Demystifying the Uncertainty over the Choice of Opportunities in the Semiconductor Equipment Industry

Leaders in the semiconductor industry have worked hard since decades to scale up the performance of IC chips, with research companies ascertaining the progress made in this aspect. And, the discovery hasn’t stopped yet!

Scaling up devices has been largely linked to saving money and resources, but there is more to it. In fact, the way to regain profits has far less to do with the area than an array of different options, compute architectures and economic formulas.

Well, confused?

Let’s simplify it for you...

What is the Problem, Exactly?

In our day-to-day lives, running out of options is usually the cause of our problem. But, this is not the case over here!

If we look at the segments that occupy the semiconductors industry at different levels, there are a dizzying number of options available at different performance and price points. There are new materials in the III-V and II-VI ranges, different ways to put functionality together in different packages, and different schemes for accessing memories. 

Apart from this, there are even different architectures within chips, between chips, and across multiple systems, and there are new microarchitectures being developed to fine-tune those architectures.

So, as you can see, the chip-making industry has multiple dimensions of chips to be looked into! 

What the Chip Architects are up to? 

Rather than a single processor design for all PCs, or a single memory type, chip architects are working on designs that can target computer vision or deep learning or various types of sensors. 

Besides, they can develop chips for automotive, 5G, AI, IIoT, IoT, augmented and virtual reality, as well as mobile devices and the cloud.

Now, the question is - With varied options at its disposal, which one can ultimately be used to scale up the chips?

Added Confusions

With the emergence of new markets in the semiconductor industry, it is becoming increasingly difficult on how to customize chips for each of them.

Trade wars, massive corporate debt, hints of inflation and rising electronics inventory also impact the chip market in a timely manner.

So, it’s really hard to tell which technology or innovation will ultimately win. 

A Final Word

Like in any industry, confusions and unforeseen circumstances will always loom over the semiconductor industry.

However, it’s up to the industry leaders on how to tackle these and come up with an unbiased solution that will be a win-win situation for all.

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