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Chiplets are reshaping microprocessor design by offering modularity, cost-effectiveness, and performance gains. By breaking traditional monolithic chips into smaller, specialized components, chiplets simplify design improvements and enable scalability. However, this promising technology faces several challenges hindering its broader adoption. Let’s explore these obstacles in detail.

Chiplets bring advanced design possibilities but also introduce technical hurdles. Achieving efficiency across multiple chiplets is not a straightforward task.

One of the most prominent issues is the lack of standardized interconnect protocols. Chiplets from different manufacturers often struggle to communicate seamlessly. Current interconnect solutions, like those based on proprietary designs, limit interoperability. This forces companies to either develop their ecosystem or adhere to rigid standards, slowing innovation. A universal interconnect standard, such as Universal Chiplet Interconnect Express (UCIe), could address this bottleneck, but widespread adoption is still a distant goal.

Heat dissipation becomes more complex in chiplet architectures. Each chiplet generates heat, and when these are packed tightly within a system, thermal management turns into a challenging puzzle. Standard cooling systems may no longer suffice, requiring innovative solutions like 3D stacking techniques and advanced cooling materials. Without effective heat control, performance suffers, and longevity decreases.

While the chiplet market is growing, it is tightly contested by industry giants and budding startups.

Major players dominate advanced semiconductor technologies and often dictate industry trends. Companies like Intel, AMD, and TSMC hold much of the market share, making it harder for smaller businesses to compete. Their massive resources allow them to innovate and deploy at a scale that smaller competitors cannot match. This monopoly stifles competition and leads to slower industry-wide progress.

Startups are essential for fostering innovation. However, they often face financial and technological barriers to entering the chiplet market. Disruptive ideas struggle to gain traction when pitted against well-funded incumbents. While venture capital investment in these companies is increasing, many promising ideas die because of insufficient funding or technical expertise.

COVID-19 exposed the fragility of global supply chains, and the chiplet market is no exception. Key materials and manufacturing networks face significant setbacks.

High demand for semiconductors has strained the availability of raw materials. Critical components like rare earth metals remain limited, leaving manufacturers unsure about how to fulfill orders. The situation worsens as geopolitical tensions over resource control further delay material acquisition.

Chiplet production often relies on cutting-edge manufacturing processes, such as extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. These processes are expensive, labor-intensive, and prone to errors. Scaling production while maintaining consistent quality adds to the challenge, driving up both costs and timelines.

Navigating industry regulations is another hurdle for chiplet developers. Meeting global standards while protecting intellectual property (IP) rights is no easy feat.

International semiconductor markets impose various standards to ensure quality, safety, and compatibility. As different regions adopt different regulations, manufacturers must develop chips that satisfy multiple legal frameworks. This can increase costs and introduce engineering challenges.

Efforts to integrate chiplets require collaborative innovation, which often leads to IP sharing. Disputes over patent ownership and usage rights can slow the development process. In a market where innovation drives value, IP issues remain a significant concern.

The chiplet industry is set for explosive growth over the next decade. Valued at around $7.14 billion in 2023, the market is projected to skyrocket to $555 billion by 2034, reflecting a staggering CAGR of 46.47%. This surge highlights not only a growing demand for chiplet solutions but also ongoing advancements in semiconductor production. With applications ranging from data centers to consumer electronics, chiplets will likely become even more essential to the technology ecosystem.

While chiplets have transformative potential, the path forward is riddled with challenges. From standardization hurdles and thermal issues to supply chain constraints and regulatory obstacles, each roadblock requires careful navigation. Collaboration across industry stakeholders, investment in research, and regulatory clarity are all essential to unlock the true promise of chiplets. If these challenges can be overcome, the future of computing will be shaped by the success of the chiplet market.

The post What Challenges Does the Chiplet Market Face Today? appeared first on ELE Times.

Anritsu Corporation is pleased to announce the release of enhanced software functions for its Signal Analyzers MS2830A/MS2840A/MS2850A. These enhancements enable the analyzers to extend the spectrum measurement frequency range to encompass the millimeter-wave band by connecting VDI or Eravant external mixers.

Millimeter-wave sensing device can detect subtle changes in human body surfaces caused by breathing and heartbeat, as well as identify the position of people and objects. These advancements open up new applications in diverse fields, such as medical care, automotive, and facial-recognition security systems. Anritsu contributes to the development of a safer and more secure society by providing solutions to evaluate millimeter-waveband signals and enhancing of millimeter-wave device quality.

The growing demand for sensing technologies using millimeter-wave radar, particularly in the 60 GHz band, has driven advancements in medical applications. This technology is also employed in facial-recognition security systems. Furthermore, automotive radar technology is undergoing advancements with the development of wideband 79 GHz band radar capable of detecting small targets such as pedestrians and bicycles at high resolution.

To accurately evaluate sensors designed for detecting mobile objects and automotive radars using ultra-wideband millimeter-wave signals, simple solutions are required to measure transmission signal characteristics.

Anritsu’s mid-range benchtop MS2830A, MS2840A, and MS2850A signal analyzers provide high-performance capabilities and comprehensive options for wireless signal measurements across diverse applications. These models span the RF to microwave/millimeter-wave frequency bands and accommodate narrow- to wide-band signals.

For spectrum, signal, and phase-noise measurements, the measurement frequency range can be extended by installing Anritsu’s External Mixer Connection Function MX284090A. This function supports connection of a recommended external mixer from Eravant or VDI to the signal analyzer’s 1st Local Output port.

● Image-Response-Free Spectrum Measurement up to 7.5 GHz

An image response can occur when measuring with external mixers lacking preselectors to eliminate unwanted signals, causing erroneous reception of signals at different frequencies from the intended signal. Anritsu’s signal analyzers boast industry-leading* intermediate frequencies (IF) of 1.875 GHz (MS2830A) and 1.8755 GHz (MS2840A/MS2850A), facilitating conversion of received high-frequency signals to manageable frequencies for processing. This enables suppression of image-response effects up to 7.5 GHz using Anritsu’s proprietary PS (Preselector Simulation) function, facilitating measurement of hard-to-distinguish variable signals.

*At December 2024

● Simple Measurement Setup

The single coaxial-cable connection between the signal analyzer and recommended external mixers enhances flexibility in positioning the signal analyzer and allows the external mixer to be placed close to the device under test.

The MS2830A offers exceptional cost-effectiveness and is suitable for a broad range of applications, including R&D, manufacturing, and maintenance.

The MS2840A stands out with its exceptional phase noise performance and provides a comprehensive suite of options to support higher-performance measurements. These options include 2dB attenuator resolution and noise floor suppression.

The MS2850A signal analyzer function supports signal analysis at bandwidths up to 1 GHz.

The post Anritsu Extend Spectrum Measurement Frequency to Millimeter-wave Band with External Mixer from VDI or Eravant appeared first on ELE Times.

LED soldering is the process of joining electronic components of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to a printed circuit board (PCB) or other substrates using a soldering material, typically a tin-lead alloy or lead-free solder. The process ensures proper electrical and mechanical connections between the LED terminals and the PCB.

1. Preparation:
   • Ensure that the PCB and LED components are clean and free from debris or oxidation.
   • Apply solder paste to the PCB pads where the LED will be placed.
2. Placement:
   • Position the LED on the solder-pasted area using precision tools like tweezers or pick-and-place machines.
3. Soldering Process:
   • Hand Soldering:
     • Use a soldering iron to heat the LED terminals and solder pads.
     • Apply solder wire to create a strong electrical connection.
   • Reflow Soldering (for mass production):
     • The PCB with the LED is placed in a reflow oven, where heat melts the solder paste, creating a secure connection.
   • Wave Soldering:
     • For through-hole LEDs, the PCB is passed over a molten solder wave to attach the components.
4. Inspection:
   • Verify the connections using visual inspection, automated optical inspection (AOI), or X-ray inspection.
5. Testing:
   • Test the soldered LED for functionality, ensuring it emits light and operates as intended.

1. Manual Soldering:
   • Used for prototypes or small batches.
   • Involves a soldering iron and manual placement.
2. Automated Soldering:
   • Uses pick-and-place machines and reflow ovens for large-scale production.
3. Soldering Techniques:
   • Surface-Mount Technology (SMT): Common for LEDs mounted on flat PCBs.
   • Through-Hole Technology (THT): Used for LEDs requiring a stronger mechanical bond.
4. Cooling:
   • Allow the soldered assembly to cool, solidifying the solder joints.

1. Consumer Electronics:
   • LED displays, backlights, and indicators in devices.
2. Automotive:
   • Headlights, tail lights, and dashboard indicators.
3. Industrial:
   • Machine vision lighting and control panels.
4. Residential and Commercial Lighting:
   • LED bulbs, tube lights, and architectural lighting.
5. Signage and Displays:
   • Advertising boards, billboards, and traffic signals.

1. Durability:
   • Provides a robust mechanical and electrical connection.
2. Scalability:
   • Suitable for mass production using automated techniques.
3. Efficiency:
   • Reflow soldering ensures uniform heat distribution and reliable connections.
4. Versatility:
   • Applicable to various LED sizes and designs.
5. Energy Efficiency:
   • LED soldering supports energy-efficient lighting technologies.

1. Heat Sensitivity:
   • LEDs are sensitive to high temperatures, which can damage components if not controlled.
2. Complexity:
   • Requires precision in placement and temperature control during soldering.
3. Material Costs:
   • Lead-free solders and automated equipment can increase production costs.
4. Risk of Cold Solder Joints:
   • Improper soldering can result in weak or intermittent connections.
5. Environmental Concerns:
   • Lead-based solder can pose environmental and health risks if not disposed of properly.

The post LED Soldering Definition, Process, Working, Uses & Advantages appeared first on ELE Times.

While semiconductors remain in high demand, electronics engineers must stay abreast of associated developments that could eventually affect their work. Case in point: significant advancements in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs).

These two-dimensional materials are of particular interest to electronics engineers due to their structural phase and chemical composition; they possess numerous properties advantageous to electronic devices.

The 2D materials like TDM are prominent in the future semiconductor manufacturing landscape. Source: Nature

The ongoing semiconductor shortage has caused some engineers to delay projects or alter plans to acquire readily available supplies rather than those that are challenging to source. However, physical resource concentrations are more significant contributors to the shortage than actual scarcity.

When most of the critical raw materials used in semiconductor production come from only a few countries or regions, supply chain constraints happen frequently.

TDM learning curve

If it was possible to make the materials locally rather than relying on outside sources, electronics engineers and managers would enjoy fewer workflow hiccups. So, researchers are focusing on that possibility while exploring TMD capabilities. They are learning how to grow these materials in a lab while overcoming notable challenges.

One concern was making the growth occur without the thickness irregularities that often negatively affect other 2D materials. Therefore, this research team designed a shaped structure that controls the TMD’s kinetic activities during growth.

Additionally, they demonstrated an option to facilitate layer-by-layer growth by creating physical barriers from chemical compound substrates, forcing the materials to grow vertically. The researchers believe this approach could commercialize the production of these 2D materials. Their problem-solving efforts could also encourage others to follow their lead as they consider exploring how to produce and work with TMDs.

Semiconductor manufacturing is a precise process requiring many specific steps. For example, fluorinated gases support everything from surface-etching activities to process consistency. Although many production specifics will remain constant for the foreseeable future, some researchers are interested in finding feasible alternatives.

So, while much of their work centers around furthering the development of next-generation computer chips, succeeding in that aim may require prioritizing different materials, including TMDs. People have used silicon for decades. Although it’s still the best choice for some projects, electronics engineers and other industrial experts see the value in exploring other options.

Learning more about TMDs will enable researchers to determine when and why the materials could replace silicon.

TDM’s research phase

In one recent case, a team explored TMD defects and how these materials could impact semiconductor performance. Interestingly, the outcomes were not always adverse because some imperfections made the material more electrically conductive.

Another research phase used photoluminescence to verify the light frequencies emitted by the TMDs. One finding was that specific frequencies would characterize five TMDs with defects called chalcogen vacancies.

An increased understanding of common TMD defects and their impacts will allow engineers to determine the best use cases more confidently. Similarly, knowing effective and efficient ways to detect those flaws will support production output and improve quality control.

These examples illustrate why electronics engineers and managers are keenly interested in TDMs and their role in future semiconductors. Even if some efforts are not commercially viable, those involved will undoubtedly learn valuable details that shape their future progress.

Ellie Gabel is a freelance writer as well as an associate editor at Revolutionized.

Related Content

• 2D Material Beats Graphene
• Chip Makers Must Learn New Ways to Play ‘D’
• 2D TMD Materials Enabling Future Electronics
• Imec’s Van den hove: Moving to Chiplets to Extend Moore’s Law
• Semiconductor Manufacturers Must Adapt to Shifting Landscape

The post How TMDs can transform semiconductor manufacturing appeared first on EDN.