Chip Observer November 2024
Tech Battles, Trade Wars, and Game-Changing Innovations
This month’s Chip Observer explores pivotal developments shaping the semiconductor landscape, including licensing disputes, geopolitical trade shifts, technological advancements, and industry trends.
Arm is reportedly canceling Qualcomm’s license to produce application processors based on the Arm ISA, setting the stage for a December legal battle. The dispute centers on licensing agreements and Oryon core royalties. As Qualcomm spearheads Windows on Arm platforms, this confrontation could ripple across the ecosystem.
The U.S. election results signal potential increases in tariffs, with China likely to face steeper trade barriers. The CHIPS Act faces scrutiny amidst tightened trade restrictions targeting devices manufactured on 7nm or more advanced nodes. In parallel, Japan has announced a ¥10 trillion ($65 billion) semiconductor initiative, echoing the U.S. CHIPS Act.
SMEE is advancing DUV lithography tools, now achieving 65 nm resolution, with a patent filed for EUV designs. Meanwhile, TechInsights uncovered YMTC’s Xtacking4.0 technology, suggesting that domestic tools are replacing Western equipment in certain fabrication processes.
Despite record-breaking semiconductor revenues in 2024, the industry is bifurcating, with AI-focused companies thriving while others face significant challenges. Layoffs have impacted AMD, Intel, and Wolfspeed, highlighting economic pressures. For the first time, fabless companies now contribute over 50% of integrated circuit revenue, a milestone driven by NVIDIA’s dominance in AI.
To learn about these topics plus Editorial: SiC and GaN - Commoditization or Innovation? and Company Profile: Nintendo, explore the full November 2024 issue of Chip Observer. This edition underscores how innovation, legal disputes, and geopolitical strategies are reshaping the global semiconductor industry.
