News
Manufacturing Contraction Slows in August
Economic activity in the U.S. manufacturing sector continued to contract for the sixth consecutive month, though at a slower rate than in July. The Manufacturing PMI registered 48.7%, reflecting challenges driven by tariffs and headcount management. Despite the contraction, new orders showed growth, indicating a mixed signal for the semiconductor sector.
Launches
Vaire Demos Energy Recovery With Reversible Computing Test Chip
British startup Vaire has unveiled its first test chip, Ice River, showcasing a reversible computing system capable of energy recovery. Utilizing a unique adiabatic resonator design in 22nm CMOS, the chip achieved an energy recovery factor of 1.77, paving the way for more efficient computing solutions in the semiconductor industry.
Charts
Breaking the Copper Bottleneck With Molybdenum Hybrid Metallization
New research indicates that hybrid metallization using molybdenum could reduce total via/line resistance by about 55%. This development addresses challenges related to copper interconnects in advanced semiconductor devices, providing a viable alternative that could enhance performance in future technologies.
Research
Etching-free Pixel Definition for InGaN Micro-LEDs
Researchers at KAUST have proposed a novel technique using selective thermal oxidation (STO) for electrically isolating InGaN micro-LED arrays, eliminating the need for plasma etching. This method shows promise for improving the efficiency and integration of micro-LEDs in applications such as AR/VR and micro-displays.
Insight
Cognichip’s ‘Artificial Chip Intelligence’ Will Rely On Data
Cognichip is pioneering a new segment in semiconductor design through AI-enabled chip design. The company aims to lower barriers for startups by leveraging data-driven models to streamline chip development. The approach could revolutionize how semiconductor companies innovate and compete in a rapidly evolving market.
Stay tuned for more updates and innovations from the semiconductor industry as we continue to track the latest developments and insights.