➀ Brite Semiconductor launched Ternary Content-Addressable Memory (TCAM) IP based on 28HKC+ 0.9V/1.8V process, targeting high-performance applications;
➁ The IP features high-frequency operation and low power consumption, addressing growing demands for efficient data lookup in networking and computing;
➂ Designed for applications in networking, data centers, 5G infrastructure, and AI acceleration, enhancing energy efficiency in memory-intensive systems.
➀ Samsung will cease its multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash memory production;
➁ Orders for MLC NAND chips will only be accepted until next month;
➂ The company informed a customer about price increases, prompting them to seek alternative suppliers.
➀ Samsung plans to outsource photomask production for memory chips, a shift from its previous in-house strategy aimed at preventing technology leaks;
➁ The company is evaluating suppliers to manufacture low-end photomasks, indicating potential diversification in its supply chain;
➂ This move reflects Samsung's strategic adjustments in semiconductor manufacturing processes amid evolving industry demands and technological complexities.
➀ Micron confirms plans to raise memory prices due to strong demand for DRAM and NAND flash.
➁ The price hike is expected to continue through 2025 and 2026.
➂ Factors include supply constraints and growing demand from AI, data centers, and consumer electronics.
SK Hynix is planning to install equipment in its new M15X factory two months ahead of schedule, due to a surge in orders for its high-bandwidth memory (HBM) from customers, particularly Broadcom. The company is also expanding its production capabilities.
Hanwha Semitech announced on Friday that it has entered into a 21 billion won agreement to supply high-bandwidth memory (HBM) production equipment to SK Hynix. The company, previously known as Hanwha Precision Machinery, did not specify the equipment, but it is almost certain to be thermal compression (TC) bonders.
Seojin System, an equipment parts manufacturer, reported its highest earnings ever last year. The company announced on Thursday that it recorded KRW 1.21 trillion in revenue and KRW 108.7 billion in operating profit last year, representing a 56% and 122% increase, respectively, from 2023. Seojin System attributed its growth to its strong sales and operational efficiency.
➀ Neil Druckmann discussed the evolving role of storytelling in video games with screenwriter Alex Garland, reflecting on the challenges and inspirations around narratives in games.
➁ Games like BioShock and The Last of Us demonstrated the full capability of narrative in gaming, challenging the industry's skepticism.
➂ Druckmann shared his early inspirations for narrative-driven games, including Monkey Island 2 and Half-Life 2.
➀ Reputable leaker Billbil-Kun reports that Death Stranding 2 pre-orders are expected to start in March, with a release date likely announced at SXSW 2025.
➁ The game will have a Standard Edition at $69.99 and a Collector's Edition at $229.
➂ The leak also confirms that Death Stranding 2 will launch with a physical Standard Edition, priced at $69.99 USD / 69.99 EUR, along with a Collector's Edition planned for North America and Europe, retailing at $229 USD.
➀ Dr. Prady Gupta is the Founder and Chief Scientist at Infinita Lab and Infinita Materials, focusing on materials testing and specialized chemicals for high-tech industries.
➁ Infinita Lab offers a network of over 2,000 accredited labs for comprehensive materials testing services.
➂ Infinita Materials specializes in custom inorganic chemicals for sectors like semiconductors and batteries.
➀ This paper discusses the post-silicon validation of the IBM POWER9 processor, highlighting its significance in the context of increasing multi-core processor adoption by hyperscalers.
➁ IBM's Threadmill, a tool for processor verification, has been enhanced since the POWER7, including optimized template allocation and debugging strategies for multi-core write drops.
➂ The validation methodology for POWER9 has significantly improved bug detection rates compared to POWER8, with new techniques like AI prioritization and hardware irritators to induce bugs.
➀ Traditional RF board design strategies are insufficient for high frequencies and dense layouts;
➁ Keysight and Modelithics collaborate on an advanced RF board simulation workflow;
➂ The use of 3D passive component models enhances simulation accuracy and reduces the risk of board re-spins.
➀ sureCore专注于低功耗内存解决方案，显著降低了SRAM和其他嵌入式内存的功耗；
➁ 2024年，sureCore成功实施了低功耗内存编译器，并领导了一个开发量子计算机低温IP的项目；
➂ 公司预计AI和智能医疗解决方案将在2025年推动增长，同时继续在超低功耗内存技术上进行创新。
➀ Samsung Vice Chairman Jeon Young-hyun met with NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang to discuss supplying 8-Hi HBM3E memory for AI GPUs.
➁ Despite delays, Samsung aims for certification by early 2025, while SK hynix has taken most of NVIDIA's requests.
➂ Samsung was expecting to have its HBM3E memory quality certification achieved by 2H 2024, but it missed that by a long shot.
➀ Applied Materials reported lower-than-expected QTR guidance due to China market share loss.
➁ AMAT attributed the weakness to China export restrictions but analysts believe share loss is also a factor.
➂ Domestic Chinese semiconductor equipment makers are gaining market share, potentially reducing AMAT's sales.
➀ The GeForce RTX 5060's launch has been pushed back to April 2025 due to 'chip supply constraints';
➁ The delay affects the RTX 5070, RTX 5080, and RTX 5090, with limited supply expected leading to instant sellouts;
➂ The AI boom is increasing semiconductor demand, impacting the availability of the new GeForce RTX 50 Series.
➀ Anduril Industries, led by Palmer Luckey, is set to take over the US Army's Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) program, pending Department of Defense approval.
➁ The program includes advanced headgear with AR capabilities, and Anduril will manage production and development with Microsoft Azure as the preferred cloud provider.
➂ Palmer Luckey, the founder of Oculus VR and Anduril Industries, sees this as a deeply personal achievement, emphasizing the potential of the technology to save lives.
➀ NVIDIA's new Blackwell GB202 GPU and GDDR7 memory have been showcased with beautiful die shots.
➁ The ASUS ROG GeForce RTX 5090D Astral graphics card, overclocked to 3.4GHz with LN2 cooling, broke 3DMark world records.
➂ The Blackwell GB202 GPU features 92 billion transistors and offers significant improvements in bandwidth and efficiency over previous generations.
➀ SK Hynix reported record-breaking financial results for the year 2024 with 66.19 trillion won in revenue and 23.46 trillion won in operating income.
➁ The revenue saw a significant year-over-year increase of 102%.
➂ This marked a return to profitability after a tough year for memory chip companies in 2023.
➀ Traditional flash memory is inadequate for modern non-volatile storage needs, leading to the rise of MRAM and RRAM.
➁ Synopsys offers flexible, IP-based compiler solutions for embedded memory, enabling design teams to optimize memory configurations for various applications.
➂ Synopsys collaborates with leading foundries to advance MRAM and RRAM technologies and integrate them into semiconductor designs.
