Recent #Microelectronics news in the semiconductor industry

11 months ago
1. Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and UC Berkeley have developed 'microcapacitors' with up to 170x the power density of current capacitors. 2. These microcapacitors integrate energy storage directly into microchips, significantly reducing energy loss during power transfer. 3. The use of negative capacitance materials in HfO2-ZrO2 thin films enables these capacitors to store significantly more energy than conventional ones.
CapacitorEnergy StorageMicroelectronics
2 months ago

➀ Intel has announced that three members of its board of directors will not seek reelection, shifting the board's focus to a more high-tech industry-oriented one.

➁ The departing directors have backgrounds in healthcare and academia, and their departure is seen as a move towards deeper tech expertise.

➂ The new board composition includes a stronger emphasis on industry-specific knowledge, which may help Intel regain its competitive edge.

Board of DirectorsIntelMicroelectronicsTechnology Leadershipsemiconductor industry
2 months ago

➀ NMI will host a conference on March 26th in Glasgow to explore new markets and technologies for expansion.

➁ The event at the University of Strathclyde focuses on the expected growth of the global semiconductor industry, which is projected to reach a $2 trillion market in the next decade.

➂ Key speakers will discuss topics like manufacturing innovation, market trends, sustainability, and the impact of emerging technologies.

ConferenceGlasgowMicroelectronicsinnovationsemiconductortechnology
3 months ago

➀ Amazon's AWS has introduced Ocelot, a new scalable quantum computing solution that claims to reduce the cost of quantum computing error correction by up to 90%;

➁ Ocelot is built around a novel design that implements 'cat qubits' to inherently suppress certain forms of errors;

➂ The AWS Ocelot architecture could reduce the timeline to a practical quantum computer by up to five years, according to AWS director of Quantum Hardware, Oskar Painter.

AmazonMicroelectronicsQuantum Computing
4 months ago
➀ Sivers Semiconductors of Sweden has received awards for electronic warfare and 5G/6G chip development from the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC) Hub through the U.S. Chips and Science Act. The awards are under the Microelectronics Commons program, executed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division and the National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL). ➁ The awards are to validate Sivers’ wireless technology as a key enabler for mmWave technology adoption. ➂ Sivers will collaborate with BAE Systems, Raytheon, and Ericsson for commercializing RF and beamforming technology for defense and dual-use applications.
5GMicroelectronicsUS Chips and Science Actsemiconductor
5 months ago
➀ The APECS pilot line marks a significant step in strengthening Europe's semiconductor manufacturing and chiplet innovation. ➁ It aims to enhance technological resilience, cross-border collaboration, and global competitiveness. ➂ The line will provide advanced technology access to industry players, SMEs, and startups, establishing a strong foundation for European semiconductor supply chains. ➃ APECS focuses on bridging research with innovative developments in heterogeneous integration and advanced packaging.
Advanced PackagingChipletCollaborationEuropeFraunhoferHeterogeneous IntegrationMicroelectronicsinnovationresearchsemiconductor
5 months ago
➀ The APECS pilot line, a key part of the EU Chips Act, is launched to advance chiplet innovations and enhance European semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. ➁ The pilot line will provide low-barrier access to cutting-edge technologies for large companies, SMEs, and startups, ensuring secure and resilient semiconductor value chains. ➂ The APECS project is co-financed by the Chips Joint Undertaking and national funds from Belgium, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Austria, Portugal, and Spain, with a total funding of 730 million euros over 4.5 years.
Advanced PackagingChipletEuropeGermanyHeterogeneous IntegrationMicroelectronicsinnovationsemiconductor
5 months ago
➀ TSMC unveiled details about its N2 (2nm-class) fabrication process at IEDM 2024; ➁ The new process promises a 24 to 35% power reduction or a 15% performance improvement at the same voltage; ➂ Key advancements include GAA nanosheet transistors and N2 NanoFlex design-technology co-optimization.
2nm processMicroelectronicsSRAMTSMCperformance improvementsemiconductor
6 months ago
➀ Scientists in Stuttgart are developing a method to control prosthetics using quantum sensors to detect nerve signals; ➁ The technology uses optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) devices with diamond-based sensors; ➂ Spectrum Instrumentation's digitizers and arbitrary waveform generators are used for signal processing; ➃ The goal is to create a compact control box with a day's worth of battery life for prosthetics within three to four years.
MicroelectronicsPhotonic IntegrationQuantum Sensors
6 months ago
➀ Dr. habil. Thomas Kämpfe has been appointed as a professor at the Technical University of Braunschweig's Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, and Physics, taking over the chair for Neuromorphic Computing. ➁ He has a diverse research background in nanoelectronics and ferroelectronics, and has made significant contributions to in-memory computing with his habilitation research on ferroelectric hafnium oxide. ➃ Kämpfe's research and teaching experience will enhance the development of energy-efficient AI transistors at the CMOS Design Institute.
Fraunhofer InstituteHPCMicroelectronicsNeuromorphic Computingeducation
6 months ago
➀ A. Brodzinsky's final report on ONR Study Group on Microelectronics from 1961 indicates the potential impact of solid-state devices on military equipment. ➁ The report suggests that microelectronics will enable new functions, increase reliability, and reduce size, weight, and power consumption. ➂ The expected widespread effect of microelectronics on the electronics industry is highlighted.
Microelectronicsmilitary technologysemiconductor
7 months ago
➀ The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS) is a key player in microchip manufacturing with its comprehensive range of services from lab to fab. ➁ The institute focuses on memory technologies, sensors, actuators, and MEMS systems, with a strong emphasis on sustainable microelectronics. ➂ Fraunhofer IPMS collaborates with industry leaders and offers a full-service offering for MEMS, MOEMS, and microdisplay technologies, including pilot production and technology transfer support.
MEMSMetrologyMicrodisplayMicroelectronicsQuantum Computingsemiconductorsemiconductor industrysustainability
7 months ago
➀ The 'Microtec Academy' is established to address the growing demand for skilled workers in microelectronics and microsystem technology. ➁ The project is coordinated by the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH) and is part of the 'skills4chips' initiative, which aims to strengthen Germany's position in microelectronics. ➂ The project focuses on providing tailored training programs and new digital solutions to support flexible learning and attract skilled workers.
GermanyMicroelectronicseducationresearchsemiconductortraining
7 months ago
➀ The German federal project 'skills4chips' aims to secure skilled professionals for the semiconductor industry by establishing a national educational academy. ➁ The 'Microtec Academy' is set to respond to the growing demand for skilled workers and will be coordinated by the Berlin Ferdinand-Braun-Institut. ➂ The project, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, will focus on upskilling and reskilling in microelectronics and microsystem technology, with a budget of 12 million euros over four years.
Government SupportMicroelectronicsResearch and Developmenteducationinnovationsemiconductor
7 months ago
➀ Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered how ferroelectric materials adapt their structures under light pulses, offering a new way to build power-saving microelectronics. ➁ This adaptation mirrors the plasticity of neural networks, leading to new data processing techniques with lower energy consumption. ➂ The advancement could lead to significant reductions in power consumption for supercomputers and data centers, benefiting industries reliant on high-performance computing.
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