tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36198351456017772312012-01-26T00:44:44.201+05:30Pradeep Chakraborty's Blog!Pradeep Chakraborty's Blog -- A resource for semiconductors, solar photovoltaics, telecom, electronics, infocom, components, nanotechnology, IT and leisure.Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.comBlogger7531100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-81575642266134068122012-01-26T00:44:00.001+05:302012-01-26T00:44:44.217+05:30CIOs unfurl newer efficiencies out of IT operationsHow can today's CIOs be able to unfurl newer efficiencies out of their respective IT operations? At the same time, how can they, present solutions that can also empower their businesses even as the businesses work toward achieving their organizational goals? The answer perhaps lies in infrastructure optimization!IT spends are said to be increasing and in line with the overall aim of accelerating Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-86998263489475310352012-01-23T21:08:00.003+05:302012-01-23T22:27:29.177+05:30India to allow imports of low-priced Chinese solar cells? Or, is it beaten?As per reports on the Internet, the Government of India has said that it has no objections to companies importing low-priced Chinese solar cells, so long as the cells imported meet the prescribed quality standards!Oh, well! This is yet another blow to the battling group of the domestic manufacturers. A week before, their plea for seeking imposition of import duty on finished solar equipment was Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-67273266850245270852012-01-18T01:23:00.000+05:302012-01-18T01:23:00.090+05:30Redpine enters M2M market with fully-featured Wi-Fi moduleRedpine Signals Inc. has entered the M2M (machine-to-machine) market with its first fully-featured Wi-Fi module. Let's find out what the Wi-Fi module is all about, and specifically, M2M!According to a Redpine spokesperson, the M2M market is different from the traditional mobile and PC Wi-Fi market – in the sense that it requires ‘self-contained’ hardware and software. Traditional Wi-Fi Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-52998864660195238462012-01-10T00:36:00.002+05:302012-01-10T01:05:39.669+05:30Trends to watch @ CES!CES 2012 is just around the corner! Let us look at some trends.First, according to Ovum, ultrabooks are shaping up to be a CES 2012 show stopper. It is expected that 20-40 devices will be introduced. Next, there will be more of mobile connecrted devices, which are likely to be more app friendly, have brighter screens and offer intuitive user interfaces. TV manufacturers are expected to Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-91728120003568377902012-01-05T16:31:00.000+05:302012-01-05T16:42:58.790+05:30SonicWALL on securing mobile devices!Welcome to the new year! :) Thanks to Dixita at MutualPR, I had a conversation with Shubhomoy Biswas, country director, SonicWALL India, regarding securing mobile devices.First, users have come to expect secured access “anytime, anywhere”, whether over 2G or 3G networks or Wi-Fi, for both personal and business tasks. What is SonicWALL's take on this? Biswas said: "Smartphones and tablets operate Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-7812371410053534622011-12-31T05:00:00.001+05:302011-12-31T14:43:25.319+05:30Round-up 2011: Best of semiconductorsRight folks! This is the last post for 2011!! Here's a look at the good, bad and ugly, that the year had to offer in semiconductors. Enjoy! ;) Happy new year, everyone!!Dec. 2011Round-up 2011: Best of semiconductors2012′s semicon sales and sales growth estimates $325.5 billion and 6.9 percent!Video and mobility drivers for global semicon in 2012Future materials and devices for power Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-24895611771659537982011-12-30T05:00:00.000+05:302011-12-30T05:00:01.750+05:30Round-up 2011: Best of electronics, solar/PV and telecomHere's the best of electronics, solar/PV and telecom for the year 2011. Enjoy! ;)ELECTRONICSM/H can truly deliver ‘real TV’ experience!Cisco’s borderless networks architecture help enterprises overcome security challengesSymantec releases latest Intelligence Report!Norton cybercrime report 2011: Exposing the true scale!Cloud deployment trends in APAC: IDCVery fitting finale to Harry Potter!Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-21609079955654251692011-12-20T22:51:00.005+05:302011-12-21T17:22:47.775+05:302012's semicon sales and sales growth estimates $325.5 billion and 6.9 percentThis is a continuation of my coverage of the fortunes of the global semiconductor industry. I would like to acknowledge and thank Mike Cowan, an independent semiconductor analyst and developer of the Cowan LRA model, who has provided me the latest numbers.We are into the back end of 2011 with just two more months of global semi sales numbers yet to be announced (by WSTS) in order to “wrap up” andPradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-25622129059683190082011-12-17T22:23:00.003+05:302011-12-21T21:43:01.340+05:30Video and mobility drivers for global semicon in 2012While 2011 was generally a year of growth for the global semiconductor industry, 2012 promises to be more volatile, thanks to new macroeconomic issues that will weigh on consumer and IT outlay. The upside is that long-term business trends for semiconductors seem positive, with revenue projected by some industry analysts expected to grow more than twice as fast as global GDP over the next few Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-22099292913119254572011-12-15T13:40:00.001+05:302011-12-15T17:48:21.243+05:30Future material and devices for power electronicsAlexandre Avron, market analyst in power electronics, Yole Développement, provided a briefing on semiconductor material’s potential through an analysis of devices and systems for power electronics.According to him, there is still a bright future for silicon. It will keep good market share until at least 2016 and even further, being cost competitive and very standard. On the other side, SiC is Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-1566720893243284902011-12-14T16:37:00.001+05:302011-12-14T16:50:35.272+05:30Xilinx starts shipping Zynq-7000 EPP family!Xilinx Inc. has announced its first Zynq-7000 Extensible Processing Platform (EPP) shipments to customers. It showcased the first public demonstration of a Zynq-7000 EPP at the ARM European Technical Conference, in Paris, France. where attendees saw the device running a Linux-based application. Xilinx has recently started shipping Zynq, to at least three customers.The Zynq-7000 family is the Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-38730752479843245792011-12-12T05:40:00.000+05:302011-12-12T18:54:39.629+05:30IT optimization and database consolidation!How does an organization kick-start its transformation and achieve an optimized data center ready for the future? Does an organization adopt a futuristic, focused program to achieve immediate wins?There is a need for CIOs to formulate a winning, if not, a workable strategy! In a white paper titled: "Planning for Tomorrow’s Data Center through Strategic Infrastructure Optimization", Greg Crider, Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-5824499228538177092011-12-09T05:30:00.003+05:302011-12-09T15:03:10.907+05:30Global solar PV industry likely to be 22 GW in 2012!Here is an outlook for 2012 on the global solar PV industry, done with the assistance of Dr. Henning Wicht, senior director and principal analyst, IHS iSuppli. First, the outlook for the global solar PV industry for 2012. According to Dr. Wicht, the bottom up analysis results for the global solar PV industry is at 22 GW. However there is upside potential, e.g., in Italy and China, of a total of 6Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-1711703416129629402011-12-07T11:00:00.001+05:302011-12-07T11:00:00.834+05:30SuVolta solving power problem in SoCs across multiple CMOS process nodesSuVolta Inc., based in California, USA, develops and licenses CMOS semiconductor technologies that significantly reduce the power consumption of integrated circuits (ICs). Back in June 2011, introduced the PowerShrink low-power platform and the first licensee, Fujitsu. Thanks to Amanda Crnkovich of The Hoffmann Agency, I interacted with Dr. Scott E. Thompson, CTO, SuVolta, on the deeply depleted Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-51731791721937460372011-12-06T12:42:00.001+05:302011-12-06T12:51:06.581+05:30Update to Cowan LRA model’s global semicon forecast numbers 2011/2012This is a continuation of my coverage of the fortunes of the global semiconductor industry. I would like to acknowledge and thank Mike Cowan, an independent semiconductor analyst and developer of the Cowan LRA model, who has provided me the latest numbers.The WSTS posted the October 2011 HBR on Saturday, Dec 3rd, 2011. Consequently, based upon the latest sales numbers availability (through Oct Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-20953796039161186742011-12-05T20:01:00.002+05:302011-12-05T20:33:07.402+05:30HCPV on way to utility market!According to Dr. Milan Rosina, Yole Developpement, high concentration PV (HCPV) does not follow the same way as PV. Adapted applications and installations in suitable regions are necessary. There are synergies between HCPV, LED, automotive and PV industries. New market entrants could help in the business development Dr. Rosina was speaking at an HCPV seminar organized by Yole.He added that more Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-14470951513211556092011-12-02T14:05:00.012+05:302011-12-05T15:10:50.628+05:30Global semiconductor industry keeps consolidating; 28nm will be stable: Dr. Wally RhinesThe global semiconductor industry keeps consolidating, said Dr. Walden (Wally) Rhines, while making the keynote presentation at the ongoing Mentor Graphics' U2U conference in Bangalore, India.According to a survey, the no. 1's market share has been relatively flat since 1972. The combined share of the top five semiconductor companies has been nearly the same as that of 1972. However, the share ofPradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-51354945402737525542011-12-01T13:05:00.002+05:302011-12-01T14:34:45.010+05:30Synopsys acquires Magma! And, another one bites the dust!!Wow! Yesterday, Synopsys signed a definitive agreement to acquire Magma Design Automation Inc. This news is interesting, and not surprising. This acquisition seemed to be on the cards, but at least, not so soon. Nevertheless!So, that leaves Synopsys, Cadence and Mentor Graphics as the big three EDA vendors, now that Magma has been acquired.Just a couple of months back, I was in discussion with Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-74455981339611725702011-11-29T14:08:00.003+05:302011-11-29T15:08:11.170+05:30LogMeIn resolving IT challenges due to enterprise mobility!LogMeIn Inc., a provider of cloud services for data and devices, recently opened an office in Bangalore, India. Thanks to Mamata Sampath, I had a brief discussion with Anil Sharma, sales director, LogMeIn, India. LogMeIn provides cloud-based remote access, support and collaboration solutions to quickly, simply and securely connect millions of Internet-enabled devices across the globe — computers,Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-62358919408000170172011-11-28T14:37:00.005+05:302011-11-28T16:15:17.085+05:30Lattice intros low power ECP4 FPGAsLattice Semiconductor Corp. has introduced the low-cost and low-power ECP4 FPGAs. These feature 6Gbps SERDES in low cost wire-bond packages, powerful DSP blocks and hard IP-based communication engines for cost- and power-sensitive wireless, wireline, video, and computing markets.The LatticeECP4 FPGA family features high performance, low power in low cost 65nm process, making a great FPGA family Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-17847710874135935782011-11-25T22:32:00.001+05:302011-11-25T23:00:23.959+05:30Global semicon sales forecast at $329.4 billion for 2012This is a continuation of my coverage of the fortunes of the global semiconductor industry. I would like to acknowledge and thank Mike Cowan, an independent semiconductor analyst and developer of the Cowan LRA model, who has provided me the latest numbers.It’s that time of the month again; namely, time for an “early showing” of next month’s global semiconductor sales forecast updates for both Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-60776625723639830932011-11-24T20:31:00.005+05:302011-12-19T22:35:44.672+05:30M/H can truly deliver ‘real TV’ experience!Siano Mobile Silicon, based in Israel, is going strong in mobile digital TV space. Thanks to Rachel Glaser, of Ruderfinn, Israel, I managed an exclusive with Ronen Jashek, co-founder and VP Marketing, Siano.First, let’s understand what the US standard for mobile digital TV — ATSC-M/H (Advanced Television Systems Committee – Mobile/Handheld)– all about! Jashek said: ”ATSC-M/H is a standard that Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-69789625261369720232011-11-22T18:30:00.000+05:302011-11-22T18:53:27.855+05:30MEMS Executive Congress 2011 round-upPresenting the round-up or closing remarks from Ms. Karen Lightman, MD, MEMS Industry Group, at the recently held MEMS Executive Congress 2011 on Nov. 2-3, in Monterey, USA.Market analyst panel* Intelligence added to location will dictate consumer experiences on mobile, (Forrester).* MEMS market growth at 10 percent in 2011. Nearly $12 billion market by 2015, says IHS iSuppli. Yole predicts $20 Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-24252381838152114312011-11-17T16:04:00.000+05:302011-11-17T16:31:43.682+05:30Global semiconductor market will be $313 billion in 2012: SSIAThe Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) recently held its 2011 Summit. Estimating the global semiconductor industry in 2012, the SSIA agrees with Future Horizon forecasts stating that 2011-Q3 will be flat (+/- 1 percent), and that 2011-Q4 will show a slight decline (-1/-2 percent) with total year growth of 1 percent as compared with growth of 2010 +32 percent.Pasquale Pistorio, Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-48620258959542751112011-11-15T20:02:00.005+05:302011-11-16T02:54:08.135+05:30Cisco’s borderless networks architecture help enterprises overcome security challengesThanks to Riyanka Khanna at Text100, New Delhi, I managed to get into conversation with Bipin Kumar Amin, principle consultant, Borderless Networks – Security, Cisco. I started by asking him about the security challenges currently faced by enterprises.Security challenges faced by enterprisesHe said: “Indian network security market is growing consistently as organizations increasingly realize the Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-33580954802669124632011-11-14T22:43:00.002+05:302011-11-15T00:07:01.708+05:30MEMS market overview: IHS iSuppliThe MEMS Executive Congress, MEMS Industry Group’s annual executive conference, was held on Nov. 2-3, 2011, in Monterey, USA. Here are the excerpts from a presentation on the MEMS market overview by Jérémie Bouchaud, director and principal analyst, MEMS & Sensors, IHS iSuppli.The market for MEMS has been growing, and is slated to grow at a CAGR of +10.5 percent from 2010-2015. Consumer and mobilePradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-10009481123982418592011-11-12T13:32:00.003+05:302011-11-12T13:48:40.356+05:30NXP licenses Broadcom’s BroadR-Reach Ethernet technology for in-vehicle networkingNXP Semiconductors N.V. recently announced an engagement in automotive Ethernet as the first automotive semiconductor supplier to license Broadcom’s BroadR-Reach Ethernet technology for in-vehicle networking. Speaking exclusively on the engagement, Lars Reger, VP automotive business & strategy and general manager integrated in-vehicle networking, NXP Semiconductors, said: "We are convinced that Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-79147007249714114362011-11-11T14:21:00.003+05:302011-11-12T14:41:45.929+05:30MEMS devices driving healthcare appsFrédéric Breussin, Yole Developpement, an expert in Microfluidics for diagnostics and life sciences, recently presented on MEMS devices driving healthcare applications.According to him, microsystem technologies are changing the healthcare industry. New in-vitro diagnostic systems, new therapy strategies, genetic disease treatment, targeted and intelligent drug delivery, artificial pancreas, drug Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-40430035214390208992011-11-09T23:43:00.006+05:302011-11-10T03:39:34.085+05:30Solar PV industry recommended to stay optimistic; US govt. supports India's clean energy initiative!Solarcon India 2011 started today in Hyderabad, with Jim Brown, president, Utility Systems Business Group, First Solar Inc., stating that the global solar PV industry is in a bit of the state of turmoil. Some are driven by pure supply-demand. He recommended the industry to be strategically optimistic. He cautioned that not everyone who's playing in this field, will go on to survive the next two Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-27223075209220122012011-11-09T21:59:00.006+05:302011-11-10T04:06:51.670+05:30Solarcon India 2011 begins with record exhibitorsPresenting the excerpts from the welcome address by Debasish Paul Choudhury, president, SEMI India, at the ongoing Solarcon India 2011, being held in Hyderabad.This year’s show features a larger exhibition, a three-day dual track conference, and will feature three concurrent technical programs. The theme for this year’s exposition, representing the widening solar value chain in India, is “Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-43756186655911719772011-11-08T22:38:00.009+05:302011-11-08T23:02:17.026+05:30NASSCOM announces top 10 start-ups to watch!On the eve of the NASSCOM Product Conclave 2011, to be held in Bangalore, on Nov. 9-10, 2011, NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Services Companies) announced the list of the top 10 start-ups to watch.These top 10 start-ups are:1. Pawaa Software -- Pawaa2. QuickoLabs -- SearchEnabler3. Persistent Systems Ltd -- eMee4. Imaginate -- Imaginate5. Srijan Technologies Pvt Ltd -- DROWPS6. Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-26245147207513583992011-11-06T22:41:00.003+05:302011-11-06T23:44:26.723+05:30Updated global semicon sales forecast 2011's estimate falls $2.74 billionThis is a continuation of my coverage of the fortunes of the global semiconductor industry. I would like to acknowledge and thank Mike Cowan, an independent semiconductor analyst and developer of the Cowan LRA model, who has provided me the latest numbers.On Wednesday, Nov. 2nd, 2011, the WSTS posted its Sept. 2011's HBR (Historical Billings Report) on its website thereby facilitating the Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-74529988440754399202011-11-03T10:00:00.002+05:302011-11-03T10:00:00.669+05:30Microsoft launches developer program for Windows PhoneMicrosoft has launched a program for developers where they can build applications (apps) for mobile and win a Windows Phone. It also showcased some of the latest Windows Phones from leading handset vendors.Microsoft calls the Windows Phone as People vs. Icons -- it puts people first. The mobile phone itself has a load of features, such as People Hub, Groups, Threads, Better email, Calendar, Bing Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-84374155346184436072011-11-01T23:07:00.006+05:302011-11-02T02:35:46.579+05:30PV inverter -- innovations and market trendsFrance's Yole Développement, recently organized a seminar on PV inverter - technical innovations and market trends. The speakers were Brice Legouic, Power Electronics Market & Technology Analyst, Yole and Paul Kleistead, Cree.What are the trends for 2011-12? According to Legouic, one, a first step of standardization should take place at the added functionalities level. This includes MPP Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-85843647376106725072011-10-28T19:07:00.001+05:302011-10-28T19:07:24.075+05:30Solar installations: How long will boom last?Dr. Henning Wicht, senior director and principal analyst, PV, IHS iSuppli Corp., presented a paper at PV Taiwan 2011. Let’s take a look at how long is the boom in solar installations likely to last!According to Dr. Wicht, the solar market is forecasted to reach 21.9 GW in 2011. In 2011, global installations will record again and reach 21.9 GW. Germany and Italy will remain the leading markets. Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-4886794080172379762011-10-26T14:54:00.007+05:302011-10-26T16:06:24.854+05:30Lava Mobiles launches classy S12 smartphone!Lava Mobiles has introduced the classy S12 smartphone. The phone's smooth curvature and slim arc back gives it an easy palm-fit. It is only 1.3cm thick and has a matte leather finish.The S12 runs on Android 2.2 (Froyo) and works on quad GSM band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, UMTS 2100 MHz. It supports 3G, HSDPA 7.2 Mbps and HSUPA 384 kbps. It uses a Qualcomm 7227 600MHz processor, and is WiFi, A-GPS andPradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-79464847718695438652011-10-21T16:47:00.000+05:302011-10-21T16:49:35.860+05:30DIT outlines initiatives to promote ESDM in IndiaThe Department of IT, Government of India, recently organized a workshop on electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM), conducted by the India Semiconductor Association (ISA). Dr. Ajay Kumar, joint secretary, Dept. of IT, Government of India, touched upon some major initiatives to promote ESDM. These include:* Setting up two semiconductor wafer fabs for manufacture of chips.* Introducing Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-74066610960395979382011-10-21T02:01:00.000+05:302011-10-21T02:04:59.253+05:302011 sales estimate could vary between $303.8 billion and $311.9 billion: Cowan LRA modelThis is a continuation of my coverage of the fortunes of the global semiconductor industry. I would like to acknowledge and thank Mike Cowan, an independent semiconductor analyst and developer of the Cowan LRA model, who has provided me the latest numbers.It’s that time of the month again; namely, time for an advanced showing of next month’s global semiconductor sales forecast updates for both Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-15903371125236121662011-10-20T23:07:00.002+05:302011-10-21T17:29:30.047+05:30Game changers: New paradigms for future of electronic product realizationThe Cadence Executive Forum, titled, 'Game Changers: New Paradigms for the Future of Electronic Product Realization', was held this evening in Bangalore, India. The speakers were Lip-Bu Tan, president and CEO, Cadence, and Bhaskar Pramanik, chairman of Microsoft India.In the opening address, Tan remarked that there is likely to be challenging next 12 months in the USA and Europe. It may also Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-4094089645914536332011-10-20T16:42:00.000+05:302011-10-20T17:00:03.164+05:30Designing systems to thrive in disruptive trends!Srini Rajam, CEO, Ittiam Systems presented the guest keynote at the CDNLive! 2011 in Bangalore, India, titled 'Designing Systems to Thrive in Disruptive Trends'. According to him, key factors for design project success include scope definition, realistic targets, good estimation and right resources. Today, smart system design enables being a step ahead in the world of disruptive system Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-2701775040779025692011-10-20T15:23:00.001+05:302011-10-20T16:18:35.871+05:30Realizing EDA360: Charlie Huang, CadenceLong-term trends are strong for semiconductor and electronics. According to databeans estimate (Feb. 2011), semiconductor revenue will likely reach $450 billion by 2015 and electronics revenuw will likely reach $2,800 billion by 2015.Speaking at the CDNLive 2011 event in Bangalore, India, Charlie Huang, SVP of Worldwide Field Operations, Cadence Design Systems Inc., said that the challenges in Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-52852387401008804592011-10-17T15:02:00.005+05:302011-10-18T15:12:46.191+05:30What’s happening with ISA and Indian semicon industry?What? The India Semiconductor Association (ISA) only has around 25 Indian companies in its list? This startling piece of statistic was recently conveyed to me by a company looking to enter India! I frantically contacted ISA to clarify. As of now, am yet to get a reply.I look around, especially across Asia. There are so many local companies listed in China, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea and TaiwanPradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-61673782239475989952011-10-12T16:20:00.004+05:302011-10-12T16:58:27.836+05:30Altera launches SoC FPGAsAltera Corp. has introduced SoC FPGAs that integrates an ARM processor with the FPGA. The SoC FPGAs are said to deliver reduced board space, power and system costs, as well as increased performance. Altera also launched the FPGA industry’s first Virtual Target that enables immediate device-specific application software development prior to hardware availability.The ARM-based FPGAs integrate 28-nmPradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-14227691740757563272011-10-11T23:25:00.005+05:302011-10-11T23:58:19.647+05:30Emerging piezoMEMS apps and ion beam etch solutions for next gen MEMS and sensorsYole Developpement of France recently organized a seminar on next generation MEMS. The speakers were Dr. Eric Mounier, project manager, Yole Développement, and Dr. Adrian Devasahayam, senior director, Technology, Veeco Instruments.As performance requirements for MEMS and other devices become more stringent, the industry is encountering etch challenges that cannot be overcome with existing Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-42977574120580516032011-10-09T23:16:00.002+05:302011-10-09T23:49:26.368+05:30Global semiconductor sales forecast estimates fall: Cowan LRA modelThis is a continuation of my coverage of the fortunes of the global semiconductor industry. I would like to acknowledge and thank Mike Cowan, an independent semiconductor analyst and developer of the Cowan LRA model, who has provided me the latest numbers.The WSTS posted August 2011's HBR (Historical Billings Report) on its website on Monday, October 4th, 2011, thereby allowing the calculation ofPradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-5438531235576164042011-10-06T12:33:00.003+05:302011-10-06T14:48:51.416+05:30Steve Jobs: Master of the game!This morning, I woke up to find the headline staring at me: Steve Jobs has died! RIP, Steve Jobs!I first had a look at the Apple Mac while at SBP Consultants & Engineers back in 1988. I was pleasantly surprised to find a computer that could do desktop publishing that well! By then, Jobs had gone out of Apple, fired by John Sculley, then Apple's CEO, sometime in 1985.Jobs only returned to Apple inPradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-78137905423615993952011-10-03T23:45:00.006+05:302011-10-04T00:41:54.729+05:30ESDM all over again? When will Indian semicon and electronics industries learn??Today, the government of India released the National Policy on Electronics titled: Policies to drive national agenda for ICTE: National policy on Electronics 2011 (NPE 2011). One glance is sufficient to note: it is the same old thing in new bottles! There is the dreaded 'ESDM' all over again! Easy to say, (but) difficult to manage -- electronics system design and manufacturing!Oh! Where were Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-12256973538115402702011-10-03T00:10:00.000+05:302011-10-03T00:15:06.592+05:30Semiconductor supply chain dynamics: Future Horizons @ IEF2011The last decade heralded a dramatic transformation in supply chain dynamics, driven by the complexity challenge of staying on the More Moore curve. On the demand side, the high cost of fabs persuaded almost all integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) to use foundries for their leading-edge wafer supply. The ever-increasing process complexity and its negative impact on manufacturing yields forced Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-75455908478986962582011-10-02T22:38:00.003+05:302011-10-03T00:17:53.967+05:30Welcome to Durga Puja @ Jayamahal, Bangalore!Ya Devi Sarva Bhutey Shu...Shakti Roopena SanasthithaNamas tasyai, Namas tasyai, Namas tasyai, Namo Namaha!To the Goddess who abides in all beings as power: Salutations to thee! Friends, welcome to Durga Puja @ Jayamahal Extension, Bangalore! Today is Maha Shashti, the first day of the Puja. Goddess Durga is awakened from slumber in a program known as 'Agomoni'. She then goes on to slay the Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-45491382789682016572011-09-30T22:37:00.000+05:302011-09-30T22:40:06.848+05:30India has restricted itself to only semicon design and R&D!Chatting with Soni Saran Singh, executive director, NMTronics, is a pleasure. The company has managed to maintain leadership in the Indian electronics industry with 55 percent market share.NMTronics has taken initiatives in bringing interest among Indian entrepreneurs for local mobile phone manufacturing, and is a pioneer in providing turnkey solutions for mobile phone manufacturing. According Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-74590529248940442352011-09-29T18:29:00.002+05:302011-09-29T19:16:01.508+05:30Symantec releases latest Intelligence Report!Symantec presented its latest Intelligence Report with the following highlights:* Spam – 74.8 percent in September (a decrease of 1.1 percentage points since August 2011).* Phishing – One in 447.9 emails identified as phishing (a decrease of 0.26 percentage points since August 2011). * Malware – One in 188.7 emails in September contained malware (an increase of 0.04 percentage points since AugustPradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-35642906793809864232011-09-25T20:26:00.002+05:302011-09-25T20:41:52.453+05:30Global semiconductor sales expectation for 2011 and 2012This is a continuation of my coverage of the fortunes of the global semiconductor industry. I would like to acknowledge and thank Mike Cowan, an independent semiconductor analyst and developer of the Cowan LRA model, who has provided me the latest numbers.Various industry watchers most recent 2011 sales growth forecast updates are dropping: from low positive single digits to even lower positive Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-8683637616291278832011-09-22T17:51:00.001+05:302011-09-22T20:17:19.566+05:30ST launches STM32 F4 series of MCUsSTMicroelectronics has launched the STM32 F4 series of microcontrollers (MCUs), based on the latest ARM Cortex-M4 core. This adds to the signal-processing capabilities and faster operations to the portfolio of STM32 MCUs.The STM32 F4 series brings the world’s highest performance Cortex-M MCUs at 168 MHz FCPU/210 DMIPS and 363 Coremark score.Vinay Thapliyal, technical marketing manager-India, Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-55498759769353325452011-09-19T19:57:00.001+05:302011-09-19T20:31:43.880+05:30Smarter systems in third era of computing!Over 1.8 billion ARM cores were shipped in chips during Q1-2011. Consumers are now driving computing. The Internet of things envisages 100 billion+ units by 2020, according to Jeff Chu, director of Consumer, Client Computing at ARM, who was speaking on ‘Smarter systems for smarter consumers: 3rd era of computing’ at the ARM Technical Symposium.ARM’s ecosystem has benefitted. Tablets have changed Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-2955079875884648302011-09-19T12:55:00.002+05:302011-09-19T14:54:28.844+05:30ARM connecting the world!ARM is connecting the world today, according to John Cornish, VP and GM, Design Division ARM. Over 4 billion people are using ARM-powered mobile phones currently. He was speaking at the ARM Technical Symposium in Bangalore, India.Looking at the end user product demand in 2010, there were 3.7 billion SoCs in mobile phones, 15.3 billion embedded and other SoCs, 1.5 billion SoCs in enterprises, 230 Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-86783454806277627142011-09-17T17:55:00.003+05:302011-09-17T18:28:03.142+05:30Renesas enhancing localization of products in India!Renesas Electronics was among the worst hit companies during the Japanese earthquake in March this year. To its credit, Renesas restarted production at its quake-hit factories by mid-June. For the record, Renesas' Naka factory had been the worst-affected by the March 2011 earthquake. The Naka factory produces around 20 percent of MCUs and SoC solutions, and about 10 percent of analog and power Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-33992666595915151112011-09-15T21:56:00.004+05:302011-09-16T16:13:21.905+05:30Sensationally low turnout at electronica/productronica India 2011!I've spent two days at electronica/productronica 2011, going on at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, and I must say that I am disappointed by the crowds or lack of crowds! This is said to be the premier show for electronics in India, isn't it? The venue is as central as one can expect. Even then?To start off, I missed the opening ceremony. That was followed by a panel discussion on ‘Local Mobile Phone Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-86353369520462067182011-09-12T22:48:00.002+05:302011-09-12T23:40:28.136+05:30Electronica/Productronica 2011, here I come!I am back in New Delhi, covering the electronica/productronica 2011 show! This is my second time at the show, however, the first time in New Delhi, as the previous year's edition was held in Bangalore.Is there anything new that I see? Perhaps, not as yet! However, I shall reserve comment till I visit the show.What I do notice is more or less a similar, or familiar set of names of exhibitors, if Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-57938026953706762002011-09-08T21:36:00.000+05:302011-09-08T21:37:08.878+05:30Symantec announces Norton Internet Security and Norton AntiVirus 2012It’s no longer a PC-centric world. It's a world centered on people and information. There is cloud apps explosion, device explosion and information explosion. However, this world is also infested with threats. Last year, information grew by 62 percent to nearly 800,000 petabytes. Symantec identified more than 286 million new threats last year. Eighty (80) percent of online adults have been a Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-29279726617670291562011-09-08T20:48:00.001+05:302011-09-08T20:48:37.339+05:30Norton cybercrime report 2011: Exposing the true scale!According to the Norton Cybercrime report 2011, there are 1 million+ victims a day, including 50,000 victims every hour, 820 per minute and 14 per second. The total bill for cybercrime footed by online adults in 24 countries topped $388 billion over the past year. Gaurav Kanwal, country sales manager, India & SAARC, Consumer Products and Solutions, Symantec presented the report that covers 24 Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-78289126210390000672011-09-08T16:13:00.001+05:302011-09-08T16:13:47.645+05:30Global semicon sales forecast: Cowan LRA modelThis is a continuation of my coverage of the fortunes of the global semiconductor industry. I would like to acknowledge and thank Mike Cowan, an independent semiconductor analyst and developer of the Cowan LRA model, who has provided me the latest numbers.The WSTS posted July 2011's HBR (Historical Billings Report) on its website last Sunday, September 04, 2011 thereby allowing the monthly updatePradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-67646522599797001762011-09-07T16:28:00.004+05:302011-09-07T17:02:01.400+05:30Magma announces Silicon One strategyMagma Design Automation has introduced the Silicon One technology solutions for Magma users in India. This was announced by Rajeev Madhavan, chairman and CEO on the sidelines of the MUSIC 2011 in Bangalore, India, today.Silicon One aims at making silicon profitable, especially for Magma's customers. It is a presentation of innovative solutions for advanced analog and digital design challenges. Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-74070744176310111112011-09-05T23:20:00.004+05:302011-09-06T01:40:51.010+05:30Need to work toward sustainable future: imecAt an ISA CXO Conclave, Luc Van den hove, president and CEO, imec, said that we need to work toward a sustainable future. Started in 1984, Leuven, Belgium-based imec performs world leading research in nanoelectronics. He touched upon some research programs currently undertaken by imec.Green radio is for low-power wireless communications. Technologies would be 1000K energy efficient. He added: "WePradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-31865578181334496762011-09-05T22:07:00.010+05:302011-09-06T01:39:21.926+05:30Arise Labs -- an imec, Wipro initiative! Does it fit the bill?Belgium's imec Corp. has collaborated with India's Wipro Technologies to form the Arise Labs. Besides, imec has also opened its India office in Bangalore, according to Luc Van den hove, president and CEO, imec, at an India Semiconductor Association (ISA) CXO Conclave this evening.On this same day, Cadence Design Systems (India), announced with imec Europractice IC Service, to develop a shuttle Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-90975570693015934062011-09-01T23:40:00.001+05:302011-09-02T02:36:27.777+05:30Lessons to learn from Solyndra debacle!Am sure you all have heard about Solyndra, which has shut its manufacturing facility and will file for bankruptcy.
According to reports available, Solyndra's case has been an overall failure of the business. However, I will put it as -- too much, too soon! Also, this move should come as a warning to all solar/PV companies -- established as well as start-ups.
Perhaps, Solyndra had a problem of Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-56604838428669446122011-08-30T17:39:00.000+05:302011-08-30T20:39:50.904+05:30Freescale launches first 'base-station-on-chip' products!Freescale Semiconductor has announced the first “base station-on-chip” products built on its QorIQ Qonverge multimode platform at the Freescale Technology Forum China in Shenzhen.So, how are the first QorIQ Qonverge products a milestone for the wireless industry? Scott Aylor, GM, Wireless Access Division, Freescale, said: "The wireless industry is in dire need of innovative new solutions to Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-87521993892581481422011-08-26T21:52:00.002+05:302011-08-26T22:08:30.034+05:30Solar power becoming increasingly affordable: Dr. Charlie GayI had the pleasure of interacting with Dr. Charlie Gay, president, Applied Solar, Applied Materials Inc., recently. He began by saying that solar power was becoming increasingly affordable.
Dr. Gay said: "Most people don’t realize that solar is already cost effective in a number of locations and applications, and as those uses of solar expand, the scale of the industry grows. As scale increases,Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-18734607416278977612011-08-24T23:28:00.003+05:302011-08-25T00:50:35.382+05:30Freescale-Bosch launch airbag reference platformFreescale and Bosch, the two automotive leaders, are jointly enabling emerging markets with reference platforms.
Freescale has a strong presence in automotive, offering MCUs and MPUs, sensors and analog. It also has a comprehensive software enablement. Bosch also has a strong presence in semiconductors and sensors, offering airbag systems, vehicle dynamics systems, engine management systems, Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-4010295355828902042011-08-24T20:09:00.002+05:302011-08-24T20:51:06.866+05:30Semicon industry at inflection point of innovation: Rich BeyerRich Beyer, chairman and CEO, Freescale Semiconductor, at the Freescale Technology Forum 2011, in Bangalore, India.
Prior to this year’s FTF, Freescale marked another milestone in our company’s history. We have returned to the public trading arena with our IPO on May 26. We used the proceeds from the IPO to pay down a portion of our debt and reduce our interest expense. This will enable Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-1695600081315532652011-08-19T16:52:00.000+05:302011-08-19T16:53:11.139+05:30July's global semicon sales expectation for 2011This is a continuation of my coverage of the fortunes of the global semiconductor industry. I would like to acknowledge and thank Mike Cowan, an independent semiconductor analyst and developer of the Cowan LRA model, who has provided me the latest numbers.
It's that time of the month again; namely, time to preview next month's global semiconductor sales forecast update for 2011 (and also for Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-70127012782882015752011-08-18T01:11:00.001+05:302011-08-18T01:31:21.993+05:30NXP launches CAN partial networking solution for automotivesNXP Semiconductors N.V. has announced the first NWP ISO 11898-6 and AUTOSAR R3.2.1 compliant solution supporting CAN Partial Networking.
The stand-alone TJA1145 CAN transceiver and integrated system basis chip UJA1168 – the world’s first highly integrated solution to support CAN Partial Networking – give design engineers precision control over a vehicle’s bus communication network. By Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-38725649536386602702011-08-15T23:20:00.002+05:302011-08-16T01:55:07.990+05:30Fabless fables and all that! Is India listening?I received an interesting news alert from the Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA), formerly, Fabless Semiconductor Association, which spoke about how fabless companies, only, were funded in July 2011. Well, it also led me to this feeling that each time there is any new electronics or related segment being talked about globally, it seems that the Indian semicon industry is slowly losing the plot! Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-4903268581609553502011-08-13T21:21:00.000+05:302011-08-13T21:54:32.903+05:30What's happening with global semicon industry?IC Insights recently released the 1H-11 top 20 semicon sales leaders. No surprises here, with Intel, Samsung, TSMC, TI and Toshiba as the top five leaders in that order. In all, 10 of the top 20 suppliers outperformed the total global semiconductor industry 1H11/1H10 growth rate of 4 percent.Source: IC Insights, USA.
The fabless companies -- notably, Qualcomm, Broadcom, and so on, have Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-84972196470257404552011-08-08T19:21:00.001+05:302011-08-08T19:21:31.273+05:302011 global semicon sales growth likely to trend downward for rest of year?This is a continuation of my coverage of the fortunes of the global semiconductor industry. I would like to acknowledge and thank Mike Cowan, an independent semiconductor analyst and developer of the Cowan LRA model, who has provided me the latest numbers.
According to the WSTS's HBR, June's actual sales came in at $27.110 billion with the corresponding June 3MMA sales at $24.677 billion. It Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-54722017596393295002011-08-01T22:45:00.002+05:302011-08-01T23:41:09.776+05:30Growth forecast down for global semicon industry?There are two different sets of predictions about the global semiconductor industry. First, IC Insights lowered its growth forecast for 2011 from 10 percent to 5 percent and the 2011 IC market forecast from 10 percent to 4 percent. Following this, the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), announced that global sales of semiconductors were $24.7 billion for June 2011, a 1.5 percent decrease Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-34241594075981936302011-07-28T23:11:00.005+05:302011-07-29T01:24:38.458+05:30Cloud deployment trends in APAC: IDCEnterprises should start thinking what needs to get into their respective clouds. Transformative IT is unhinging the rules. There will be a cloud-based convergence era in the future, according to Avneesh Saxena, Group VP, Domain Research Group, IDC Asia/Pacific. He was presenting on cloud deployment trends in the Asia Pacific region at the recently held Intel APAC Cloud Summit.According to him, Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-3724144759702525282011-07-28T21:57:00.002+05:302011-07-28T22:10:30.353+05:30Reference architecture -- starting point to build and optimize cloud infrastructureRekha Raghu, Strategic Program Manager, Intel, Software and Services Group, discussed some reference architecture (RA) case studies.Intel Cloud Builders program is a reference architecture (RA) -- a starting point from where to build and optimize cloud infrastructure. The RA Development Process takes anywhere from two to three weeks. It involves exploration, planning, integration, testing and Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-73099382794525150992011-07-28T08:53:00.000+05:302011-07-28T17:53:36.285+05:30Intel Cloud Builders program helps utilize proven reference solutions to ease deploymentsBilly Cox, director, Cloud Strategy, Software and Services Group, Intel, said that IT and service providers need to define and prioritize IT requirements. Products and technologies go on to take advantage of new capabilities in Intel platforms. The Intel Cloud Builders program helps utilize proven reference solutions to ease your deployments.Technology to optimize the CloudNode requires Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-67374528717555250342011-07-27T13:24:00.000+05:302011-07-28T15:55:20.923+05:30Intel’s vision for the cloudAccording to Allyson Klein, director, Leadership Marketing, Data Center Group, Intel Corp., the compute continuum has arrived. The connected world is becoming larger and more diverse. There will approximately be over 1 billion new users by 2015. We are witnessing a sea of new devices, limited only by our creativity. There are estimated to be more than 15 billion devices connected by 2015. All of Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-21137799055625814212011-07-26T22:11:00.002+05:302011-07-28T02:40:13.436+05:30Cloud key strategy for Intel: Liam Keating"The benefits of cloud are real! We have so far seen $17 million savings to date from our internal cloud efforts," said Liam Keating, Intel APAC IT director and China IT country manager. He was speaking at the Intel APAC Cloud Summit.Intel currently runs 91 data centers, globally, from over 140, about a couple of years ago. As of now, cloud has become a key strategy for Intel.If one views Intel'sPradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-46440930033458002422011-07-24T16:42:00.002+05:302011-07-24T17:46:25.535+05:30Dr. Wally Rhines on global semicon industryThanks to my friend, Veeresh Shetty at Mentor Graphics, I was able to meet up with Dr. Walden (Wally) C. Rhines, chairman and CEO, Mentor Graphics, as well as with Hanns Windele, VP Mentor Graphics (Europe & India), for a short conversation regarding the global semiconductor industry.Growth of global semicon industryFirst, I sought Dr. Rhines' views on the growth of the global semiconductor Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-82369911808098906632011-07-22T15:41:00.002+05:302011-07-22T16:42:34.703+05:30Creating measurable value through differentiation: Dr. Wally RhinesAccording to Dr. Walden (Wally) C. Rhines, chairman and CEO, Mentor Graphics Corp., customers pay a premium for differentiated products. Gross profit margin (GPM) percentage is the best measure for the differentiation of a manufactured product. He was speaking at the Mentor Graphics' EDA Tech Forum 2011 in Bangalore, India.The difficulty of switching suppliers is proportional to differentiation Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-11060350314620585362011-07-20T15:00:00.003+05:302011-07-21T21:06:27.235+05:30Trends in embedded -- smart and green energy: STIt is a such a pleasure interacting with Vivek Sharma, VP, Greater China & South Asia-India Operations, and director, India Design Centers, STMicroelectronics. While presenting the latest trends in embedded technologies, he hoped that there could eventually be a fab in India, by 2015. Speaking about ‘More Moore’ and ‘More than Moore’, he talked about 3D heterogeneous integration and smart sensorsPradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-67376324168372889272011-07-17T22:44:00.000+05:302011-07-17T22:45:07.240+05:30June 2011 global semicon sales expectation for 2011: Cowan LRA modelThis is a continuation of my coverage of the fortunes of the global semiconductor industry. I would like to acknowledge and thank Mike Cowan, an independent semiconductor analyst and developer of the Cowan LRA model, who has provided me the latest numbers.June 2011's "actual" global semiconductor sales number is scheduled to be released by the WSTS, via its monthly HBR (Historical Billings ReportPradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-66140325575123343672011-07-15T23:29:00.004+05:302011-07-16T16:54:02.116+05:30Very fitting finale to Harry Potter!What a writer, J.K. Rowling! What a movie, the Harry Potter series! And, of course, what an illustrious star-cast!I've just returned home after watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part II. And, I can't stop thinking about the movie! Actually, I can't stop thinking about the entire series! What a classic this has turned out to be!Those who haven't ever read the series, there's nothing Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-6402720252734200792011-07-15T22:44:00.001+05:302011-07-16T17:29:34.273+05:30Intel leads industry transformation to open data centers and cloud computingIntel India held a demonstration of “The-Cloud-in-a-Box,” conducted by Nick Knupffer, marketing program manager, Intel Corp.According to him, user experience is the driving force in our industry: both device and the cloud. Innovation starts with the best transistors. He added that cloud computing is not only inevitable; it is imperative. Intel is said to have the right solutions required to Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-34406430956192252812011-07-15T01:15:00.002+05:302011-07-15T01:16:09.551+05:30Telesphere Videoconnect: Videoconferencing in the cloud!If analysts are to be believed, the videoconferencing and telepresence market will more than double to $5 billion in annual revenue over the next four years. In this context, Phoenix, US-based Telesphere has introduced the VideoConnect, a hosted video service that promises to enable any size business to implement videoconferencing quickly and cost-effectively by targeting its webcam-equipped PCs,Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-69829171108684561032011-07-14T16:05:00.000+05:302011-07-14T16:06:09.603+05:30Ether 1.3.1 phone adaptive antenna solution integrates with smartphones!San Diego, USA based Ethertronics Inc., enabling innovative antenna and RF solutions to deliver the best connected experience, has launched Ether 1.3.1, a phone adaptive antenna solution. Ready for integration with smartphones or other classes of phones, the Ether 1.3.1 can realize design benefits such as 50 percent reduction in antenna volume, yet maintain compliant performance.According to Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-7520364549784530782011-07-10T13:38:00.001+05:302011-07-10T13:46:10.300+05:30Global forecast estimates based on WSTS's May semicon sales: Cowan LRA modelThis is a continuation of my coverage of the fortunes of the global semiconductor industry. I would like to acknowledge and thank Mike Cowan, an independent semiconductor analyst and developer of the Cowan LRA model, who has provided me the latest numbers.The WSTS posted May 2011′s HBR, Historical Billings Report, on its website on Tuesday, July 5th, 2011.According to the WSTS’s HBR, May’s actualPradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-75927689552444319672011-07-07T22:50:00.007+05:302011-07-08T14:48:59.317+05:30Now, there is EDA software piracy!Great! That's what was required!! As though software piracy isn't enough, there is now an article about EDA software piracy!!!According to the article, the anti-piracy committee of the Electronic Design Automation Consortium (EDAC) estimates that 30-40 percent of all EDA software use is via pirated licenses. That's a huge number!What are the chief reasons for EDA software piracy? Surely, it can'tPradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-30160315337651617172011-07-04T01:53:00.001+05:302011-07-04T01:55:57.426+05:30SanDisk's iNAND Extreme family of embedded eMMC storage devices for high-end mobile and tabletsSanDisk Corp.'s embedded storage is in most of all top computing device brands. It recently launched the iNAND Extreme family of embedded eMMC storage devices for high-end mobile and tablets. Gadi Ben-Gad, product marketing manager for SanDisk, said: "This very high performance line of iNAND products joins the existing iNAND and iNAND Ultra lines, which are very successful in the mobile, tablet Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-7741779778004802922011-07-02T22:32:00.004+05:302011-07-02T23:27:21.889+05:30Applied Vantage Vulcan RTP -- better side of annealApplied Materials Inc. has launched the Vantage Vulcan RTP advanced spike anneal system, an innovation in chip manufacturing technology. Rapid Thermal Processing (or RTP) is a semiconductor manufacturing process, that heats silicon wafers to high temperatures (up to 1,200 °C or greater) within a few seconds. It is used often during semiconductor device manufacturing to enhance desired attributes,Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-75431232160797827292011-07-01T20:53:00.004+05:302011-07-01T22:54:43.777+05:30XConnect's VIE set to make video calls as easy as voice calls!XConnect, a leader in next-generation interconnection and ENUM-directory services, has launched the global Video Interconnection Exchange (VIE) – the world’s first neutral federation for exchanging video calls across networks, operators, service providers, B2B exchanges and vendors.VIE is said to make video calling as easy as making a voice call – whether using a laptop, desktop, tablet or mobilePradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-77208752777203789982011-06-28T00:53:00.004+05:302011-06-28T01:56:45.625+05:30What's this EoI got to do with semicon fabs in India?Last week, I was alerted to a news on a local daily, which simply read: Government invites EoI for semiconductor fabs!With all due respect, what is the need for an Expression of Interest (EoI) in the first place? At least, I fail to understand.Having spent most of my life in Hong Kong, Taiwan and China, I've seen plenty of fabs come up in the past decade, and before. Why? In the 1990s, no one Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-47539099685292915122011-06-27T18:37:00.000+05:302011-06-27T18:39:36.489+05:30Devices needing semicon on rise: Dr. Chi-foon Chan, SynopsysAccording to Dr. Chi-Foon Chan, president and COO, Synopsys Inc., there are five reasons for the global semiconductor industry to be optimistic. These are:* Devices that need semiconductors are on a rise. Eg: telecom -- Apple iPad, tablet PC. Everything requires semiconductors.* Digital media, growing downloads.* Microprocessors* Data storage* Networks.Dr. Chan was delivering the keynote at last Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-37329764397014761002011-06-25T23:12:00.005+05:302011-06-25T23:41:37.203+05:30Will you remain mobile (on phone) all the time?Perhaps, most of you will! I won't!! And I stand by it!This evening, by chance, I had a very interesting conversation. It centred round the mobile phone. Especially, the features. Well, at the end of the conversation, it led to me remarking the statement that forms the caption of this story.First, let me make it clear that I started off my career in telecoms, at the time when there was neither Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-30503250937974228862011-06-19T01:15:00.001+05:302011-06-19T01:31:36.049+05:30Wavion offers gamer changer in Wi-Fi offloadingWavion has introduced the WBSn family -- said to be supporting the industry’s first two-way beamforming with 802.11n. A Gigabit outdoor Wi-Fi system, it offers carrier grade end-to-end solution. Other features include leading interference immunity suite and seamless mobile data offload.Tal Mierzon, Wavion’s CEO, said the company is uniquely positioned as carrier grade Wi-Fi solution, and Wavion’sPradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-26511186142613009592011-06-14T23:43:00.002+05:302011-06-16T19:35:31.815+05:30Mobile as the nexus: Warren East, ARMARM's CEO, Warren East, presented this evening at an ISA invited conference on Mobile As The Nexus!East said the industry is in a transformational mode. Mobile devices are now connecting ubiquitous environments, cloud computing, services and storage. We have the opportunity to reshape the value chain and create growth. Rapid pace of product revolution demands choice and re-use. Low power, low Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-1454921903085434972011-06-13T16:22:00.004+05:302011-06-13T16:53:05.499+05:30"Look ahead" to May 2011's predicted yearly global semicon sales: Cowan LRA model(This is a continuation of my coverage of the fortunes of the global semiconductor industry. I would like to acknowledge and thank Mike Cowan, an independent semiconductor analyst and developer of the Cowan LRA model, who has provided me the latest numbers.)May 2011's "actual" global semiconductor sales is scheduled to be released by the WSTS, via its monthly HBR (Historical Billings Report), on Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619835145601777231.post-90219985199038852012011-06-10T22:32:00.001+05:302011-06-10T22:33:39.542+05:30Chinese fabless market set to double! And India’s?I received a report from IHS iSuppli, which stated that China's fabless market is likely to double by 2015! Well done, China, and all kudos.According to the report, there are 3Cs - China, Consumer and Convergence -- that China has been focusing on. However, there are three more Cs -- Culture, Content and Contribution -- that the report urges China to focus on. The report states: "The companies Pradeep Chakrabortyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10085593672804875856noreply@blogger.com0