While #artificialintelligence is driving the demand for high-end #microchips, other market segments (from #computing to #automotive) after a post-pandemic shortage seem now to have slipped into a slump, suggesting a wider malaise in the global economy (centred to some extent on China).
TSMC (the world's largest chip manufacturer) expects revenue to fall by mourned 10% next year... a lead indicator of more crisis ahead?
@ChrisMayLA6 The computers in cars with internal combustion engines are a special problem. They use very old chips from 15 to 20 years ago that are no longer made. Brand new ICE vehicles use ECUs designed 20-plus years ago. Old chips have to be special ordered far in advance because the chip fab has to re-tool to make the old technology. Lead-times greater than 12 months are typical. This was the main reason for the automotive "chip shortage". It wasn't the chip maker's fault, nor supply chain problems, it was poor planning on the part of the automakers.
On the other hand, with the rapid expansion of EV sales we'll probably see demand for modern chips increase. EV's tend to be new designs using the latest components and so much easier to source.
Of course, demand for ICE vehicles will diminish in the near future, making it even harder for ICE manufacturers to plan far in advance to lay hands on the old chips. Haha.
