DIGITIMES Asia: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain's Journal

Samsung reportedly failed to receive part of incentive payout from the Indian government

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230605VL202/india-samsung.html

Thanks to India's PLI scheme to encourage handset manufacturing, India has become the second-largest mobile phone production country after China. Samsung, one of the major contributors to the scheme, may fail to receive part of the incentive payout for the first year due to invoice discrepancies.

Tata to build Gigafactory for lithium-ion cells in Gujarat

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230605VL201/battery-india.html?chid=13

Tata Group signed an MoU with India's western state of Gujarat to build a gigafactory for lithium-ion cells as EV sales have been increasing in India in recent years.

Taiwan is a crucial partner for traditional automakers seeking an edge against Chinese competitors

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230605PD206/byd-china.html

Thanks to its solid technology foundation and geopolitical dynamics, the ICT industry cluster in Taiwan has gained favor from mainstream car manufacturers in Europe, America, and Japan, giving Taiwan's ICT industry further opportunity to venture into the automobile sector. However, there's still a long way to go, especially when a "mindset gap" exists between traditional automakers and Taiwanese electronics manufacturers.

Who can ride this impending wave of generative AI? Edge and cloud each take their own approaches

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230531PD204/computex-2023-generative-ai-mediatek-qualcomm.html

Generative AI is shaping up to be a key trend in the entire technology industry, and it doesn't appear to be a short-term bubble but rather a long-term wave. It has the opportunity to become a crucial application that can totally change human-machine interaction and work models. Because of this, major companies, from edge to cloud, are all actively planning to ride this wave of growth. This trend inevitably became a focal point of Computex 2023.

AT&S on track to start IC substrate manufacturing in Malaysia in 2H2024

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230602VL200/at_s-ic-substrate-malaysia.html

IC substrate and PCB maker AT&S (Advanced Technologies & Solutions) has been expanding its IC substrate manufacturing footprint in Asia before COVID-19 outbreak. It has moved equipment into the latest plant in Malaysia, slated to start high-volume manufacturing (HVM) in the second half of next year.

"Subsystem" becomes profit guarantee for Nvidia; system-level integration tests have high potential

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230530PD203/advanced-packaging-ic-testing-nvidia-slt.html

The concept of AI has continued to penetrate high-performance computing (HPC) and even the future car sector. Supply chain sources admitted that this is already a battle of "ecosystem," not just a single-chip business model. The importance of a "subsystem" integration service is higher than ever, which has become a real source of profit for Nvidia, a front-runner in the industry.

Samsung's Semco successfully develops automotive MLCC with largest battery capacity

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230601PD205/mlcc-samsung-semco.html?chid=13

Samsung Electro-Mechanics (Semco) is strengthening its high-temperature and high-voltage automotive product portfolio based on the ultra-small size and ultra-large capacity technical strength of its MLCC (multi-layer ceramic capacitor) division. Recently, it announced that it has successfully developed the world's largest capacity MLCC for EVs.

Global NAND flash output value to drop again

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230602VL213/memory-chips.html

The value of the global NAND flash industry output will continue to fall in the second quarter of 2023, albeit at a slower rate than in the first, when it declined 16%, according to TrendForce.

Hyundai commences first overseas fuel cell production base in China

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230602VL212/china-hyundai-south-korea.html?chid=13

Hyundai Motor bets on the China market to scale up its fuel cell business. The automaker began operating its first fuel cell plant in Guangzhou, China, on June 1. The production base aims to make 6,500 fuel cell systems each year.

India roundup: Foxconn to make iPhones in Karnataka by April 2024

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230602VL208/foxconn-india-roundup-india.html

The government of Karnataka said that Foxconn will beginning making iPhones in the state in 2024. Xiaomi will expand local sourcing for its smartphones and wearable devices to regain its leadership in India.

mmWave application scenarios getting clear

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230602PD202/computex-2023-mmwave.html

With the advent of the B5G (beyond 5G) era, mmWave applications continue to emerge, including IoT demand in smart cities and advanced driving assistance systems, driving many major players to expand their related R&D efforts, with startups also joining the bandwagon.

China poised to extend EV purchase tax break

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230605VL203/byd-china.html?chid=13

China, the world's largest EV market, is expected to keep its tax incentives to maintain the momentum. The purchase tax break for new energy vehicles (NEV) will likely remain after the end of this year and benefit the whole supply chain.

Cadence and Saigon High-Tech Park collaborate to nurture next generation of IC design expertise in V

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230601PR202/cadence-ic-design-vietnam.html?chid=10

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CDNS) and Saigon High-Tech Park (SHTP), the leading high-tech hub in Vietnam, today announced a collaboration to foster electronic design expertise and advance the semiconductor industry in Vietnam. Through the collaboration, Cadence plans to explore the opportunity to provide its IC design software tools and relevant training programs to local universities through the Cadence Academic Network.

Foxconn camp launches Taiwan's first homegrown 8-inch SiC substrate: Q&A with Taisic Materials c

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230530PD200/taisic-sic-substrate-silicon-carbide-taiwan-foxconn-technology.html

Member firms of the Foxconn (Hon Hai Precision Industry) camp have completed their initial deployments in the third-generation compound semiconductor SiC (silicon carbide) field, with Taisic Materials engaged in the upstream crystal growth and substrate production, Gigastorage planning to handle SiC wafer cutting, grinding and polishing, and Hon Hai itself on track to operate a SiC wafer foundry at a 6-inch fab purchased from Macronix International in addition to its deep presence in consumer, industrial, automotive and low-orbit satellite applications.

China battery makers to enjoy boom in upcoming years thanks to energy-storage demand, says DIGITIMES

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230602VL211/battery+green-energy-china-digitimes-research.html?chid=13

With net zero becoming a global trend, the energy-storage battery industry is expected to enjoy exponential growth in demand in the next several years with global energy-storage battery sales in 2022 already enjoying an on-year surge of 177%, according to DIGITIMES Research's new study of China's battery industry. At the moment, most energy-storage battery suppliers are from China.

More than just a chip: Q&A wth Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230602VL207/gpu-jensen-huang-nvidia.html

"We are at the beginning of a new computing era: accelerated computing and generative AI," said Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in a press Q&A at Computex 2023. Huang discussed Nvidia's efforts to expand and scale generative AI by introducing Grace Hopper, a game-changing new processor.

AI pushes wave of smart application; IPC industry showcases another approach

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230601PD203/computex-2023-ipc-smart-applications.html

Coming out of the pandemic, Computex 2023 was able to once again showcase Taiwan's strength to the global ICT industry via a physical show. With intelligence application being one of the six major themes of this year and the recent popularity of AI-related topics, many industry players used the event as an opportunity to showcase various solutions that combine IoT technology with AI applications in different smart scenarios such as retail.

The value of AI infrastructure

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230602PD206/ai-infrastructure-server-ipc-cloud-computing-iot.html

The cost of machine learning applications will come down as a result of semiconductors improving computing power. The lower cost will naturally result in a sharp rise in the number of users. Using AI will become a daily routine in work and private life. The commercialization of AI will really lead to the arrival of the "iPhone moment for AI." Once OpenAI becomes the norm, various kinds of applications will need the support of Nvidia's datacenter and dedicated chips. We can imagine how much the industry will benefit from this.

AR/VR headset shipments slow in 1Q23 as market awaits wide availability of next gen headsets, says I

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230602PR200/1q23-ar_vr-headset-shipments.html

Global shipments of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) headsets slowed significantly in the first quarter of 2023 as macroeconomic conditions worsened and the market cooled compared to the pandemic-driven highs seen last year. According to new data from the IDC Worldwide Quarterly Augmented and Virtual Reality Headset Tracker, the overall AR/VR headset market declined 54.4% on year in the first quarter of 2023 with VR headsets representing 96.2% of headsets shipped.

Taiwan fabless firms shift gears to catch up in automotive chip design

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230605PD209/automotive-ic-display-system-taiwan.html

Leading fabless IC design houses in Taiwan have been developing their business to non-consumer electronic applications in recent years, and automotive electronics have been one of the areas that they prioritize in their resource allocations.

BOE's Gen 8 IT OLED production line could be delayed due to lack of approval from Bejing's governmen

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230531PD205/boe-china-iphone-oled.html

BOE's Gen 8 IT OLED production line will be stationed in the B16 factory in Chengdu, China. However, rumors came out that although foundation construction has begun, the investments for the Gen 8 IT OLED production line have not yet been approved by the local government. All eyes are on how this situation will develop.

GaAs PA suppliers upbeat about demand for niche applications

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230605PD201/aerospace-gaas.html

For suppliers of GaAs-based RF power amplifiers (PAs), market demand for handsets and other consumer electronics devices will remain weak, but demand for niche-market applications such as aerospace, military, industrial control and infrastructure continue to provide robust momentum, which will help them to offset declines in shipments for consumer applications, according to industry sources.

India's Polymatech aims to become leading opto-semiconductor chips manufacturer

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230605VL204/ic-manufacturing-india-optoelectronics-polymatech.html

In response to the Indian government's Semiconductor Mission aimed at transforming the nation into a semiconductor powerhouse, several companies have shown interest in establishing assembly, testing, marking, and packaging (ATMP) facilities. Even though there are no definitive plans in place yet, for the most part, the enthusiasm within the industry is palpable, especially as the government promises to offer subsidies and incentives.

Hyundai invests in 42dot to establish global software center

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230605VL205/south-korea-hyundai-42dot-software-vehicle.html?chid=13

Hyundai Motor took another step forward to transform its vehicles. The automaker injected KRW346.2 billion (US$265.1 million) into the majority-owned self-driving startup, 42dot, last week to set up a global software center for software-defined vehicles (SDV).

AI chip shortage to last until 2024, according to top Chinese AI company

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230605PD211/ai-china-server-ipc-cloud-computing-iot.html

The large-scale language model (LLM) has triggered the continuous growth of China's computing industry. SenseTime, which kept a low profile, has recently been tasked to pilot the AI computing supply chain taking shape in the Shanghai FTZ's Lingang New Area.

3GPP member meeting to run June 12-16 in Taiwan for first time

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230605PD200/taiwan-3gpp-telecom-service-infrastructure.html

The 3GPP, a global mobile communication standards organization, is set to hold its 100th member meeting in Taiwan on June 12-16, focusing on proposals for Release 19 standards. This is not only the first time for a 3GPP event to take place in Taiwan, but also the world's first 6G working meeting with countries to propose their 6G technology standards.

DIGITIMES Research expects shipments of 2.5–3 million units for upcoming MacBook Air in 2023

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230605PD207/2023-macbook-air-shipments-digitimes-research.html

Apple's new M2-power MacBook Air is slated to be unveiled at WWDC scheduled from June 5–9 with DIGITIMES Research's senior analyst Jim Hsiao expecting the notebook's shipments to reach 2.5–3 million units in 2023.

Kioxia and WD finalizing business integration talks

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230605PD212/kioxia-memory-chips-western-digital.html

Japanese NAND Flash manufacturer Kioxia and US memory maker Western Digital (WD) are finalizing the discussion of their business integration.

GOP lawmakers ramp up calls to counter China over Micron ban

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230605VL206/government-micron-us-china-chip-war.html

Two key Republican lawmakers are pressing the Biden administration to counter Beijing's ban of US chipmaker Micron Technology Inc. by sanctioning a Chinese semiconductor company and ensuring that Japanese and South Korean firms don't take advantage of the blockade.

TSMC planning 3–6% price hike starting in 2024

https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20230605PD203/tsmc-2024-ic-manufacturing-semiconductor-price.html

TSMC is contemplating a 3 to 6 percent price increase for its advanced process manufacturing beginning in January 2024, according to sources at IC design houses. The price increases vary based on the production method, order quantity, and degree of collaboration.