Author page description
March 1
- RISC-V高性能时代已来，玄铁再亮剑
➀ RISC-V has transformed from an emerging force to a mainstream one after more than a decade of development;
➁ More and more companies are entering the RISC-V field and achieving remarkable results, with Qualcomm shipping 650 million RISC-V cores by the end of 2023 and ARM producing about 3 billion chips based on RISC-V cores;
➂ Alibaba's DAMO Academy Xuan Tie team is fully committed to RISC-V, revealing breakthroughs in server-grade CPU and showcasing the full picture of the high-performance ecosystem.
- US to Impose Comprehensive Ban on AI Chip Sales to China!
➀ Mizuho Securities reports that the Trump administration may impose new export control measures on AI chips to China.
➁ The appointment of key officials in the US Department of Commerce and Bureau of Industry and Security may lead to a complete ban on all AI chips entering China, affecting NVIDIA's H20/B20 and some traditional chips (28nm+).
➂ The ban could impact NVIDIA's revenue by $4-6 billion and earnings per share by $0.13-0.18.
February 28
- Xiaomi's SU7 Ultra Sets New Sales Record with Near 172 SiC Chips
➀ Xiaomi's SU7 Ultra was launched at 52.99 million yuan, with explosive growth in orders reaching 6,900 units in 10 minutes and over 10,000 units in 2 hours.
<>➁ The car, targeted at million-level supercars, has a groundbreaking 1.98-second zero-to-100 acceleration and utilizes full-stack SiC technology.➂ The SU7 Ultra uses 172 SiC chips, with each motor controller requiring 48 SiC MOSFET chips, and the total number of chips used in the entire vehicle reaching 172.
- Nanjing EDA Company's Top Management Change: CEO Resignation
➀ Nanjing EDA company, Xinhua Zhang, has completed a strategic upgrade in early 2025, appointing Xie Zhonghui and Qi Zhenghua as Co-CEOs, and Wang Libin as Chairman, focusing on strategic resource integration and financing.
➁ Xinhua Zhang was established in Nanjing in March 2020, focusing on digital verification, offering verification solutions from chips to systems, and has released over a dozen digital verification products with over 200 independently developed patent applications.
➂ The management change is a key step for Xinhua Zhang's scaling-up development, aiming to strengthen strategic execution, accelerate product and market collaboration, and respond to the increasingly intense semiconductor EDA market competition.
- Murata Considers Large-Scale Mergers!
➀ Murata Manufacturing, the world's largest capacitor manufacturer, is considering a merger worth over 100 billion yen (about $6.65 billion) to drive growth, aiming to complete it within the midterm plan period ending in fiscal 2027.
➁ The company's past mergers have focused on technology, but over the next three years, it will seek to expand scale through business acquisitions.
➂ Murata will consider partnerships or mergers with companies with solid businesses in information systems and services to increase its influence and market share in new markets. Potential targets include inductors, high-frequency components, and sensors, and may also consider overseas enterprises.
- The Triumph of Open Source: RISC-V and AI Join Forces Today
➀ RISC-V is emerging as the native computing architecture for AI.
➁ DeepSeek's success has sparked innovation in computing architecture.
➂ RISC-V, with its open-source nature, is well-suited AI applications.
➃ The flexibility and scalability of RISC-V make it ideal for AI computing.
➄ The first server-grade CPU based on RISC-V, C930, is set for delivery.
➅ Alibaba's XuanTie leads the international open-source community in RISC-V development.
➆ RISC-V is poised to become the dominant architecture in AI accelerators by 2030.
- AMD CEO苏姿丰·最新斯坦福深度对话：芯片巨头的转型之路与未来野心 (附视频）
➀ Su Zifeng's background and leadership style, shaped by a multicultural upbringing and a curiosity for engineering.
➁ AMD's transformation and rise under Su's leadership, focusing on high-performance computing and strategic adjustments.
➂ The opportunities and challenges of AI in the era, AMD's strategy for AI applications, and the importance of open-source software and collaboration.
- AI-MemoryX Memory Expansion Technology by YEESTOR Facilitates DeepSeek Training and Inference Machines
➀ YEESTOR releases the AI-MemoryX memory expansion solution, enhancing the memory capacity significantly;
➁ The solution supports the micro-adjustment training of large models such as 32B, 70B, 110B, 671B on a single machine;
➂ It reduces the hardware expansion cost to tens of thousands of yuan, lowering the threshold for large-scale model training.
- From Huawei's 'Disowned Child' to Building a 100Billion Giant, the First Rich Man in Yueyang Is About to Harvest a Second IPO
➀ The joint venture between Huawei and Xiaomi has developed the V6s and V8s super motors;
➁ Hunan Huaxiang United Power System Co., Ltd., a hidden champion in the industry with annual revenue exceeding 9 billion yuan, is preparing for an IPO;
➂ Founder Zhu Xingming, the former richest man in Yueyang, has a personal fortune of 13 billion yuan and is listed at 388th in the 2024 Hurun Rich List.
February 27
- Chinese Server CPU Manufacturer Hits the Rocks: Chairman's Consumption Limited
➀ The Suzhou Intermediate People's Court issued a consumption restriction order against the legal representative and chairman of Chinese server CPU startup Heyin Technology, Yao Kejian, prohibiting him from engaging in high-consumption and non-essential consumption for life and work.
➁ Heyin Technology was previously exposed for delaying employee salaries for half a year, nearly shutting down, and over 500 employees seeking labor arbitration rights.
➂ Yao Kejian has been reported to be missing.
- Analog Devices to Lay Off 2,400 Employees Globally!
➀ Analog Devices plans to lay off 9% of its workforce, approximately 2,400 people, due to decreased demand and revenue.
➁ The company had 26,400 formal employees as of mid-February, and the layoffs are expected to save $105 million to $115 million annually.
➂ CEO Hassane El-Khoury is working to optimize financial scale while pushing for innovation to maintain competitiveness in the AI boom.
- Shanghai GPU Unicorn Layoffs Reach 200 Employees
➀ Shanghai GPU unicorn MUXi is implementing a pre-IPO layoff plan, affecting around 200 employees, or about 20% of its workforce.
➁ The company has completed a financing round of 2 billion RMB and has started the A-share listing process.
➂ MUXi has secured several large orders, including an 850 million RMB order for its AI large model training and general-purpose computing GPU.
February 26
- IEEE Joins Bilibili! A Tech Enthusiast's狂欢!
➀ IEEE has officially joined Bilibili, opening an official account to bring a 'hardcore' feast for Chinese tech enthusiasts;
➁ IEEE will regularly post full-English videos of tech events, cutting-edge technology news, member welfare lectures, and celebrity lectures on Bilibili, covering hot areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and communication technology;
➂ The videos also support AI-generated Chinese subtitles, making it easy to keep up with global technology trends;
➃ IEEE, as the world's largest professional technical organization, has been committed to promoting technological innovation;
➄ This move to Bilibili not only brings IEEE closer to young Chinese tech enthusiasts but also provides a new learning and communication platform for tech-loving content creators and viewers;
➅ IEEE's top online events, such as IEEE Tech Frontiers, also be broadcasted live on Bilibili.
- Avicena: Chip-to-Chip Short-Distance Optical Interconnect Based on GaN MicroLED Arrays
➀ Chip-to-chip communication needs are increasing with the rapid development of information technology, and traditional electronic interconnect technologies are facing limitations in meeting high bandwidth, low latency, and low power consumption requirements.
➁ Avicena proposes that short-distance chip-to-chip communication is more like walking, focusing on simplicity and efficiency, rather than using long-distance laser communication technology which is considered as overkill.
➂ μLED technology offers advantages such as high brightness, efficiency, low power consumption, high density parallel communication, low power consumption, high reliability, and low cost.
➃ The research team designed an optical transmitter using μLED arrays and optimized the drive current and modulation rate of μLEDs for high-speed data transmission.
➄ The optical receiver design includes the use of blue light photodetectors, optimized transimpedance amplifiers, and digital offset cancellation techniques.
➅ The team achieved a 2Gbps transmission rate with a total power consumption of 0.5pJ/bit in a 130nm CMOS SOI process, and a 1.2Tbps total rate with energy efficiency less than 1pJ/bit in a 16nm process.
➆ The application of μLED technology in chip-to-chip communication shows great potential for high-performance computing and artificial intelligence.
- Vietnam Aims to Break Through the US-China 'Silicon Curtain' with Huawei's Introduction
➀ Vietnam's General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, emphasized the need to remove at least 30% of business restrictions and reduce administrative procedures by at least 30% to lower costs.
➁ Vietnam's legal system is lagging behind in digital economy, innovation, and international integration, particularly in fintech, AI, platform economy, e-commerce, and special economic zones.
➂ North Ninh province, a hub of Vietnam's electronics manufacturing, has visited Huawei and other companies to explore investment opportunities in technology and digital infrastructure.
- Foreign Media: Huawei's AI Chip Achieves Breakthrough!
➀ Huawei's AI chip, Ascend 910C, achieves a significant breakthrough with a yield rate of 40%, marking a major progress from 20% last year;
➁ Huawei plans to produce 100,000 Ascend 910C and 300,000 910B chips this year, although sales are behind NVIDIA, still leading the Chinese AI chip market;
➂ Huawei aims to further increase the yield rate to 60% to further solidify its position in the AI chip market, currently occupying more than 75% of the total AI chip production in mainland China.
- Three New GaN Projects Launched: Accelerating Domestic Full Industry Chain Layout
➀ Three new GaN projects have been launched in China, covering the four major links of 'substrate-epitaxy-chip-module';
➁ Gaao Technology's GaN project has been settled in Zhejiang Province, focusing on GaN power devices and modules;
➂ Gaao Technology has developed a new national standard electric bicycle intelligent charging pile using GaN technology;
➃ Quanlei Optoelectronics has started a GaN epitaxy wafer/芯片 research and development and industrialization project;
➄ Guogan Xinkeshi has completed the environmental protection acceptance of its GaN substrate production base project.
- Taiwan Treats Semiconductor Industry as 'Souvenir' for the U.S.
➀ The Mainland Affairs Office of the State Council held a regular press conference on February 26th.
➁ A journalist asked about U.S. President Trump's recent statement on Taiwan taking away the U.S. chip business and his warning to Taiwan.
➂ The spokesperson, Zhu Fenglian, commented on the concerns and doubts in Taiwan regarding TSMC becoming 'U.S. TSMC'.
➃ Zhu emphasized that the Taiwan region's semiconductor industry and leading enterprises are treated as a 'door-opener for seeking independence through external forces' and even as 'a gift' handed over to the U.S., leading to growing opposition among Taiwanese citizens and enterprises.
- Chongqing's 'NVIDIA' Emerges from Despair
➀ Chongqing-based AI chip company Xiangdiexian has emerged from a financial crisis after securing a new round of funding from Anfu Technology and several venture capital firms.
➁ The company, founded by Tang Zhimin, a strategic scientist in the field of computer system and processor chip design, had previously raised over 2.5 billion yuan in five funding rounds.
➂ However, the company faced difficulties due to a failed bet agreement and layoffs affecting over 400 employees. Now, with the new funding, the company is looking to rebuild and strengthen its position in the AI chip industry.
- Wenye 2024 Net Profit Reaches New High: 9.1 Billion New Taiwan Dollars!
➀ Wenye's revenue and net profit reached historical highs in 2024, benefiting from the merger of Fuzheng Electronics.
➁ The consolidated revenue for the full year was NT$95.94 billion, an increase of 61% year-on-year.
➂ The consolidated operating profit was approximately NT$15.26 billion, up 86% year-on-year.
➃ The consolidated net profit after tax was NT$9.11 billion, an increase of 127% year-on-year.
February 25
- High NA EUV Lithography Machine Achieves Significant Milestone
➀ Intel announced that the first two of the cutting-edge lithography machines are being produced in its factory, with early data showing they are more reliable than earlier models.
➁ Intel used ASML's high numerical aperture (NA) lithography machines to produce 30,000 wafers in a quarter, which can produce thousands of computing chips.
➂ Intel plans to use the High NA machines to help develop the so-called 18A manufacturing technology, which is scheduled for mass production later this year with the next generation of PC chips.
- In-Depth Analysis of Third-Generation Semiconductor Materials: Silicon Carbide and Gallium Nitride
➀ The development history of semiconductor materials, from the first generation to the third generation;
➁ The unique physical properties of silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), such as wide bandgap, high breakdown field, high electron mobility, and excellent thermal conductivity;
➂ The market landscape of SiC and GaN, including market size, key players, and application areas.
- Shanghai Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturer Makes Major M&A Move!
➀ Shanghai's Zhizhen Technology plans to acquire the controlling stake of Weidong Jinglin, a professional electronic material supplier, through a combination of issuing shares and paying cash.
➁ Zhizhen Technology, a high-tech enterprise focusing on semiconductor equipment, has been actively involved in capital operations since its listing.
➂ Weidong Jinglin, founded in 2006, is a key supplier of electronic materials and has been preparing for an IPO.
- High NA EUV Lithography Machine Achieves Significant Milestone
➀ Intel has begun production with the first two of ASML's advanced lithography machines in its factory, showing early data indicating increased reliability over earlier models.
➁ Intel, which became the first chip manufacturer to receive these machines last year, plans to use them to develop 18A manufacturing technology for mass production later this year.
➂ Imec has demonstrated the first electrical yield results from 20nm spacing metal lines patterned using High NA EUV single patterning technology, showing good electrical yield and fewer random defects.
- Tianyue Advanced Announces Record SiC Revenue and Production Capacity
➀ Tianyue Advanced reported a net profit of 180 million yuan from SiC, achieving a turn-around from losses;
➁ The company's SiC sales volume exceeded 250,000 pieces in the first nine months of 2024, with an annualized production capacity of 460,000 pieces;
➂ Tianyue Advanced plans to build 8-inch SiC production lines and new overseas production bases.
- Fujian Entrepreneur's Chip Business Boosts Wealth by Over 200B in Half a Year
➀ Deepseek's popularity has ignited excitement in the secondary market for edge AI, boosting the stock prices of companies like Rockchip.
➁ Rockchip's founder Li Min's wealth has surged to 10 billion yuan, with a direct and indirect shareholding of 42.3361% in Rockchip, valued at about 32.9 billion yuan.
➂ Rockchip has transformed from audio and video chips to AIoT chips, becoming one of the most diverse AIoT product line vendors in China.
February 24
- Intel 18A Process Ready for Tape-Out
➀ Intel has announced that its Intel 18A process, the final and most important in its 'four years, five nodes' plan, is ready for tape-out in the first half of this year;
➁ The 18A process represents a significant breakthrough for Intel's IDM 2.0 strategy and is seen as a key signal for the revitalization of Intel Foundry Services (IFS);
➂ The 18A process will introduce several advanced semiconductor technologies, with a 30% increase in chip density and a 15% improvement in performance per watt compared to Intel's 3nm process;
➃ Intel plans to apply the 18A process to the upcoming Panther Lake laptop processors and Clearwater Forest server CPUs;
➄ The ribbonFET full-gate transistor and PowerVia backside power supply technology are the two major breakthroughs of the 18A process;
➅ The ribbonFET transistor achieves a full-gate (GAA) architecture, providing finer control of current flow and reducing power consumption and leakage;
➆ PowerVia backside power supply technology changes the logic of chip wiring, making the power supply path for transistors more direct and improving power supply efficiency;
➇ Intel's next-generation mobile processor Panther Lake and desktop processor Nova Lake will be based on the Intel 18A process, with the server CPU Clearwater Forest also planned for release in the first half of 2026;
➈ Intel will also cooperate with external chip design companies to customize chips, such as Amazon and Microsoft.
- 重磅！三星与长江存储合作
➀ Samsung has chosen to use China's NAND manufacturer YMTC's patented technology starting from V10 (10th generation);
➁ YMTC, the earliest to apply hybrid bonding to 3D NAND, has a strong patent accumulation in related technology;
➂ Samsung Electronics has signed a licensing agreement with YMTC for 3D NAND hybrid bonding patents, avoiding patent risks and accelerating technological development.
- Intel 18A Ready to Take the Lead Over TSMC and Samsung
➀ Intel has officially launched the introduction of its most advanced 18A process technology and claims it is 'ready';
➁ The 18A process is expected to enter mass production in mid-2025, with the Panther Lake processor from the Core Ultra 300 series as the first to use it, which is expected to be launched in the second half of this year;
➂ Compared to the Intel 3 process node, the 18A process improves performance per watt by 15% and chip density by 30%;
➃ Intel 18A uses RibbonFET GAA transistor technology for precise current control and improved performance per watt, minimum voltage operation, and electrostatic performance;
➄ The PowerVia背面供电 technology of Intel 18A can improve density and utilization rate by 5% to 10% and reduce resistance power drop, thereby improving ISO power performance by up to 4%;
➅ Intel 18A is expected to enter mass production in the second half of 2025, potentially leading the industry by nearly a year over TSMC's N2 process.
February 23
- Chinese Companies Place Orders for South Korea's 4nm!
➀ Samsung Electronics' 4nm advanced process yield has approached 80% and recently received ASIC foundry orders from Chinese companies.
➁ The new management team has adjusted the strategy, no longer chasing the forefront competition, and focusing on winning customers with high yield.
➂ The popularity of the AI development platform DeepSeek has ignited the enthusiasm of Chinese technology companies to develop AI ASICs, with Samsung's price and capacity advantages becoming a key driving force for orders.