April ended with a significant announcement as Kurt Sievers revealed his decision to step down as CEO of NXP later this year. This news marked a notable event in the tech industry, coinciding with various other developments. Despite the impending Trump tariffs in the US, the semiconductor sector has not yet felt the impact, with the 40th anniversary of the first ARM1 device also making headlines.
Sandisk has put forward a proposal for high bandwidth flash (HBF) technology, aiming to meet the speed and capacity requirements of edge AI designs. Meanwhile, researchers in China are exploring the use of 2D materials to enhance the speed of non-volatile memory chips, showcasing ongoing advancements in the field.
As ARM celebrates its 40th anniversary, the company is undergoing a strategic shift in focus. One significant move in this direction is the sale of its Artisan foundational physical IP business, signaling a new chapter for the renowned tech giant.
On the hardware front, Renesas introduced a new low-cost microcontroller with an extended temperature range, gaining traction in the industry. Additionally, Microchip unveiled details about the third chip architecture for its controllers, the PIC32A, further diversifying the options available to developers.
The prevailing uncertainty surrounding the US tariffs and the semiconductor exemption remains a critical issue. Digikey shared insights with eeNews Europe on how it navigates this challenge by leveraging boards and systems from its global distribution center in Minnesota, highlighting innovative solutions in response to evolving trade dynamics.
The tariff situation has also impacted the semiconductor equipment sector, with the US government intensifying scrutiny on equipment suppliers. This move notably targets Dutch EUV lithography machine supplier ASML, raising questions about potential tariffs on high-value equipment and the implications for the supply chain, including major players like Intel. The unfolding developments in this arena will be closely monitored in the months ahead.
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