Business News: Memory IC Growth, GloFo Halts 7-nm, and M&A Updates
The Elektor Business team regularly posts noteworthy electronics industry-related news items to keep you up informed. This week we update you on 2018 memory IC growth, 7-nm product news, and more. Contact our editors and engineers on social media if you have questions or comments.
The Elektor Business team regularly posts noteworthy electronics industry-related news items to keep you up informed. This week we update you on 2018 memory IC growth, 7-nm product news, and more. Contact our editors and engineers on social media if you have questions or comments.
Memory IC Growth in 2018
IC Insights recently reported that semiconductor capital expenditures could reach $102 billion in 2018, which would be a 9% increase over 2018 and a 38% increase over 2016. Interestingly, memory ICs will likely account for 53% of semiconductor capex in 2018. Note:
GlobalFoundries Halts 7-nm Development
In a move to focus on its its 14-nm and 12-nm processes, GlobalFoundries has stopped 7-nm development. The move presents an opportunity for TSMC to deliver 7-nm products for AMD. “GF is putting its 7nm FinFET program on hold indefinitely and restructuring its research and development teams to support its enhanced portfolio initiatives,” GlobalFoundries stated in a release.
M&A Updates
Memory IC Growth in 2018
IC Insights recently reported that semiconductor capital expenditures could reach $102 billion in 2018, which would be a 9% increase over 2018 and a 38% increase over 2016. Interestingly, memory ICs will likely account for 53% of semiconductor capex in 2018. Note:
- DRAM/SRAM will likely show the largest spending increase.
- Flash memory will likely make up most capex spending in 2018.
- Industry leaders — including Samsung, Micron, and Intel — are reportedly planning to increase 3D NAND flash capacity during the next few years
GlobalFoundries Halts 7-nm Development
In a move to focus on its its 14-nm and 12-nm processes, GlobalFoundries has stopped 7-nm development. The move presents an opportunity for TSMC to deliver 7-nm products for AMD. “GF is putting its 7nm FinFET program on hold indefinitely and restructuring its research and development teams to support its enhanced portfolio initiatives,” GlobalFoundries stated in a release.
M&A Updates
- Multinational consumer electronics retailer Best Buy will acquire GreatCall, a San Diego, CA-based connected health tech company, for $800 million. "GreatCall is a leading provider of connected health and personal emergency response services ... It sells easy-to-use mobile phones and connected devices that provide a way for seniors to reach a medical professional at the touch of the button ... Those offerings align with Best Buy’s mission to enrich people’s lives through technology and build on our existing efforts in the health space," writes John Vomhof, Jr.
- Methode Electronic, which develops application-specific products and solutions, will acquire Grakon Parent, a global manufacturer of advanced lighting systems, controls and components for premier OEM vehicle manufacturers. Grakon's newest customer is Tesla, and it has three facilities in North America, two in Europe, and two in Asia.
