Advantest Talks Semi

From Silicon to Systems: Redefining Competitive Advantage-Part 1

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:00:00 -0500

In today's episode, Advantest's Dong Ong sits down with Salah Nasri, CEO & Co-Founder of ISIG (International Semiconductor Industry Group), to discuss how the semiconductor industry is redefining competitive advantage. ‪@SemiconductorLeadershipPodcast‬

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#SemiconductorIndustry #SupplyChain #GlobalSupplyChain #ChipIndustry #Semiconductors #TechInnovation #StrategicAlliances #IndustryInsights #Microelectronics #SupplyChainManagement #Geopolitics #Manufacturing #FutureOfTechnology #ISIG #SalahNasri #SemiconductorLeadership #IndustryTransformation #SiliconToSystems

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Adding Context: Helping AI Learn the Language of Semiconductors

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0600

From fusing wafer maps and test logs to powering lights-out factories, Contextual AI offers grounded, secure, and context-aware intelligence to make testing more efficient.

Reinventing Semiconductor Packaging: AI, Physics and Geometry in Action

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0600

In this episode of our podcast, “Reinventing Semiconductor Packaging: AI, Physics and Geometry in Action,” we explore how cutting-edge technologies are transforming the way chips are built. From leveraging AI for smarter designs to applying physics and geometry for precision, discover the innovations shaping next-generation semiconductor packaging.

#Semiconductors #ChipDesign #TechInnovation #Electronics #AIinSemiconductors #AdvancedPackaging #GeometryInAction #PhysicsDrivenDesign #FutureOfTech #EngineeringExcellence #SmartManufacturing #NextGenChips

Probing the Future with FormFactor

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:00:00 -0600

Inference is shaping a major role in AI's future

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0500

Bringing AI to the Edge: Dr. Bannon Bastani on Enterprise Computing's New Frontier

The Metaverse Matrix: Transforming Semiconductors with Digital Twins

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0500

Join us on "Advantest Talks Semi" as we explore the transformative impact of the industrial metaverse with Don Ong and his guest, Sanjeev Kumar.

Sanjeev Kumar is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and advisor specializing in enterprise AI, data management, tech-bio, and industrial automation. With over seven years of investment experience, he has worked closely with early and mid-stage startups through VC firms and accelerators. Previously, Sanjeev held leadership roles at Informatica, BEA Systems, EMC, and Oracle, focusing on machine learning, data engineering, and enterprise software platforms. He also served as Managing Director of India R&D and GM for multiple products at BEA Systems and Informatica. Sanjeev holds an MS in Computer Science from Rutgers University and a BS from BITS, Pilani, India.

In this episode, we dive into how the industrial metaverse is reshaping semiconductor manufacturing, from digital twins optimizing production efficiency to real-time analytics driving smarter decision-making. Sanjeev shares insights on how AI, IoT, and advanced simulations are converging to revolutionize supply chains, predictive maintenance, and factory automation. We also discuss the role of edge computing and distributed security models in enabling seamless data exchange between physical and virtual environments.

From early digital modeling techniques to today’s persistent and immersive industrial metaverse, this conversation provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of these technologies and their future impact on semiconductor testing, design, and manufacturing.

Data Management Frontiers: Navigating the Semiconductor Landscape with Joe Addiego of Brave Capital

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0600

Join us on "Advantest Talks Semi" as we explore the critical importance of data management in the semiconductor industry with our guest, Joe Addiego.

Joe Addiego is a seasoned operating executive and investor with over 20 years of operating experience in technology. His executive leadership contributed to two successful Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), showcasing his strategic acumen in guiding tech companies through critical growth phases. Joe’s operational expertise spans across control systems, real-time operating systems, and software development tools, with expertise in data management, networking, and cybersecurity.

Joe has spent the last 25 years as an investor, nurturing startups and establishing markets for innovative technologies holding prominent roles at In-Q-Tel, Alsop Louie Partners, and Brave Capital. As a lead investor for the real-time database company Aerospike, he addressed the data management industry's need for guaranteed low latency and low cost of ownership. More recent investments include Crunchy Data, an open-source PostgreSQL company that provides a trusted Postgres implementation for enterprises to use either on premises through Kubernetes, or in the cloud as a managed service.

Crunchy Data recently augmented its cloud implementation to include a next-generation Postgres-native data warehouse, enabling everyone to take advantage of high-performance data analytics without leaving Postgres. Throughout Joe’s career he has succeeded at creating new markets for innovative technologies.

In this episode, we dive deep into how data serves as the foundation of cutting-edge innovations across AI, machine learning, adaptive testing, and cybersecurity. This conversation leads us into a comprehensive look at the evolution of data management—from the early days of punch cards and magnetic tapes to today's sophisticated database systems and cloud solutions.

Throughout the episode, Joe shares his insights on the transformation brought about by the internet era, which has revolutionized how we store, manage, and leverage data in real-time across the globe. We'll examine how these advancements have fueled the explosion of data volumes and how modern technologies have adapted to handle this surge with unprecedented efficiency and security.

Tune in to "Advantest Talks Semi" for a thought-provoking discussion on the history, current trends, and the future of data management within the semiconductor industry, and gain valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of today's data-driven world. This episode is essential for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and business strategy, providing a clear understanding of how data continues to drive innovation and success in the high-tech landscape.

TechInsight Semiconductor Industry Outlook 2025 and Beyond

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Join us for a captivating conversation with Andrea Lati from TechInsight as we unpack the transformative forces shaping the semiconductor industry.

Andrea Lati is the Director of Market Research at TechInsights Inc. Since joining the company in 2001, Andrea has been managing and developing forecasting models as well as performing market analysis and research on electronics, semiconductor, and equipment markets. Andrea has played a key role driving detailed fundamental-based research and developed benchmark data and forecasts widely used by the industry. In addition, Andrea has performed many custom studies for various clients and is a co-author of The Chip Insider ®. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Economics from the University of California Santa Barbara.

With market growth reaching an impressive 23% and IC sales surging by 28% in 2024, Andrea offers his expert perspective on what’s fueling this remarkable performance. We'll explore why, despite climbing average selling prices, unit volume growth is still playing catch-up, particularly in the PC and smartphone sectors.

Our discussion also covers the substantial shifts in the landscape caused by government funding and export restrictions. As companies build fabrication facility "shells," we examine how they're aligning investments with genuine market demand to avoid overcapacity. The episode delves into the intricate dynamics of regional policies, highlighting the challenges of navigating export restrictions with China. We also explore TSMC's strategic expansion into advanced packaging and the burgeoning field of silicon photonics, driven by AI's insatiable demand for enhanced bandwidth, latency, and power efficiency.

Looking ahead, we discuss the optimistic projections for the semiconductor market with an eye on growth in chiplets, memory, and logic segments. Major players like Meta, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are making hefty CapEx investments, fueling this bullish outlook. While traditional markets like PCs and smartphones show signs of recovery, the automotive industry's increasing semiconductor content, especially in electric vehicles, presents a compelling opportunity. We conclude with a look at macroeconomic factors and the critical role of innovation and strategic collaboration in sustaining growth amidst the industry's cyclical challenges.

Highlights include:

• Examination of the semiconductor market's remarkable growth potential
• Discussion of AI's pivotal role in driving semiconductor demand
• Analysis of supply chain challenges and geopolitical impacts
• Overview of advancements in foundries and semiconductor fabrication
• Insights on talent shortages and workforce challenges
• Examination of the impact of electrification and automotive trends
• Importance of collaboration and strategic partnerships for innovation
• Predictions for the market's future, focusing on AI and advanced technologies

Are Silicon Photonics the Only Way Forward in Semiconductors?

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0600

Silicon photonics is not just a buzzword—it's the future of the semiconductor industry, and we're here to uncover its secrets with Dr. Lee Chee Wai.

Dr. Lee Chee Wei is a distinguished expert in silicon photonics integration, boasting an extensive career spanning over 18 years. Holding a PhD in Photonics Integration from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore and a postdoctoral fellowship from the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, Dr. Lee has honed his skills both in academia and the industry. His academic journey was supported by prestigious awards, including the ASEAN Scholarship, ASTAR Graduate Scholarship, and ASTAR Overseas Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Currently, Dr. Lee is pivotal in advancing the commercialization of data center silicon photonics. His technical acumen extends to the design of photonic integrating circuits, and the development and design of advanced fabrication and packaging technologies. Dr. Lee's contributions to the field are highlighted by his extensive portfolio of more than 30 internationally filed patents and over 50 peer-reviewed journal publications. His work bridges the gap between east and west, showcasing a global impact in Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Technology.

Discover how the convergence of light and silicon is about to shatter the limitations of traditional CMOS technology, unlocking unparalleled data speeds and efficiency, crucial for the demands of Gen AI and modern data centers. Dr. Lee guides us through the transformative potential of merging photonic and electronic components on a single chip with EPIC Electronics.

Our conversation takes a serious look at the nuts and bolts of integrating silicon photonics with CMOS. We confront the challenges head-on—material incompatibilities, efficient signal conversion, and heat dissipation—and discuss cutting-edge solutions like co-packaged optics and heterogeneous integration that are setting the stage for future advancements. With a focus on scaling these innovations for commercial viability since 2017, we discuss how these developments could redefine the semiconductor landscape. Tune in to grasp how silicon photonics stands as a beacon of promise, ready to reshape data centers and elevate the semiconductor industry with unprecedented speed and efficiency.

Beyond Black Boxes: Meet AI that Justifies Its Choices

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Unlock the secrets of AI innovation with our esteemed guest, Jem Davies, non-executive director at Literal Labs. Jem shares his transition from Arm to Literal Labs, revealing how the revolutionary Tsetlin machine sets new benchmarks in efficiency, power usage, and processing speed.

Jem is a highly experienced business leader and technologist having previously served 18 years at Arm. He is an engineer and was an Arm Fellow holding multiple patents on CPU and GPU design. Latterly, Jem's career moved into business management and he became a General Manager first in Arm's Media Processing Groups, then the founding General Manager of their Machine Learning group. In addition to setting future technology roadmaps, he also worked on several acquisitions leading to building new businesses inside Arm, including the Mali GPU (the world's #1-shipping GPU) and Arm's AI processors. Jem left Arm in 2021 and currently is chair of NAG and a non-executive director of Literal Labs, BOW, CamAI, and Cambridge Future Tech.

Explore the crucial role of explainable AI and why it matters more than ever in today's regulated industries like healthcare and finance. Jem discusses Lietral Labs' Tsetlin Machine, which offers an intuitive audit trail of AI decision-making through propositional logic. This approach is breaking new ground by enhancing model efficiency without compromising on performance. We also tackle the challenge of unbiased training data and how tailored levels of explainability can make AI accessible to everyone, from everyday users to industry experts.

As we gaze into the future of AI, we tackle the pressing issues of bias, energy consumption, and the potential impact of quantum computing. Jem provides insight into how Literal Labs is pioneering tools to promote ethical AI development, mitigate biases, and democratize AI innovation. From practical applications like water leak monitoring to the potential for AI to evolve into a tool of unimaginable uses, we reflect on how the intersection of explainability, energy efficiency, and bias shapes a responsible AI future. Join us for an episode that promises to broaden your understanding of AI's profound societal impact.

How to Advance Chip Design with Digital Twins and EDA

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Transform your understanding of semiconductor design and testing with the latest episode of Advantest Talks Semi. We are thrilled to introduce our new co-host, Don Ong, and welcome Ron Press, and Marc Hutner, from Siemens as they share groundbreaking insights into Electronic Design Automation (EDA).

Ron Press is the Senior Director for Technology Enablement at Siemens, where he leads a team dedicated to ensuring the successful implementation and use of Siemens' Tessent DFT and test product capabilities. His responsibilities include enabling application engineers, developing reference flows, and supporting customers in utilizing Siemens' released products effectively.

Ron began his career at Raytheon, working on AI and neural networks, and in 1993, he co-authored a paper on using neural networks to address built-in self-test (BIST) false alarms, highlighting his early contributions to AI in semiconductor testing. He worked as a Design for Test (DFT) architect at Raytheon before moving to Harris RF, where he focused on communication systems. Ron later joined Mentor Graphics, which was subsequently acquired by Siemens. Throughout his career, he has integrated AI and machine learning into semiconductor testing and design, significantly advancing the field.

Marc Hutner is the Director of Product Management for Yield Learning Products at Siemens. In his role, Marc focuses on yield learning and silicon debugging, aiming to identify yield limiters and improve semiconductor testing processes.

Marc joined Siemens over a year ago, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the semiconductor test industry. Before joining Siemens, he spent two years at proteanTecs as the Senior Director of Product Marketing for IP and Analytics for silicon health. Marc’s background includes working as an architect for test equipment and developing innovative concepts in semiconductor testing. His extensive experience positions him as a key figure in advancing Siemens' yield learning and debug capabilities.

Don Ong is the Director and Head of Innovation for the Advantest Field Service Business Group, a division of Advantest Inc. In his role, Don is responsible for driving the strategic development and implementation of innovative solutions that enhance Advantest’s Field Service business and operations. His responsibilities include identifying emerging technologies, leading cross-functional innovation projects, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement to optimize service efficiency, customer satisfaction, and business growth. Don works closely with internal teams and external partners, including startups, universities, and third parties, to ensure the successful integration of new technologies that meet the evolving needs of the semiconductor industry.

With over 20 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, Don has held multiple roles, including program management, product, application, and test engineering in both Silicon Valley and Asia. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and a Master’s of Studies from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

In this episode we will discover how scan technology and automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) have revolutionized the testing process, significantly boosting defect detection rates. Mark delves into digital twins, explaining their pivotal role in creating virtual representations for real-time system optimization.

Explore the exciting integration of digital twins within the EDA workflow, where collaboration with industry giants ensures model accuracy through rigorous real silicon testing. Learn about the benefits that digital twins bring, from reducing time to market to achieving regulatory compliance in critical sectors such as automotive and medical. The discussion dives into how Streaming Scan Networks an

Why your next Smartphone will be AI-powered: A Look at Mobile Semiconductor Trends with Yole Group

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0500

How is the semiconductor industry evolving in the face of global market trends and technological advancements?

Today, we are thrilled to welcome Pierre Cambou to our podcast. Pierre serves as the Principal Analyst for Global Semiconductors at Yole Group. With a rich background that includes founding a semiconductor startup and roles at notable companies like Thomson TCS and e2v Semiconductors, Pierre brings a wealth of industry knowledge. He is recognized as an expert in the semiconductor field, often cited by international media for his market and technology insights. Pierre holds an engineering degree, an MSc from Virginia Tech, and an MBA from Grenoble Ecole de Management.

Together we'll explore the industry's impressive annual growth rate of 6-7% and delve into the mobile market's fascinating journey from the late 90s to today. Discover how AI chips are revolutionizing smartphones and potentially transforming the sector.

We'll also uncover the cultural and practical reasons behind the persistence of feature phones in regions like India and Europe while they're nearly extinct in the US. We'll compare this trend to the automotive industry's ADAS level zero vehicles and assess how AI and edge technologies might shape future smartphone production. Moreover, we'll discuss the nuanced role of embedded AI in advancing mobile technology, predicting a slow but steady growth aligned with the global GDP.

Finally, we'll examine the global semiconductor manufacturing landscape, touching on government incentives, reshoring efforts, and strategic joint ventures like the TSMC and Sony collaboration in Japan. Pierre provides insights into the competitive dynamics among countries like Japan, Taiwan, and Korea, and the significant investments by China. We wrap up by discussing the industry's future, considering challenges such as managing energy consumption and the importance of green energy in mitigating environmental impacts. Tune in for a compelling dialogue packed with valuable perspectives and forward-looking predictions.

Semiconductor Manufacturing and GlobalFoundries: How Essential Chips Drive Tech Innovations beyond 2024

Mon, 06 May 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Unlock the secrets behind Global Foundries' ascent to semiconductor supremacy and find out how a colossal $1.5 billion boost from the US CHIPS Act is setting the stage for technological innovation. Our guests, John Carulli, Ken Butler, and Shinji Hioki, join us from the frontlines of chip manufacturing to share their expertise on what it takes to be a pure-play foundry in today's competitive market.

John holds 7 US Patents. He has over 50 publications in the areas of reliability, test, and process development. He is co-recipient of two Best Paper Awards and two Best Paper Nominations working in close collaboration with university partners. John serves on the organizing or program committees of several conferences including the International Test Conference, VLSI Test Symposium, and European Test Symposium. He is a Senior Member of IEEE. His research interests include product reliability, outlier analysis, machine learning, performance modeling, logic diagnosis, and security.

Ken Butler is a Senior Director of Business Development in the Advantest Cloud Solutions (ACS) data analytics platform group at Advantest. Prior to that, he worked for more than 36 years at Texas Instruments in DFT and test generation, semiconductor reliability, analog product and test engineering, and data analytics. Ken has a BS from Oklahoma State University and an MS and PhD from the University of Texas at Austin, all in electrical engineering. He is a Fellow of the IEEE, a Golden Core member of the IEEE Computer Society, and a Senior Member of the ACM.

Shinji Hioki joined Advantest ACS in 2022, focusing on developing the ACS business in Japan. Prior to Advantest, he served as the ASIC Commodity Manager / Technologist at Tektronix for over five years, where he managed foundries and OSATs for ASIC production. Before his time at Tektronix, Shinji had a substantial 31-year tenure at Intel, where he held various roles in the Quality & Reliability organization, spanning development, high-volume manufacturing production, and supply chain management

In this vibrant episode we track the transformation of silicon wafer dreams into the tangible powerhouse chips that energize our daily devices, dissecting the interplay of design, production, and the crucial customer relationships that drive the industry forward.

Feel the pulse of the semiconductor world as we tackle the elephant in the room: the pressures of Moore's law and the herculean task of safeguarding tech's most sensitive data. This episode is a call to arms for more transparent collaborations between foundries, assembly, and test operations, with an eye on the future where open data flow might just be the magic ingredient for enhanced yield management and efficiency.

As we wrap up our journey, we turn our attention to the fertile minds of tomorrow's tech leaders. We discuss how acts like the CHIPS Act and mainstream conversations about semiconductors are sparking interest among the youth, encouraging them to pursue careers in this electrifying field. Our conversation weaves through the importance of engaging storytelling in tech education, making semiconductor testing and assembly as thrilling as time travel adventures for the next generation.

Semiconductors and Chris Miller’s Chip War: The Global Battle over the Future of AI

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Prepare to be enthralled by Chris Miller, the esteemed author of "Chip War," as he joins us to unravel the complexities of AI's impact on the semiconductor industry. We tackle the monumental task of rethinking computing efficiency in the face of supercomputers and data centers that gulp power like never before. Chris illuminates the path ahead, where technological advancement must reconcile with environmental imperatives, addressing the thermal hurdles that come with more powerful chips and the revolutionary changes needed to test these energy behemoths.

Venture into the semiconductor saga with us, tracing the arc from the inception of computing to today's digital omnipresence. The vital role of lithography, especially the marvel of Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) technology, comes to the fore as we dissect Intel's early gambles and ASML's exclusive reign in this sphere. It's a tale of triumphs and trials, where the relentless pursuit of progress meets the gradual slowdown of Moore's Law, pushing the industry towards groundbreaking R&D investments and international competitiveness.

Our exploration culminates with a striking contrast between the human brain's efficiency and the voracious power appetite of modern AI models. As we peer into the future, we speculate on the promise of biological computing, like DNA-based systems, and how they might disrupt our silicon foundations. The episode concludes by considering how AI advancements, exemplified by the capabilities of large language models such as ChatGPT, could redefine the workforce and bridge the existing skills gap. Join us for this enlightening journey through the evolution and future innovations of the semiconductor industry with the insightful Chris Miller.

2024-2025 Semiconductor Industry Outlook with TechInsights

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0600

Prepare to be illuminated by the insights of Risto Puhakka from TechInsights as he joins us to map out the semiconductor industry's explosive growth, driven by the thunderous influence of AI.

During our adventure through CES 2024, we bear witness to AI's pervasive touch, from robotics and healthcare to the sizzling innovations in micro LED technology. Risto's expert analysis doesn't just skim the surface; it plunges into the economic, political, and competitive undercurrents that are redefining the semiconductor landscape.

Venture further into the conversation as we unravel AI's sprawling web, extending its reach from agriculture to retail, and sculpting the semiconductor market's future. We dissect the burgeoning world of spatial computing, and the surging demand for data streams, processor aptitude, and memory.

Gaze into the crystal ball with us as we reflect on 2023's rollercoaster ride – spotlighting industry bottlenecks and breakthroughs – and cast our predictions for 2024's market climate.

It's not just a tech talk; it's a strategic analysis of the global shifts, the CHIPS Act's ripples, and how different nations are vying for supremacy in the AI arena. With Risto's guidance, we're decoding the blueprint of tomorrow's semiconductor industry, where AI reigns supreme.

The Future of Yield and Data Analytics: An Inside Look with yieldHUB

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0600

Brace yourself for an exhilarating deep-dive into the labyrinth of semiconductor technology and yield management in this fascinating episode with John O'Donnell and Carl Moore from yieldHUB.

John has a degree in Microelectronics from UCC (University College Cork) and spent more than 17 years at a leading semiconductor company before starting yieldHUB (formerly MFG Vision). Fast forward to today and he's running a company with a platform that's used by over a thousand of product users around the world. yieldHUB exists to help semiconductor customers maximize their yield. John loves what he does and enjoys traveling the world to meet new prospects and customers.

Carl is a semiconductor and yield management expert with a career spanning 40+ years. During his dynamic career, Carl’s held technical management positions across product and test engineering, assembly, manufacturing, and design at established semiconductor companies. Carl is passionate about data analytics and has a reputation for building strong customer relationships.

In this episode we'll pry open the Pandora's box of big data and data analytics in the semiconductor industry, unravelling yieldHUB's distinctive strategies in propelling yield improvements. We'll underscore the crucial role of real-time data analysis and collaboration, and how these components are reshaping the landscape of yield management.

Data is the lifeblood of the semiconductor industry, yet managing new data sources and formats is a colossal task. With our guests, we'll explore how yieldHUB's platform streamlines data integration, and how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are shaking up production testing. We'll also discuss the merger of human expertise and AI to achieve optimal results and the global scalability of data analytics through cloud-based solutions. You’ll be awestruck by the sheer potential and power of these technologies.

John and Carl will share their insights about the unique features of yieldHUB, including its ability to facilitate specific product threads and its innovative audio feature. We'll end the conversation by looking at the future of yield and data analytics, offering valuable advice for the industry's next steps. Plus, we'll explore the integration of data from various sources through API, discussing the impact on sustainability and innovation in the industry. Get ready to be inundated with a wealth of insights into the realm of semiconductor yield management.

The Revolutions and Repercussions of the Semiconductor Industry

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Advantest Talks Semi we demystify the complex interplay of semiconductors and the automotive sector. Buckle up as we navigate this intricate landscape with Malcolm Penn, the CEO of Future Horizons.

From deep-diving into the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry to early signs of industry recovery, Malcolm illuminates the market's recent movements. He spotlights the explosive growth of China's EV market and its strategic grip on the low-end market - a move that's not to be underestimated by the established auto industries globally.

In the second half, Malcolm walks us through the intersection of the EV market and the rising demand for advanced semiconductors. We examine the reverberating effects of sanctions on the industry while underlining the growing importance of decentralized computing.

Toward the end of this podcast, catch Malcolm's take on the current OpenAI media buzz and how AI chipsets are leaving an indelible impression on memory. We wrap the discussion with a look at how Avantest is riding the wave of innovation with its open solutions ecosystem Advantest ACS.

Download this episode now for your deep dive into the dynamic world of semiconductors.

Electrifying the Automotive Future: Power Semiconductors in the EV Revolution

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Are you ready to supercharge your knowledge on the electrifying transformation of the automotive semiconductor industry?

Fasten your seat belts for a high-octane conversation with Fabio Marino, managing director at CREA at Advantest in Italy and a trailblazer, as we drive through the accelerating shift towards green energy.

We’ll be zooming in on the rapid growth of the power semiconductor market and how it's turbocharging the EV demand. Get ready to rev up your understanding of power electronics technologies like IGBTs, insulated gate bipolar transistors, silicon carbide, and gallium nitride as we put them head-to-head, comparing their specifications and power capacities.

Also, we’ll shed light on how the semiconductor industry is navigating the switch from package to bare die testing, examining how it challenges the delivery of kiloamps or kilovolts through a probe card whilst maintaining efficiency and reliability.

Lastly, diving into the battery testing arena, we will make sense of the implications of long lead times for probers and handlers and touch down on the maturity of silicon carbide technology and the potential influence of automated tools and the market.

So buckle up, relax, and join us as we journey through the electrifying world of automotive semiconductors.

Advantest, proteanTecs, and PDF Solutions harness AI power for yield, quality, and reliability

Wed, 24 May 2023 11:00:00 -0500

Advantest, proteanTecs, and PDF Solutions are teaming up to develop solutions that improve semiconductor manufacturing yield, reliability, and quality.

Advantest has created a real-time data infrastructure (RTDI), called ACS that transforms testing. proteanTecs is pioneering deep data analytics for advanced electronics monitoring, while PDF Solutions is a leading provider of comprehensive data and analysis solutions for the semiconductor ecosystem.

Together, they aim to address challenges for common customers, like increasing complexity, shrinking process nodes, and demand for higher quality control in order to minimize cost and expedite time to market. The collaboration leverages AI and machine learning to enable real-time decisions for quality and reliability with an interoperable open ecosystem that is designed to be secure and allows for scalable semantic models, reusable models, and impactful ML ops.

Advantest, proteanTecs, and PDF Solutions have a history of successful collaboration, with proven solutions already in the market, including Dynamic Parametric Test, which is designed for the early detection of anomalies in the wafer acceptance test, and a die-to-die solution that collects and analyses high-speed interconnections between die. All three companies aim to look forward and develop applications that span different stages of testing from scribe line testing to system-level tests.

In this podcast, we discuss how AI and machine learning are being used in the semiconductor industry, particularly in the automotive and high-performance computing sectors. We discuss how these technologies can improve quality control, optimize testing processes, and help alleviate supply chain bottlenecks. They also emphasize the importance of understanding device performance through measurement and analytics to make better decisions about test flow and yield. Optimizing throughput, quality, and yield is seen as a key factor in addressing supply chain challenges.

Finally, we discuss the potential challenges and opportunities for the semiconductor industry as AI technology advances. Emphasizing the need to make advanced AI/ML analytical techniques more accessible and easier to integrate into semiconductor operations, particularly in test operations. We discuss what the concept of "mostly good die" is, where products can operate robustly despite not having all transistors working perfectly, as this concept highlights the importance of understanding how to repair and optimize chip performance in real-time.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn more about our collaboration and the latest trends leaders of the semiconductor industry are working on!

The Future of Display Technology: Micro LED Revolution

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 14:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Advantest Talks Semi, we dive into the world of Micro LED technology, a cutting-edge display innovation set to transform the way we interact with digital content.

Join host Keith and expert Kotaro Hasegawa from Advantest (Applied Research & Venture Team Lab leader in Japan) as they discuss the evolution of display technology, the advantages of Micro LED over LCD and OLED, and its potential applications in AR, VR, and beyond. They also explore the challenges faced by Micro LED in manufacturing, cost, and testing, as well as the breakthrough approaches that could accelerate its adoption in the market.

Don't miss this fascinating conversation on the future of display technology!

Interview with ChatGPT: Find out if it knew semiconductors like the back of its circuit!

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0600

In this electrifying episode of the latest podcast, our virtual guest ChatGPT takes us on a thrilling journey through the world of semiconductors. Discover the fascinating uses of these tiny components in a variety of industries and learn how ChatGPT navigates the delicate balance between performance and reliability to ensure the safety and efficiency of our systems.

From aerospace and defense to gaming and artificial intelligence, ChatGPT showcases the critical importance of semiconductors in today's high-tech world and what challenges come with them. We chat about how these mini marvels must operate under extreme conditions, delivering accurate results in industries such as medical devices, automobiles, and industrial control systems.

And for those who crave raw speed and power, ChatGPT explores the performance-driven industries like high-performance computing, graphics and multimedia processing, networking and telecommunications, where lightning-fast results are non-negotiable.

But we didn’t stop there! We asked ChatGPT to delve into the cutting-edge technology of machine learning, discussing its transformative role in predictive maintenance, test optimization, defect detection, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement. Unlocking valuable insights that lead to optimized testing, pinpointed defects, and continuous process improvement.

So, don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to get up close and personal on a truly educational and entertaining episode with ChatGPT - where science meets fun!

Disclaimer:
The mention of ChatGPT or any other large language model in this content is solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement, promotion or validation of ChatGPT or any specific large language model. There are various large language models available in the market, each with its own strengths and capabilities. We do not claim or suggest that ChatGPT is the singular or superior option among these models. Users and readers are encouraged to explore different large language models and make informed decisions based on their specific requirements and criteria. The choice and utilization of any large language model, including ChatGPT, should be done with due diligence and critical evaluation.

Navigating the Semiconductor Slowdown: Insights on the Industry in 2023

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0600

Get the inside scoop on the slowdown in the semiconductor industry and what to expect in 2023 with our distinguished guest, Malcolm Penn, CEO of Future Horizons, and one of the most experienced experts in the semiconductor industry.

In this episode of ‘Advantest Talks Semi’ we dive into the forecasted contraction of the semiconductor industry, the impact of Covid-19 and the shift towards electric vehicles. We talk about the forecast for the memory market and the investments being made in the name of national security.

We will answer the question of why the memory market will give an indication of the overall market's recovery and that the market’s decline is expected to be double-digit. Questions about Europe and China will be answered as you listen in.

Tune in to our latest episode of 'Advantest Talks Semi' to stay ahead of the game in the ever-evolving world of semiconductors."

Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography: Going beyond 2nm

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0600

Producing the world's most complex and advanced semiconductors isn't rocket science; it's far more difficult and getting tougher. For example, today's most advanced AI devices are made using a 5nm process. 5nm, which in layperson's terms, is equivalent in size to two DNA strands. Imagine somehow placing billions of strands of DNA in an exact and elaborate pattern, 100 layers high, in an area that's the size of a thumbnail. In short, that is the challenge semiconductor manufacturers face when producing the most advanced AI chips.

Production of today's most advanced chips uses a cutting-edge technology called: Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography, or EUV. Listen in as Mr. Toshimichi Iwai, Senior Vice President of E-Beam Lithography at Advantest's R&D facility in Saitama, Japan, explains the history and importance of lithography in semiconductor manufacturing and the vital role that Advantest plays in enabling next-generation semiconductor devices.

More than Moore or More Moore? Here is what’s next!

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 12:00:00 -0500

What's Next in the Future of High-Performance Computing? In this episode, experts will discuss the plans for the coming era of computing and will reveal how the semiconductor industry is continuously evolving to address the looming high performance compute challenges -- moving us beyond Moore's Law.

Listen in as John Shalf, Department Head for Computer Science at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and former deputy director of Hardware Technology for the Department of Energy Exascale Computing Project, helps us uncover how the semiconductor industry will revolutionize HPC over the next decade.

Unconventional Knowledge about PCIe Gen 5 NVMe SSDs & CXL

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 11:00:00 -0500

The rapid evolution of advanced memory and storage technology is helping to transform the modern world at lightning fast speeds. Blink and you could miss the latest innovations. The new Flash SSD memories are blisteringly fast (up to 128 Gbps), powered by leading edge PCIe Gen. 5 & CXL.

Essential for next generation data centers, artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G applications, the latest Flash SSDs are debuting at the Flash Summit Conference and Expo August 2-4, 2022. Listen in as Advantest Flash Memory experts Edmundo De La Puente, R&D Director for the MPT 3000 and Stan Tsze, MPT 3000 Global Marketing Manager describe what’s changing in the market, why it’s changing, and how Advantest’s MPT3000 is always a step ahead of the competition.

Semiconductor Leaders use AI/ML Applications at the Edge - Find Out Why.

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 08:00:00 -0500

Artificial intelligence has significant value-creation potential in the semiconductor industry with recent value estimates in the mobile industry alone in the $100’s of Millions to over $1 Billion dollars. To capture this value, leading semiconductor device manufacturers want to unleash and scale their proprietary AI and ML methodologies in the intensely competitive winner-takes-all environment where aggressive innovation is required while product life cycles continue to shrink.

Listen in as experts from PDF Solutions, Vishnu Rajan engagement director, Greg Prewitt director of product management, Excensio test operations, and David Park, vice president of marketing, join Advantest Talks Semi and learn the latest of what is happening at the “edge” of semiconductor test.

The VOICE of Silicon

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0500

What would semiconductor chips say if every chip had its own “VOICE” and communicated in a variety of languages? Would self-driving cars talk among themselves rendering traffic a thing of the past? And would they continuously monitor and discuss their conditions and their life expectancies? Would chips be programmed to communicate directly with Advantest testers using their native languages?

Listen in as Steve Pateras, vice president of marketing and strategic business development at Synopsys, Klaus Dieter Hilliges, Advantest 93000 platform extension manager, and I, Keith Schaub, vice president of technology and strategy at Advantest, discuss this revelation and some of the many innovations being showcased at the annual Advantest VOICE developer conference taking place May 17-18th 2022 at the OMNI Montelucia in Scottsdale, Arizona.

$1 Trillion in Semiconductor Revenues by 2030?

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Despite the pandemic, semiconductors hit a new global revenue milestone in 2021, reaching a record US$584 billion. Current forecasts project we’ll pass US$1 trillion by 2030. Is this realistic? With the test sector leading the way, AI and machine learning connected ecosystems are analyzing data in near real-time to gain new insights and help drive new advancements in IC technology.

Listen in as Keith Schaub, Advantest’s VP of technology and strategy, chats with Marc Hutner, senior director of product marketing, for proteanTecs, about some of the current thinking and innovative developments that can help us reach the $1T goal line.

Smart Manufacturing Boosts Semiconductor Test IQ

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0600

Listen in as Advantest’s smart manufacturing experts Nicolas Cathelin, Business Development Manager for Advantest Europe, and Guenther Jeserer, Senior Director of Advantest Test Cell Automation, describe how semiconductor testing is getting an IQ boost from some of the recent smart manufacturing innovations in high volume production test.

Learn how the fully-integrated work flow is enabling cloud and edge analytics across the entire semiconductor test value chain.

Advantest Life Science Enables Rapid COVID-19 Detection (English)

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 11:00:00 -0600

Advantest debuts a potentially new life saving technology to assist in the fight against deadly viruses like Covid-19.

Join us, as Noriyuki Masuda, senior director of life sciences at Advantest provides a stimulating overview of the NanoScouter, an innovative approach combining nano technology with AI and Machine Learning for rapid detection of Covid-19 and other viruses.

Advantest Life Science Enables Rapid COVID-19 Detection (Japanese)

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 11:00:00 -0600

Advantest debuts a potentially new life saving technology to assist in the fight against deadly viruses like Covid-19. Join us, as Noriyuki Masuda, senior director of life sciences at Advantest provides a stimulating overview of the NanoScouter, an innovative approach combining nano technology with AI and Machine Learning for rapid detection of Covid-19 and other viruses.

VLSIresearch Talks 2021 Semiconductor Trends

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0500

What are the latest semiconductor trends and what do they say about our future? That’s the one trillion-dollar question.

Risto Puhakka, president of VLSIresearch, helps us decipher current trends and provides us with invaluable insights on the innerworkings of the complex semiconductor industry.

Supply Chain & Tearing Down Data Silos

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 11:00:00 -0500

Episode 4 features two experts from PDF Solutions – Vishnu Rajan, engagement director, and David Park, vice president of Marketing – who discuss big data’s impact on the semiconductor supply chain and what’s needed to tear down the inefficient data silos and move toward a fully connected data ecosystem.

Test the Techies

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 15:00:00 -0500

In Episode 3, Advantest technical experts Don Blair, Hagen Goller and Jeff Brenner compete in a fun and lively “Test the Techies” VOICE Conference-themed quiz show.

From AI and ML to Chess and Semiconductors

Fri, 14 May 2021 14:00:00 -0500

Episode 2 features AI software expert Benjamin Lobmueller, business development manager of Advantest Cloud Solutions™ (ACS), who presents fascinating AI history, along with how Advantest is integrating AI and ML advancements in its ACS strategy.

Semiconductor Test: Then and Now

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 12:00:00 -0500

The first episode features two of Advantest’s industry veterans – Ira Leventhal, vice president of Applied Research and Technology, and Alan Hart, senior director of R&D – who discuss “then and now” in the semiconductor test industry.