News
Tokyo Electron Addresses Legal Issues
Tokyo Electron has confirmed a legal issue involving a former employee at its Taiwan subsidiary, linked to an ongoing investigation by the Intellectual Property Branch of the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office. The company has taken strict disciplinary action against the involved personnel and has committed to cooperating with authorities. Despite the investigation, it reports no evidence of confidential information being shared with third parties.

Launches
Tokyo Electron Donates for Texas Flood Relief
In response to the devastating floods in Texas, Tokyo Electron announced a donation of $100,000 to support affected communities, alongside a matching contribution initiative for employee donations. This effort reflects the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and community support.

Charts
Manufacturing Sector Contraction Deepens in July
The latest report from the Institute for Supply Management shows a continued contraction in the U.S. manufacturing sector, with the Manufacturing PMI dropping to 48.0%, indicating a persistent decline in economic activity. The report highlights mixed signals in demand and production, and the effect of tariffs on supply chain dynamics.

Research
NIST Advances Post-Quantum Cryptography Standards
The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is making strides in establishing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards to protect against quantum computing threats. The agency has published its first standards for PQC algorithms and is working to finalize additional options, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to quantum-safe cryptographic systems.

Insight
TSMC Phases Out 6-Inch Wafer Production
TSMC has announced a strategic shift, planning to phase out its 6-inch wafer fabrication over the next two years as part of its transition towards larger wafers for improved efficiency. This decision reflects the company’s adaptation to changing market conditions and its focus on enhancing production capabilities for advanced nodes.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights into the dynamic world of semiconductors as we continue to bring you the latest news and developments in the industry.