As many industries continue to struggle with chip supply issues, there is some good news share. This week, we update you on Bosch’s new state-of-the-art $1.2 billion wafer fab in Dresden, Germany, as well as new revenue records for the top 10 global foundries.
 

Bosch Opens AI-Controlled Wafter Fab in Dresden

Many of your future semiconductors might originate in Germany. In early June 2021, Bosch opened a new state-of-the-art $1.2 billion wafter fab in Dresden, Germany. The company touts the facility as a truly “smart” factory. “Highly automated, fully connected machines and integrated processes, combined with methods of artificial intelligence (AI) will make the Dresden plant a smart factory and a trailblazer in Industry 4.0,” the company announced, adding that it is the biggest investment in the company’s history. The company intends to begin producing chips for Bosch power tools in July. Production for chips intended for automotive applications will begin in September.  

Top 10 Foundries Break Revenue Records

The top 10 foundries broke revenue records at the start of 2021, TrendForce reports. The quarterly total revenue of the 10 foundries rose by 1% to a new high of $22.75 billion in the first quarter of 2021. TSMC led the pack with 55% market share, followed by Samsung with 18% and UMC and GlobalFoundries with 7%, respectively. What does this mean for the coming months? “With foundry capacity shortage expected for 2Q21, TrendForce believes the rise in wafer prices will in turn further contribute to revenue growth. This is attributed to the fact that, while foundries have not been undertaking significant capacity expansions during 1H21, there has been strong demand for most types of components in 2Q21, meaning foundries will maintain fully loaded capacities going forward.”

Texas Instruments Tops Analog IC Supplier List

In 2020, Texas Instruments was the world’s top supplier of analog devices.  “TI’s analog sales increased about $650 million or 6% compared to 2019,” IC Insights reports. That analog revenue amounted to 75% of its $14.5 billion in semiconductor revenue. Analog Devices came in second place 9% of the market. Skyworks Solutions and Infineon came in next with 7% market share each.

Support for ESP32 Arduino IoT Cloud

If you love both ESP32 and Arduino, you are in luck. Arduino recently announced support for ESP32 on the Arduino IoT Cloud. “This opens up cloud-connected projects to a whole new world of IoT devices, projects and possibilities,” the Arduino team reported. Instructions for connecting an ESP32 to the IoT Cloud are posted on Arduino’s website. You can start with a free Arduino IoT Cloud account and share your experiences on the forum — and via your Elektor Labs account, of course.

EU Digital Identity

The European Commission announced on June 3, 2021, a proposal for a European Digital Identity that would enable EU citizens to prove their identities and share electronic documents. “They will be able to access online services with their national digital identification, which will be recognised throughout Europe,” the Commission announced.  With European Digital Identity Wallets, users will be able to store data and use it for a variety of purposes, including opening bank accounts and renting things like apartments and cars. “Under the new Regulation, Member States will offer citizens and businesses digital wallets that will be able to link their national digital identities with proof of other personal attributes (e.g., driving license, diplomas, bank account). These wallets may be provided by public authorities or by private entities, provided they are recognised by a Member State.” Stay tuned for future news and updates about the European Digital Identity Framework.

Eurocircuits at 30

Mechelen, Belgium-based Eurocircuits is celebrating three decades of PCB manufacturing. “In May 1991, Luc Smets and Dirk Stans founded their company to produce printed circuit boards. In the late 1990s, they’ve quickly foreseen the potential of the Internet and used the then new medium to put their vision for the future of PCB manufacturing into practice. In early 2000, they launched eurocircuits.com, a portal for ordering printed circuit boards.” Today, the 450-employee company manufactures PCBs and assembles them in two Europe-based factories (Hungary and Germany) in accordance with high European sustainability standards. Elektor works with Eurocircuits to offer two helpful PCB design services: ElektorPCBService.com and ElektorPCB4Makers.com. Check out the site to find a low-cost, eco-friendly PCB design solution.

Updates on Semiconductors, Foundries, and More

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