Semiconductor

The microchip industry would implode if China invaded Taiwan, and it would affect everyone

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, June 10, 2023

A conflict between the US and China over computer chips – or semiconductors – has been escalating in recent months.

Key Points: 
  • A conflict between the US and China over computer chips – or semiconductors – has been escalating in recent months.
  • In particular, the US has taken steps to limit China’s access to advanced chip technology amid heightened international competition in the area.
  • Beijing retaliated by banning US chip maker Micron from operating in China.
  • Because of Taiwan’s dominant position in the chip industry, its economy has been described as the the “most indispensable” in the world.

Critical technology

    • However, Taiwan alone manufactures more than 60% of the world’s semiconductors -— and crucially, 90% of the most advanced ones.
    • There are fears the silicon shield might not hold forever, and an invasion by China would threaten the global economy with implosion.
    • However, if TSMC were to build new manufacturing facilities elsewhere it would reduce the world’s reliance on Taiwan for chip production.
    • A practice called “friendshoring” could concentrate manufacturing and the sourcing of materials outside Taiwan in countries friendly to the US.

The chip shortage

    • There is already a shortage of microchips, which began with the onset of COVID-19 in 2020 and has affected many industries and products.
    • In a bid to boost chip supplies, the Biden administration and the EU have tried to improve supply chain resilience by incentivising production closer to home.
    • Under current chip war conditions, low supply is likely to continue, which means price increases and product delays.
    • The increase in chip prices would unleash massive inflation on a range of products and services, including cars, phones and healthcare equipment such as ultrasounds and vital sign monitors.

Bosch highlights essential role of software in its products at Software Day 2023

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 8, 2023

At Software Day 2023, Bosch in North America is highlighting its history, expertise and future potential of software and the essential role of software across the company’s four sectors: mobility, industrial technology, consumer goods and energy and building technology.

Key Points: 
  • At Software Day 2023, Bosch in North America is highlighting its history, expertise and future potential of software and the essential role of software across the company’s four sectors: mobility, industrial technology, consumer goods and energy and building technology.
  • The company is announcing plans for growth in its Bosch Mobility business sector, fueled by software.
  • The company announced at Software Day its role in the M1 Intelligent Corridor, an $11.5 million project with $5 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
  • “Ultimately Bosch hardware and software solutions work together to solve the challenge of inefficient road traffic,” Mansuetti said.

Chargebee 2023 State of Industry Report Reveals Shift in Subscription Business Landscape, New “Retention Era”

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, June 7, 2023

The report also shows that 96% of subscription businesses believe customers cancel for reasons that could be managed or fixed.

Key Points: 
  • The report also shows that 96% of subscription businesses believe customers cancel for reasons that could be managed or fixed.
  • Chargebee’s report showcases how businesses are adjusting to changing market conditions this year by shifting priorities and budgets to combat churn.
  • Key findings from the Chargebee 2023 State of Subscription Industry Report include:
    Over 96% of respondents believe that customer cancellations can be addressed and resolved.
  • Price increases are anticipated, as 92% of subscription businesses expect prices to either rise or remain unchanged.

Analog Devices to Participate in the NASDAQ International Investor Conference

Retrieved on: 
Friday, June 9, 2023

Analog Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADI ) today announced that the Company’s Executive Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah will discuss business topics and trends at the NASDAQ International Investor Conference taking place at Jefferies International Limited, located in London, England on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. GMT.

Key Points: 
  • Analog Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADI ) today announced that the Company’s Executive Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah will discuss business topics and trends at the NASDAQ International Investor Conference taking place at Jefferies International Limited, located in London, England on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. GMT.
  • The webcast for the conference may be accessed live via the Investor Relations section of Analog Devices’ website at investor.analog.com .
  • An archived replay will also be available following the webcast for at least 30 days.

inTEST Announces Completion of $20 Million At-The-Market Offering

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 8, 2023

inTEST Corporation (NYSE American: INTT), a global supplier of innovative test and process technology solutions for use in manufacturing and testing in key target markets which include automotive/EV, defense/aerospace, industrial, life sciences, security, and semiconductor (“semi”), today announced the completion of its previously announced at-the-market equity offering program (“ATM”) for aggregate gross proceeds of $20 million.

Key Points: 
  • inTEST Corporation (NYSE American: INTT), a global supplier of innovative test and process technology solutions for use in manufacturing and testing in key target markets which include automotive/EV, defense/aerospace, industrial, life sciences, security, and semiconductor (“semi”), today announced the completion of its previously announced at-the-market equity offering program (“ATM”) for aggregate gross proceeds of $20 million.
  • A total of 921,797 shares of common stock were sold at an average sales price of $21.70 per share.
  • The estimated net proceeds to inTEST after deducting commissions, fees and estimated offering expenses were approximately $19.3 million.
  • Nick Grant, President and CEO, commented, “We are pleased to have successfully completed the ATM as quickly as we did.

Dr. Terry Nisbet Joins Newly Formed Technical Advisory Committee

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 8, 2023

MACOM Technology Solutions Inc. (“MACOM” or the “Company”), a leading supplier of semiconductor products, today announced that Dr. Terry Nisbet will join MACOM’s newly established Technical Advisory Committee (“TAC”).

Key Points: 
  • MACOM Technology Solutions Inc. (“MACOM” or the “Company”), a leading supplier of semiconductor products, today announced that Dr. Terry Nisbet will join MACOM’s newly established Technical Advisory Committee (“TAC”).
  • MACOM’s TAC members will act in an independent advisory capacity to MACOM, supporting growth strategies, technical roadmaps and expanding the Company’s network.
  • “I am pleased to welcome Terry to our TAC,” said Stephen G. Daly, MACOM’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
  • Dr. Nisbet holds a BSc and PhD in the fields of Electrical, Electronic and Microwave Engineering from Herlot-Watt University in Edinburgh.

Jaxon Lang Assumes Role as AFL’s President and CEO

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 8, 2023

AFL announced this week that Fujikura Ltd, their parent company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan has appointed current Chief Operating Officer, Jaxon Lang as President and CEO effective immediately.

Key Points: 
  • AFL announced this week that Fujikura Ltd, their parent company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan has appointed current Chief Operating Officer, Jaxon Lang as President and CEO effective immediately.
  • This follows Jody Gallagher’s resignation from his position as President and CEO of AFL.
  • Previously, Lang served as President and CEO of FiberRise, leading the company through an acquisition with ENTRUST Solutions Group.
  • “As I transition into this new role, my focus remains on exceeding customer expectations, strengthening our core business operations and driving product innovation,” said Lang.

Transphorm Announces Low-Cost Driver Solution for SuperGaN FETs

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 8, 2023

Transphorm, Inc. (Nasdaq: TGAN)—a global leader in GaN, the future of next generation power systems—released details on a high-performance, low-cost driver solution .

Key Points: 
  • Transphorm, Inc. (Nasdaq: TGAN)—a global leader in GaN, the future of next generation power systems—released details on a high-performance, low-cost driver solution .
  • Unlike competing e-mode GaN solutions that require custom drivers or level shifting circuitry with gate protection devices, Transphorm’s SuperGaN® FETs are known for easy drivability given they pair with off-the-shelf drivers.
  • The newly defined solution uses a high-speed, non-isolated, high-voltage half-bridge gate driver that further reduces total system cost without affecting the GaN FET’s or system’s performance.
  • For more details about the above solution, download the AN0014 application note titled Low Cost, High Density, High Voltage Silicon Driver for Low- to Mid-Power GaN FET Applications here: https://bit.ly/3MTfQtB .

Saoradh Enterprise Partners Announces Hydrogen Data Consortium

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 8, 2023

Hydrogen is seen by many as a key element of the energy transition toward low-carbon and carbon-free energy infrastructure to address climate goals.

Key Points: 
  • Hydrogen is seen by many as a key element of the energy transition toward low-carbon and carbon-free energy infrastructure to address climate goals.
  • Hydrogen use is expected to double or triple by 2040 underpinned by clean hydrogen production technologies for new markets and to decarbonize production for current markets.
  • Already, 85 new hydrogen production projects have been announced for North America.
  • "We are excited to announce this hydrogen data consortium with such a distinguished group of industry leaders including Fortune 500 companies, technology startups and large research organizations," said Paul Nelson, Managing Partner of Saoradh Enterprise Partners.

U.K. Firms Look to Clouds for SAP Transformation

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 8, 2023

Service providers have responded by expanding their offerings and developing solutions that deliver end-to-end services for SAP S/4HANA transformation.

Key Points: 
  • Service providers have responded by expanding their offerings and developing solutions that deliver end-to-end services for SAP S/4HANA transformation.
  • These firms have reaped the benefits of global and regional acquisitions that have enhanced their capabilities in SAP S/4HANA transformations.
  • The 2023 ISG Provider Lens™ SAP Ecosystem report for the U.K. evaluates the capabilities of 32 providers across four quadrants: SAP S/4HANA System Transformation – Large Accounts, SAP S/4HANA System Transformation – Midmarket, Managed Application Services for SAP ERP and Managed Platform and Cloud Services for SAP ERP.
  • The 2023 ISG Provider Lens™ SAP Ecosystem report for the U.K. is available to subscribers or for one-time purchase on this webpage.