Intel's execution capabilities.
- GaN robot joint motor drive includes MCU and sensing in 32mm disc
➀ EPC releases EPC91118 GaN motor drive for robotic joints, integrating control MCU, magnetic encoder, and power stage on a 32mm PCB;
➁ The 15-55V board uses three 100V EPC23104 half-bridge ICs, RS485 communication, and eliminates electrolytic capacitors via 100kHz PWM operation;
➂ Designed for robot wrists and drones, available via Digi-Key with ceramic-only DC-link for compactness and efficiency.
- Nidec opens 108,000m2 motor and inverter factory in Qingdao
➀ Nidec opened a 108,000m² motor and inverter factory in Qingdao, capable of producing 18 million motors and 20 million inverters annually;
➁ The facility integrates production, R&D, and logistics, focusing on industries like home appliances, refrigeration, and automotive electronics;
➂ Plans to expand to automotive electronic manufacturing and collaborate with local governments for new opportunities in China.
- ESA secures access to Guiana Space Centre for launches to 2035
➀ ESA and France signed an agreement securing access to the Guiana Space Centre for launches until 2035, adapting the site for new providers like Avio;
➁ ESA invested €2 billion in upgrading launch infrastructure, including facilities for Ariane, Vega, and satellite preparation;
➂ A new governance framework with ESA-CNES committees will manage operations and resolve scheduling conflicts.
- Most Read – TSMC slam dunk, SiPearl, Optimus, Google going nuclear
➀ TSMC dominates advanced semiconductor processes, leading to Samsung's 56% profit drop due to HBM delays and foundry losses;
➁ Euro-processor developer SiPearl secures €130m funding amid EU tech sovereignty efforts;
➂ Google invests in nuclear fusion, fission, and renewables to meet surging datacenter energy demands, targeting carbon neutrality by 2030.
July 10
- Fable: The Enemy Of The Poor
➀ The article recounts a historical fable about a Lancastrian inventor whose automation innovation was destroyed by people fearing its impact on employment;
➁ The inventor was forced to flee to Nottingham due to public backlash;
➂ The moral highlights the longstanding perception that automation threatens the livelihoods of the poor.
- UWB SoCs shine with UWB radar technology
➀ Calterah introduces its Dubhe UWB SoC series, compliant with IEEE 802.15.4ab and 802.15.4z standards, featuring ToF, PDoA, and TDoA modes;
➁ The SoCs integrate a RISC-V processor, BLE-assisted long-range detection (over 400m), and signal penetration capabilities for NLoS positioning, tested in automotive scenarios;
➂ Target applications include digital keys, in-cabin detection, and radar systems, with production approval expected in Q4 2025 using a 22nm CMOS process.
- X Y Z magnetic sensor for ASIL-B safety
➀ Infineon launched three three-axis magnetic sensors (TLE493D-P3I8, TLE493D-W3B6, TLE493D-P3B6) targeting ASIL-B safety applications in automotive systems under ISO26262 standards;
➁ Key features include SPI/I²C interfaces, low power consumption (≤1μA in deep sleep), self-sampling modes (16Hz-1kHz), and three sensitivity ranges (±50/±100/±160mT) for flexible deployment;
➂ Designed for valve/pedal position sensing and infotainment control, the sensors offer built-in diagnostics and temperature compensation to enhance accuracy over -40°C to 125°C.
- What caught your eye? (Chips Act, AI datacentres, Rohm mosfet, LPD-S)
➀ Discussions on the allocation of the US Chips Act funds to drive semiconductor innovation;
➁ A company's offer to deploy an AI datacenter within 90 days, highlighting rapid tech implementation;
➂ ROHM's breakthrough in miniaturized 30V bi-directional dual MOSFETs (2mΩ, 2x2mm) for power efficiency.
- 1,200V 20A SiC Schottky diodes
➀ Nexperia launches 20A 1,200V SiC Schottky diodes with merged PiN structure, enhancing surge current capability (135A for 10ms at 25°C);
➀ Offers two packaging options: TO-247 through-hole and D2PAK surface-mount, with minor power rating differences (200W vs. 190W at 25°C);
➁ Targets industrial applications such as servers, telecom, and solar inverters, while Vishay recently released smaller 1-2A 1,200V SiC diodes in 2.6mm x 5.2mm packages.
- Raspberry Pi releases standalone Camera Module 3 Sensor Assemblies
➀ Raspberry Pi announces standalone Camera Module 3 Sensor Assemblies using Sony IMX708 sensors;
➁ Priced starting at $15, these assemblies allow integration into custom circuit boards;
➂ Designed to enable compact hardware solutions for developers and hobbyists.
- TSMC Q2 up 39% YoY
➀ TSMC reported Q2 2025 revenue of $31.9 billion, a 38.6% YoY increase, with January-June total reaching $60 billion (up 40% YoY);
➁ June revenue dipped 17.7% MoM to $9 billion but rose 26.9% YoY;
➂ AI and HPC now account for 59% of revenue (up from 46% in 2024), with full-year growth projected in the mid-20% range.
- Globalfoundries buys MIPS
➀ GlobalFoundries acquires MIPS to enhance its RISC-V-based AI platform solutions and expand its semiconductor IP offerings;
➁ MIPS' Atlas portfolio and virtual platform (Atlas Explorer) aim to optimize AI edge processing and design cycles;
➂ MIPS will operate independently post-acquisition, leveraging GlobalFoundries' manufacturing to accelerate product innovation.
- Phlux evaluation board for APD IR sensors
➀ Phlux Technology launches an evaluation board for its Aura InGaAs avalanche photodiodes (APDs), featuring 12x higher sensitivity than traditional infrared sensors;
➁ The board integrates a MAX40661 amplifier, enabling rapid testing of dark current, responsivity, and noise performance, compatible with multiple APD packages;
➂ Targets laser rangefinders, LiDAR, and defense applications, with ultra-low-noise designs achieving <30 fW/√Hz NEP.
- 1,200V 2A SiC Schottky diodes in 2.6 x 5.2mm packaging
➀ Vishay launched third-gen 650V/1200V SiC Schottky diodes in SlimSMA HV package (2.6x5.2mm) with 3.2mm creepage distance and reduced profile;
➁ Features merged PIN-Schottky technology for stable switching performance across temperatures (Q=7.2-13nC) and ultra-low 1.3-1.35V forward voltage;
➂ Designed for bootstrap/anti-parallel/PFC applications in DC-DC/AC-DC converters with 175℃ operation and positive temp coefficient for parallel use.
July 9
- Will the Chips Act allow drive innovation?
➀ Industry experts at DAC highlighted the potential of the US Chips Act to redirect semiconductor innovation to the US by incentivizing domestic R&D and addressing workforce challenges;
➀ Key concerns include a talent gap exacerbated by retiring engineers and competition from sectors like AI, while government funding and geographic expansion of innovation hubs (beyond Silicon Valley) are seen as critical solutions;
➂ Emphasis was placed on collaborative efforts to leverage both public and private investments for infrastructure, design innovation, and long-term industry resilience.
- Industrial controllers with cybersecurity and CC-Link IE TSN
➀ Mitsubishi launched industrial controllers certified by TÜV Rheinland for cybersecurity under IEC 62443 standards, featuring encrypted communication and access controls;
➁ Two models introduced: MXF (8–16 axes, 30MB memory) for packaging/labeling applications, and MXR (16–256 axes, 100–150MB memory) for semiconductor manufacturing and high-precision systems;
➂ Utilizes CC-Link IE TSN for synchronized communication with cycles as low as 125μs, enhancing multi-axis coordination in industrial environments.
- Where The Number Of Millionaires Is Growing
➀ Montenegro, UAE, and Malta experienced the fastest growth in millionaires over the past decade, primarily due to immigration, investment-for-citizenship programs, and favorable tax policies;
➁ Poland, China, and India saw significant millionaire population growth driven by strong economic development and modernization, despite China and India also having high rates of millionaire emigration;
➂ The United Kingdom recorded the largest net emigration of millionaires in 2024, surpassing China and India.
- Cortex-M23 MCU for motor control
➀ Renesas launched the RA2T1 MCU, a 64MHz Arm Cortex-M23-based microcontroller designed for single-motor applications like fans, power tools, and home appliances;
➁ Features include three-channel current sensing, PWM with dead-time control, safety mechanisms for over-current protection, and reliability enhancements like ADC self-diagnosis and SRAM parity checks;
➂ Supports voltage ranges from 1.6V to 5.5V, offers up to 64KB flash memory, and includes software tools for seamless integration with legacy code and RTOS.
- Optimus delayed
➀ Tesla has delayed its Optimus humanoid robot project, halting supplier orders for two months to address design flaws and explore new suppliers;
➁ Key technical challenges include limited battery life, overheating joint motors, low hand load capacity, and short transmission lifespan, potentially requiring reduced hand movement complexity;
➂ Leadership changes and scaled-back production targets (originally 5k units in 2025, 50k in 2026) cast doubt on project timelines.
- IBM launches Power11
➀ IBM launched Power11, a next-generation server designed for hybrid cloud and AI workloads, featuring 99.9999% uptime and resilience against cyber threats;
➁ It introduces the Spyre Accelerator for AI inference, integrates ransomware detection via Power Cyber Vault, and enables zero planned downtime for maintenance through autonomous patching;
➂ Power11 claims twice the performance per watt compared to x86 servers and offers enhanced energy efficiency modes.
- A datacentre for AI inference in 90 days
➀ SambaNova introduces SambaManaged, an AI inference-optimized datacentre deployable in 90 days, far faster than the traditional 18-24 months;
➁ The solution uses air-cooled power (10kW), minimizes infrastructure changes, offers modular scalability, and supports open-source models to avoid vendor lock-in;
➂ Already adopted by a major US company, it provides efficient AI operations with options for managed services or self-operation as expertise grows.