How Will Electronics Industry Fare Under Harris or Trump?
Americans will elect a new president November 5. Their decision will impact the electronics industry. How much will depend upon which of the two leading candidates is declared winner.
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A Look Through Technology Time Portal
In this debut column for the Ojo-Yoshida Report, Clive Maxfield saunters through time, reviewing decades-old technological innovations only to realize that today, ‘we are surrounded by technologies that would have blown the mind and boggled the brain of 1970s me.’
China ‘War Games’ Threaten Fragile Electronics Ecosystem
By Bolaji Ojo
What’s at stake:
China’s claim over Taiwan is creating a negative effect the communist nation may not want. Signs are emerging that Taipei is warming to the idea of TSMC setting up more overseas fabs, possibly depriving China of future access to the foundry’s world-class semiconductor fabrication plants. Western fabless IC suppliers will have more sourcing options, but at a higher price. Is the tradeoff going to be worth it?
If China has its eyes on Taiwan’s jewel semiconductor fabs – in addition, of course, to reunifying the island and mainland – it is going about it in a way that may produce the opposite result.
In the last week, the Communist nation has ringed Taiwan with warships, battle aircrafts, naval assault ships, and military personnel, all in a bid to reinforce its opposition to any move towards independence by Taipei.
There are implications for the island’s technology industry, especially its world-leading semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. China’s threats may have finally spurred the government in Taipei to greenlight a major move it had previously opposed: the establishment of more fabs by Taiwan’s top chipmaker in locations outside the island.
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Tesla’s Game Plan From EV to SDV and AV
In the post-truth era, there was nothing surprising about Tesla’s “We, Robot” event last week. Tesla’s CEO perpetuated the fantasy of an autonomous car in which “you could fall asleep and wake up at your destination.” I wonder if the investors and fans who initially declared themselves “blown away” by Telsa humanoids dancing and serving drinks were “shocked, shocked” when they learned they were talking to humanoids remotely controlled byTesla employees behind the scenes.
All par for the Tesla course.
Except in a few media outlets, I haven’t seen much outrage among Tesla fans against Elon Musk’s latest not-so-subtle deceptions.
Of course, in the age of post-truth politics, I know that objective facts take a back seat to personal emotion and devotion. But since when, is it okay to lie about science and technology?
Read More »Tesla’s Game Plan From EV to SDV and AV
Chip Sales: Hang in There, It’s Getting Better
Semiconductor suppliers are getting ready for the industry’s next cyclical upswing. It has started for some companies already. 2025 will see stronger sales across all market sectors.
Tech Leaders Struggle to Mount Opposition to Geopolitics
By Bolaji Ojo
What’s at stake:
Tech enterprises are chafing under severe export and manufacturing restriction terms set by Western and Chinese political leaders. In the semiconductor sector, regular operational functions involving capex, IP, R&D, and other activities are being dictated or influenced by state actors. The relentless use of technology restrictions to achieve political goals now threaten large swaths of the market although the totality of the impact remains hidden.
The barriers to Nvidia Corp. selling its most advanced AI chips and systems in China are artificially created. But they are no less formidable.
Soon, too, under rules that are under consideration, electric vehicles (EVs) made in China or with Chinese components will be banned, severely restricted or attract heavy tariffs in the United States and EU.
The actions of these governments are being executed sometimes with but often without the total consent of Western semiconductor suppliers, electronicsOEMs, systems builders, automotive makers, and tier-one suppliers.
So far, the response of the industry has been muted, even from companies like Nvidia, AMD and Intel that are experiencing downward sales pressures in China. Determining winners and losers in this environment will be difficult, at least until the dust settles, which may take several years.
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China Speed Is Real
We invited Intel’s Jack Weast and Sino Auto Insights’ Tu Le— two of the best “China hands” in the automotive industry—to talk about what’s real in China.
Will Quantum Computing Eliminate Privacy?
By Ron Wilson
What’s at stake:
In the near future, quantum computers may be able to decrypt any data protected by public-key cryptography — effectively eliminating privacy and security from the global digital world. Can we prevent it?
There is growing discussion among the information-technology community of post-quantum, or quantum-safe, cryptography. Recently the discussion has surfaced in the semiconductor industry as well, with at least two semiconductor IP announcements: from university spin-off PQShield, and from security veteran Rambus. So what is post-quantum cryptography? Why should we care? And if we should, why now?
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SDV: Let’s Mention the Elephant in the Room
Despite the fact that “software-defined vehicles (SDV)” are the hottest key words in the automotive market today, the concept is probably the most misunderstood.
Intel Chasing China with Chiplets
What’s at stake:
Intel is way late to the global automotive market. But Intel Auto’s leader is seeking a foothold by worming into China – the world’s fastest growing auto market. Intel’s edge is its ability to design and manufacture chiplets. Is this Intel’s chance to finally crack a non-PC market, or is it just another “best-laid plan”?
When Jack Weast, Intel Fellow, was newly appointed to lead Intel’s relaunched Automotive unit and moved to China this year, I wasn’t the only one surprised.
So were Intel’s competitors and Chinese OEMs.
At first blush, this is a Hail Mary, Intel trying at the last minute to score a sliver of the growing global automotive market. In particular, Intel Auto is targeting Chinese EV makers who have been advancing their technologies at a break-neck speed, These developments in China, Intel firmly believes, will inevitably influence the auto industry everywhere.
Uncharacteristically, Intel is proceeding with a sense of urgency and an almost startup-like mentality.
Of course, there are pundits with misgivings. They wonder if the Santa Clara, Calif.-based giant jumped the gun, with little regard to the worsening tensions between the United States and China.
Read More »Intel Chasing China with Chiplets