➀ ASIC North partners with GlobalFoundries to offer design services and production support across the semiconductor lifecycle;

➁ The collaboration aims to expand the global reach of GF's specialized semiconductor technologies;

➂ Focus on delivering end-to-end solutions for diverse applications through this strategic alliance.

➀ The latest episode of the CHIIPS podcast features Ed Kaste from Global Foundries discussing AI's role in driving semiconductor industry growth, particularly at the edge;

➁ Kaste highlights key design challenges related to power efficiency and system integration in AI-driven semiconductor development;

➂ The podcast emphasizes the importance of AI as a catalyst for innovation and market expansion in the semiconductor sector.

➀ Cirrus Logic and GlobalFoundries expand partnership to accelerate next-gen mixed-signal semiconductor development;

➁ Focus on advanced audio solutions and U.S.-based manufacturing innovation;

➂ Collaboration aims to enhance process technologies and production capacity for high-performance chips.

➀ Semiconductor demand shifts toward automotive, industrial AI, and communication infrastructure, while consumer electronics (e.g., smartphones) show slow recovery;

➁ GlobalFoundries pivots manufacturing and IP capabilities to prioritize high-value segments like automotive, datacenters, and industrial computing;

➂ Strategic repositioning targets sustainable growth by capitalizing on automotive electrification and industrial AI applications amid market changes.

➀ China's semiconductor industry faces multiple 'zombie fab' failures due to mismanagement and US sanctions;

➁ High-profile projects like HSMC's $19B Wuhan fab and Fujian Jinhua's DRAM plant collapsed amid technical gaps and funding crises;

➂ Structural issues including overambitious goals and lack of expertise continue to hinder China's chipmaking ambitions.

➀ GlobalFoundries acquires MIPS to enhance its RISC-V-based AI platform solutions and expand its semiconductor IP offerings;

➁ MIPS' Atlas portfolio and virtual platform (Atlas Explorer) aim to optimize AI edge processing and design cycles;

➂ MIPS will operate independently post-acquisition, leveraging GlobalFoundries' manufacturing to accelerate product innovation.

➀ GlobalFoundries has been in contact with UMC regarding a potential merger, exploring a partnership two years ago but without progress.

➁ The proposed merger aims to create a larger wafer fabrication company, ensuring the supply of mature process chips in the US and investing in R&D.

➂ UMC and GlobalFoundries rank fourth and fifth in the wafer fabrication market with 5.5% and 4.7% shares respectively in Q4 2024.

➃ The combined revenue would reach $3.7 billion, potentially surpassing Samsung to become the second-largest wafer foundry after TSMC.

➄ Both companies have complementary process technologies and a production footprint across three continents.

➅ The merger faces challenges such as antitrust reviews by regulatory departments and handling agreements with Intel.

➆ UMC responded to the rumors by stating that there are no ongoing merger cases.

➀ The CHIPS and Science Act, aimed at strengthening U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, is under threat of repeal by the Trump administration.

➁ The Act has already attracted nearly $450 billion in private investment from leading companies, raising concerns about the impact of its repeal on the U.S. chip market.

➂ Political hurdles and legal obligations make the repeal process complex and challenging.

➀ Indie Semiconductor, a specialist in automotive SiPho and sensors, plans to use Globalfoundries' 22nm FD-SOI process for its 77GHz and 120GHz radar SoCs designed for ADAS and industrial applications.

➁ The adoption of automotive radar is being accelerated by global vehicle safety regulations, new car assessment programs, and consumer demand for convenience features.

➂ indie's 77 GHz SoCs are used for long-range detection and applications like FCW, AEB, BSD, and cross-traffic alert, while the 120 GHz SoCs are aimed at cabin applications like occupant monitoring and vital sign detection.

➀ GlobalFoundries, a leading semiconductor manufacturer, has announced a major leadership transition;

➁ Tim Breen, the current Chief Operating Officer (COO), will take over as President and CEO effective April 28th, 2025;

➂ Thomas Caulfield, who has been serving as CEO since 2018, will transition to a new role.

➀ GlobalFoundries plans to establish a new advanced packaging and testing center at its New York fabrication site, investing $575 million.

➁ The center will offer advanced packaging services for GF's differentiated silicon photonics platform, as well as full turnkey services for aerospace and defense customers.

➂ The U.S. Department of Commerce will contribute up to $75 million in direct funding, and New York state will provide additional support.