Vikas Kaushal, PhD

Grant, contain, and slap seems to be the Tech-moto for Biden admin's last full week of the year. Hello everyone, hope your holiday season is blessed with spirits, food & fun... the healthy stuff starts the 1st of Jan'25 :) Christmas started a couple of days early for tech giants TI, Samsung, and Amkor. Perhaps it was a last minute "now or never deal" because the current admin feels the Chips Act will be shifting to protect Mr. Musk's Tech vision endeavors and not necessarily the local tech manufacturing industry. Some experts say it’s just "executive end of year bonuses", other say it is not enough to really get the industry re-shored and efficiently working. One thing is clear regarding the Chips act, it will either die or get doubled down by Trump's administration... no in between. Regarding Chinese legacy chips. The Biden admin launched yet another US probe. This will surely involve more tariffs and legislation that will contain the use and purchase of the Chinese dominated commodity. Again, too little to late, especially for EU mkt dependence on CN legacy chips, but it had to be done before the end of the year because... who knows what will happen once Mr. Musk has a say on the matter after Jan 20th. Legacy chips are essential for EV manufacturing... you do the math. Finally, the TSMC, the only Corporation in the CHIPS ACT that has delivered and surpassed the chip fab output expectation, has been found liable for selling tech chips that ended up in Huawei phones. The result is more blacklisted customers. Not a terrible consequence for TSMC, but it set ups the stage for more government intervention. TSMC ruined the curve productions for all other companies subsidized by the CHIPS ACT. In other words, TSMC has put to shame everyone else. In one yr they build a humongous chip fab plant, hired local talent, and are now having the same output as their biggest plants in Taiwan. On the other hand, we have US companies with almost double the subsidize, that have yet to build 1 new chip, in a new plant. What do you think, will the new US administration use the same initiative of granting, holding, and slapping to re-shore tech manufacturing, or will they wallow and reshape the whole program? Hard to say. One thing is clear though, Mr. Musk will have a huge say on what will happen to the US tech manufacturing ind. in the next 4 yrs. Thank you for reading amigos y amigas. Have a lovely week, don't forget to grateful and remember to have fun!

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What is needed to be a good "Analog Design Engineer" Focus: Have knowledge about various disciplines in this field, but you must be an expert in one of the slices of this field. Focus is required. Descipline: You need to be disciplined in this task, read lots of JSSCC, ISSCC, CICC, TCAS-I, TCAS-II, ASSCC, ESSCC papers and understand. Quality matters not quantity: Analog tasks and teams demand quality, you can't finish tasks by putting more headcount. Start designing from first principles. Some of the great circuits have few transistors (5-8) interconnected in brilliant fashion. Love what you do: Do not just do it for the sake of social pride! Analog Design is both an Art and Science. Art is all about creativity and science is all about insight. Analog design needs both. What technical skills you must master? Analog field can be broadly classified into 3 segments: (1) RF Design; RF designers are from Mars, where you design wireless circuits like LNAs (Low Noise Amplifiers), PAs (Power amplifiers), mixers, oscillators, PLLs etc. This is where passive components are used widely. (2) Baseband signal processing analog; where you design broadband analog circuits. These circuits usually comprise of interfaces like high speed SerDes, data converters, precision op-amps, filters, band gap reference circuits, oscillators, PLLs etc.. (3) Power management; focus on design of power management IPs like voltage regulators, DC-DC converters, band-gap circuits, LDO regulators, battery chargers etc.. You need to define your slice & get real world practical skills, not just theoretical knowledge. You must be familiar with block level designs as well as top level integration to effectively deliver the design as an IP (Intellectual property block) What good analog designer must know thoroughly? (1) Basics of electronics (2) Small signal analysis (3) Current references & voltage references (4) Single stage & multistage amplifiers (5) Op-amps & OTAs (6) Frequency response of amplifiers (7) Stability analysis of amplifiers (8) Noise analysis (9) Some device physics knowledge (10 Knowledge of spice simulator tool & techniques to perform analog and mixed signal circuit simulations (11) Analog layout design; Learn how to do systematic layout, symmetry requirements, common centroid & inter-digitating techniques, off-set cancellation, noise prevention & floor planning of your design. Remember it takes time to become a really very good analog designer. You cannot be an expert in short span in analog design. In fact, you will never be an expert. Reference books: (1) Analog Integrated Circuit Design by David A. Johns and Ken Martin (2) Design of Analog CMOS Integrated Circuits by Dr Behzad Razavi (3) Analog Design Essentials by Dr Willy Sansen (4) CMOS Circuit Design, Layout & Simulation by R. Jacob Baker (5) The Art of Analog Layout by Alan Hastings Best wishes! "RF Designers are from Mars, Analog Designers are from Venus" - Pradeep Khannur

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Texas semiconductor players get millions in CHIPS Act funding : https://lnkd.in/e_krgvyk Two North Texas technology companies are the latest beneficiaries of the CHIPS and Science Act, poised to reap over $80 million collectively as The White House prepares for the inauguration. The U.S. Department of Commerce on Friday announced three individual preliminary memoranda of terms that allocates up to $33 million to Sherman-based Coherent Corp., and up to $50 million to X-FAB, headquartered in Germany but with U.S. operations in Lubbock. #semiconductor #manufacturing #technology #innovation #chips  #semiconductormanufacturing #advancedtechnology #engineering #lithography #nanometer #research #development #AI  #mobileprocessors #EUV #DUV

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Every single person on your team — no matter what their position is — should know and live by your company’s values. When I first joined Coherent Corp. (known as II-VI at the time) as a board member, we had 7 values. They were printed on the back of everyone’s business card but, still, I could never remember them all. In the wake of a large acquisition, I was walking around various facilities and chatting with everyone. I asked if anyone knew what our company’s values were — and no one knew them! That was a hint of an opportunity. I realized that the acquisition was a period of transformation for the company, and it was an opportunity to revisit our values. I remember studying the values of all the S&P 500 companies for inspiration, taking into consideration the founding values of II-VI as well as the values of the companies we had acquired. Eventually, I decided on: ICARE which stands for integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect and enthusiasm. Taken in that order, they have allowed our team to declare “I care” as the primary reason for working at Coherent and helping change the world. I firmly believe that values (and sticking to them) are integral to a company’s success. This might be a little bold to say but as far as I know, today, there’s no one in the company that doesn’t know what our values are.

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Intel Corporation CEO Pat Gelsinger Steps Down Amid Challenges and Restructuring Efforts Intel has announced the immediate retirement of CEO Pat Gelsinger, who also steps down from the board of directors. CFO David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus have been named interim co-CEOs as the company searches for a new leader. Gelsinger, a 40-year Intel veteran who returned in 2021, led the company through a tumultuous period marked by a 61% stock price decline, the largest layoff in Intel’s history (up to 17,475 employees), and efforts to regain process leadership via its IDM 2.0 strategy. Despite some progress, challenges persisted, including delays in product launches, declining competitiveness against AMD and Arm, and a limited presence in the booming AI market. While Gelsinger’s tenure stabilized manufacturing with a roadmap for five nodes in four years, Intel’s fortunes now hinge on the success of its upcoming 18A node, which shows promising early signs. The leadership transition signals continued restructuring, with a focus on product leadership and process innovation. The industry will watch closely as Intel navigates this pivotal moment in its 56-year history. Thanks again to Tom's Hardware for the full article with more background and insights click the source link in the comments below. #Semiconductors #Intel #LeadershipTransition #TechIndustry

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Intel Corporation Announces Winners of the 2024 Community Reach Program Intel Corporation is excited to announce the winners of the 2024 Community Reach Program (CRP), celebrating seven innovative projects that leverage AI and broadband connectivity to address real-world challenges in underserved African communities. From 436 applications across 35 African countries, these standout projects were selected: Tinydavid Limited (Ghana) – SnooCODERED: AI-powered emergency healthcare logistics. Global Light Services Africa (Côte d’Ivoire): AI and IoT-powered electric vehicles for urban mobility. EXUUS Ltd (Rwanda) – SAVE & Pindo: Financial literacy training via Voice AI in Kinyarwanda. University of Embu (Kenya) – BESHTE: Chatbot raising awareness of HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence. Nyansapo Foundation (Kenya): AI tools for enhancing literacy and numeracy in education. Africa Edu Holdings (Maarifaeducation): Learning Centres for advanced education and skills training. Petabyte Esports Company Limited (Nigeria) – Ghetto to Glory: Video gaming initiative for underserved youth. These projects are integrated into Intel initiatives like Intel® Liftoff for Startups and the Intel Skills for Innovation Program, with support from partners such as Prosper Africa and Modus Africa VC. “Intel is proud to support these projects that harness AI and connectivity to tackle critical challenges in Africa,” said Dr. Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, Director of Government Affairs Africa at Intel. “Our collaboration with partners ensures these initiatives can scale and create lasting impact.” Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director at AfriLabs, added, “The Intel Community Reach Program exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving sustainable solutions and empowering innovators in underserved communities.” About Intel: Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) creates world-changing technology that enriches lives. Learn more at intel.com. About AfriLabs: AfriLabs is a Pan-African network of over 500 innovation hubs across 53 African countries, driving sustainable economic growth through investment, innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. Learn more at afrilabs.com. #Intel #CommunityReachProgram #AI #Innovation #Africa #TechForGood #BroadbandConnectivity #SocialImpact

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It's an exciting time at Texas Instruments as we announce an award agreement of up to $1.6B in direct funding through CHIPS for America, which will support three new fabs under construction in Sherman, Texas, and Lehi, Utah. https://lnkd.in/gz38bCb3 ​

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It's an exciting time at Texas Instruments as we announce an award agreement of up to $1.6B in direct funding through CHIPS for America, which will support three new fabs under construction in Sherman, Texas, and Lehi, Utah. https://lnkd.in/g_zH6jBQ ​

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This partnership between the U.S. Department of Commerce and Samsung is a significant step towards bolstering the U.S. semiconductor supply chain. With a $6.4 billion investment under the CHIPS and Science Act and plans to create over 20,000 jobs in Texas, this initiative is poised to enhance U.S. technology leadership and economic security. Exciting times ahead for Central Texas and the semiconductor industry!

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🌟 Your career journey matters. Learn 20 vital lessons early to navigate professional challenges and build lasting success. 🚀 #CareerDevelopment #WorkSmart

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Surging Demand for #Chip #Packaging #Equipment Driven by #AI Boom Global chip packaging equipment manufacturers are experiencing unprecedented #demand and soaring share prices, fueled by the rapid expansion of the #artificialintelligence industry. Key players in this surge include South Korea’s #Hanmi Semiconductor Co., Japan’s #Disco Corp., and the Netherlands’ #BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. (Besi). These companies are benefiting significantly as chip packaging – the process of encasing chips and connecting them to power and other components – gains importance. This shift comes amid challenges in advancing ultra-fine process technology to one nanometer or less, despite the rapid growth of AI, which necessitates faster chips. A prime example is #Nvidia Corp.’s H100 GPU chip, a global leader in AI chips, which achieves maximum performance through advanced packaging processes. “Some customers asked us to establish production lines and manufacture sufficient equipment, saying they would make payments in advance,” an official from a chip equipment maker remarked, highlighting the urgent and rising demand in the industry. Reference: https://lnkd.in/dWtYngWh

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At Silicon Labs, our innovation and software strategies are driven by a deep understanding of the IoT landscape. We strive to address fragmentation, mitigate risks, and seize opportunities to create a more #connectedworld that truly empowers people and organizations.   I had an incredible conversation with Dharam Sheoran from eInfochips (An Arrow Company), where we discussed Silicon Labs' software approach, examined #interoperability challenges, and spoke about the talent gap.   To find out about these topics and more, check out the full interview.   https://lnkd.in/gU8e34KG

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How will AI impact and enable the semiconductor industry and what jobs exist in semiconductor industry ? Listen to this brief chat with Data &AI expert Lekhana Reddy on salaries and more.. Where do you see AI impacting the semiconductor industry...would love to hear your thoughts below 👇🏾 https://lnkd.in/gb7rhvFH #semiconductorindustry #semiconductorsalaries #data hashtag #ai hashtag #genai

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‘Chip, Chip, Hooray’ engages Idaho youths in unique semiconductor class: https://lnkd.in/eJwNSX-F To prepare the next generation of semiconductor innovators, Boise State University and Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA) have launched a groundbreaking course—Chip, Chip, Hooray! —designed specifically for eighth to tenth-grade students across Idaho. The initiative is a collaboration between Boise State’s Institute for Microelectronics Education and Research (MER) and IDLA. As the first of three planned courses, it is part of a broader national initiative spurred by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, aimed at empowering young minds to engage in the cutting-edge industries of semiconductors and microelectronics. #semiconductor #manufacturing #technology #innovation #chips  #semiconductormanufacturing #advancedtechnology #engineering #lithography #nanometer #research #development #AI  #mobileprocessors #EUV #DUV

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Don't post a lot on linkedin, but I had the opportunity last week to participate in an event in Taylor, Texas where U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced significant federal funding under the CHIPS and Science Act, so I figured I'd ask ChatGPT to generate a post for me: LinkedIn Post: 🌟 Exciting Times Ahead! 🌟 Last week, I had the privilege of attending an impactful event at Samsung’s new semiconductor manufacturing facility in Taylor, Texas. It was an extraordinary day, marked by the announcement of a substantial $6.4 billion federal investment under the CHIPS and Science Act. This funding will catalyze the expansion of Samsung's capabilities in manufacturing critical chips for sectors like automotive, consumer technology, IoT, aerospace, and more. It's not just about scaling up; it's about bolstering the U.S. as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing. The highlight of the day was meeting influential leaders like U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Arati Prabhakar (Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy), and Congressmen Michael McCaul and Lloyd Doggett. Each speech resonated with a shared commitment to innovation and security in the semiconductor supply chain. Samsung’s continued investment, which is set to exceed $40 billion, is transforming Taylor into a vital hub for cutting-edge manufacturing. This investment is not just in technology but also in our community—creating thousands of jobs and new opportunities for local and national economic growth. Proud to be part of this monumental moment and even more excited for what this means for our future in technology and manufacturing. #CHIPSAct #Semiconductor #Innovation #Samsung #Technology #Manufacturing #EconomicGrowth

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One Financial Ratio impresses in the Texas Instruments Q1-24 reporting. The CapEx to Revenue Ratio is 34% (share of revenues spent on CapEx). This is significantly higher than the full fab IDMs, having an average of 28%. TI is becoming more "FAB" than the Full Fabbers. TI reported Q1-24 in line with expectations. It was another tough quarter, down 16.4% annually and 10.2% sequentially. #TI #IDM #Semiconductor #Chipsact https://lnkd.in/dTG7bU29

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Quick Bytes : #Italy’s €10 Billion #Semiconductor #Investment Drive #Italy is gearing up to revolutionize the #semiconductor industry with a hefty €10 billion investment, as announced by Industry Minister Adolfo Urso. With ambitions to emerge as a top #microelectronics producer in Europe, Italy is doubling down on its commitment to technological advancement. The investment drive includes a landmark €3.2 billion deal with Singaporean startup Silicon Box to establish a state-of-the-art chip factory in northern Italy. Despite previous setbacks, Italy remains resolute in its quest for innovation, signaling a new era of growth and opportunity in the semiconductor sector. Reference: https://lnkd.in/ggzEEmPq Image Credit: Manufacturing Digital

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It's an exciting time at Texas Instruments as we announce an award agreement of up to $1.6B in direct funding through CHIPS for America, which will support three new fabs under construction in Sherman, Texas, and Lehi, Utah. https://lnkd.in/gd-qaAhC ​

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