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Vegas Falcons Patrol the Sphere

Vegas Falcons Patrol the Sphere

By Junko Yoshida

Lately, when the physical world poses a problem, the first instinct of the Silicon Valley mind is to respond, “Oh, there’s a technology to fix that.”

Throwing more tech at the flaws in technology is a malaise not new, but increasingly prevalent in recent times.

For sure, there are technologies that can solve technology problems. But we often forget that there are effective alternatives that don’t require the services of an EE, or even an electrician.

Or electricity.

I was reminded of this humble truth during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this month.

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TSMC: Name Change, Anyone?

TSMC: Name Change Anyone?

By Bolaji Ojo

What’s at stake?

The “Taiwan” in TSMC’s name is a justifiable source of pride to the Taiwanese. In countries where political leaders are saying “foreign” domination of the chip business is not in their national interest, though, even TSMC can’t keep out the irritating whiff of China, which is claiming Taiwan. To satisfy foreign customers, TSMC will have to do more than build fabs overseas. It must become a part of each country’s “local” supply chain and enterprise system. A rebranding that includes a name change will help.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC) is entering a new phase in its evolution. Sadly, it begins with the end of the Morris Chang era.

Taiwan was at the heart of the TSMC founder Chang founded in 1987. As the founding generation moves, TSMC of the future must have the globe at its core.

To become a truly international player able to melt into the cultural fabrics of its host communities, TSMC needs a rebranding that comes with a neutral sounding name.

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Synopsys-Ansys to Bridge Digital, Physical Worlds

Synopsys-Ansys to Bridge Digital, Physical Worlds

By Junko Yoshida

What’s at stake?
Synopsys’ planned acquisition of Ansys will first tackle complex multi-die silicon design issues for data centers and automotive. But will it also address the tension growing between digital and physical worlds such as AI-driven autonomous vehicles and the real-world traffic?

I don’t pretend to know a lot when it comes to designing and engineering systems. I’m not an engineer. But as I write more and more about so-called “smart” digital systems–whether in highly automated vehicles, ChatGPT, software-defined vehicles or AI-augmented devices–I can’t help but wonder how the software, semiconductors and components inside these systems are tested and validated for real-world challenges. 

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To Meet the STEM Crisis We Need Less STEM

To Meet the STEM Crisis, We Need Less STEM

By Peter Norton

Depending on your source, the so-called “STEM crisis” is either a grave threat or fabricated hype. As a STEM educator, I think it’s both.

Everyone who cares enough to look into the subject knows that tech companies allege shortages in the quantity and quality of graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields more to ensure a steady stream of employable graduates than to address any real national crisis.

But this does not mean that all is well in STEM education.

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War Over Taiwan Is Doubtful, and Unaffordable by China or Anyone

War Over Taiwan Is Doubtful, and Unaffordable by China or Anyone

By Bolaji Ojo

What’s at stake:
Concerns about war over Taiwan have grown since Xi Jinping became president, insisting that China would reunite the island with the mainland – by force, if necessary. The stability of the global supply chain is at stake, but in the end a peaceful resolution is more likely. Too much is at stake for the opponents, including the US and its Western allies. Can the supply chain breathe easier?

Taiwan’s presidential and national legislative elections will take place Jan. 13. At stake is the independence, economy and political future of the island – and for many in the electronics industry, the future of its role in the semiconductor market and in the technology value chain.

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Generative AI at CES: Good, Bad and Ugly

Generative AI at CES: Good, Bad and Ugly

By Junko Yoshida

What’s at stake:
The milling throng at CES this year is bombarded with generative AI marketing pitches. There are glowing promises galore, but the industry continues to cast about for credible applications spun from ChatGPT’s halo effect.

This year’s CES will be “all about generative AI and AI PCs,” said Justin Walker, Nvidia’s senior director of desktop GPUs during last week’s Nvidia’s pre-CES briefing.

He was, of course, spot on. Ahead of the show, most tech companies decided to AI-frame their CES announcements. Many touted their AI savvy by mentioning generative AI in press briefings and demonstrations, and in their booths.

Clearly, AI poses many shades and applications, from AI in PC and AI in cars to AI in robots. Vehicle AI alone encompasses myriad AI applications. It goes into digital cockpits, into ADAS (sensing and monitoring) and into self-driving vehicles (predictions and decision making)

Among all the AI presentations, Volkswagen’s demo won this year’s CES booby prize. 

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TSMC’s Next Fab: The Case for India

TSMC’s Next Fab: The Case for India

By Bolaji Ojo

What’s at stake?
No other company plays as critical a role in chip production as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. and none is as sought after today by governments and customers seeking economic advantages and supply stability. For many reasons, India should be at the top of TSMC’s list for new fab locations.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd. (TSMC) prides itself on basing its capital expenditure decisions on anticipated or verifiable customer needs. Geopolitics and supply security have taken a hammer to that policy.

This explains why TSMC is today adding fabs in Germany, Japan and US. It is also why India, which had for long expressed a desire for local chip plants, is now likely to get its wish. Whether TSMC will be the first player to step into India’s apparent void remains to be seen, however.

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