Mr. Mel Burks

GLG News by Mr. Mel Burks, Founder / Senior Partner

GLG News is now G+ Insights

G+ is a community for professionals, academics and entrepreneurs to connect through online discussions and in-person meetings. You will continue to see G+ Insights (formerly GLG News) here as well as on the G+ website, where you can share and discuss the G+ Insights you read.

A Contender for the Number-Two Spot in Wafer Foundry Services

June 2, 2009

Analysis of:Chartered Denies Bid From Abu Dhabi’s ATIC | www.semiconductor.net

In 2007, Chartered was ranked number four in revenue market share behind TSMC, UMC and SMIC.   However, an acquisition of Chartered, combined with GlobalFoundries, could conceivably compete for the number two slot challenging UMC but likely not before 2011. An acquisition of Chartered Semiconductor folded into GlobalFoundries would not dislodge TSMC's position as number one foundry provider for fabless companies.

Alternatives for Cost Reduction in Solar Cell Manufacturing – Nano Flakes

January 4, 2008

Analysis of:Nano Flakes May Revolutionize Solar Cells | www.sciencedaily.com

Development of silicon and III-V compound semiconductor nanostructures offers yet another path for low cost production and increased photovoltaic efficiencies. The real question is when how soon these advanced methods will become commercialized. The decisive factor for the success and production of solar modules is the manufacturing cost and how to drive cost lower while improving conversion efficiency.  

Lam Research Acquires New Opportunities with SEZ Acquisition

January 3, 2008

Analysis of:Lam Research rival may bid up price for SEZ Group | www.bizjournals.com

This acquisition is not Lam Research’s first step into wet processing but will be the most significant and application intensive. A very good match considering the industry is in the transitional phase for new materials and device structures at and below the 65nm node and requires an in-depth understanding of the special sensitivities to wet chemistry and etch interactions. As a major player in dielectric etch area, the SEZ acquisition complements the potential for a customer turnkey integrated process.  

Intel and STMicro’s JV Delay to Spansion’s Advantage?

December 28, 2007

Analysis of:Chip Makers Delay a Merger of Their Memory Divisions | www.nytimes.com

The sluggish memory market combined with the credit crunch changes the dynamic for bank funding of the Intel, STMicroelectronic and Francisco Partners joint venture agreement. This delay could impact select semiconductor capital equipment vendors. Competitor Spansion won’t likely benefit from a 3-month delay unless it extends past the second-half of 2008.  

Agilent and Multiprobe Provide Improved IC Test and Analysis Capability

December 26, 2007

Analysis of:Agilent and Multiprobe bring nanoprober to Asia | www.tmworld.com

Nanoscale probing directly at the transistor level for 65nm, 45nm and 32nm IC's has come of age. Agilent and MultiProbe's strategic partnership using Agilent's tester and MultiProbe's atomic force probe (AFP) system is posed to strengthen Agilent’s product offerings to include failure analysis probing. New challenges arise for device manufacturers when transitioning to a new technology node in the form of new materials and increased sensitivity during electrical characterization. This partnership provides the necessary tools and software to easily and rapidly debug the process. Initial sales slated for Asia and Japan could speed deployment of advanced memory types for the latest consumer products and solid-state drive (SSD) applications.

A Positive Move for Applied Materials

March 6, 2007

Analysis of:Applied to close Implant tool Biz | www.reed-electronics.com

Varian and Axcelis have long controlled the beamline-based implant market so this is no surprise. Applied's market share was relatively small by comparison and primarily within in the EU.

GCIB (Gas Cluster Ion Beams) and plasma immersion technologies are still largely in R/D. This could be a potentially better fix for Applied Materials' tool platforms if they were to decide to compete in this arena.

Will Intermec Stay Out of the Pool?

September 15, 2006

Analysis of:RFID Consortium Names Patent-Pool Administrator | www.rfidjournal.com

• Intermec holds more Patents than some of the others but litigation can be expensive.

• The biggest challenge for Intermec will likely come from Symbol Technologies since they too hold several Patents.

• Intermec, is not currently a member of the RFID Consortium – it might be to their advance to join, but could dilute their claim on royalties if they do. On the other hand, having the 20-plus other companies against them might also diminish such a royalty claim power play.

Update: AMD 65nm chips ARE on track

September 12, 2006

Analysis of:Rumor: AMD is having trouble with 65nm processor voltages | www.legitreviews.com

This original article first published by Charlie Demerjian was reported in “The Inquirer” on August 26th. He since updated this rumor on September 5^th and suggests that AMD is in a much better position than the initial rumor suggested. Review his updated article, “AMD 65nm Chips are on Track” for additional information.

CMOS Image Sensor Technology Trends

August 22, 2006

Analysis of:Micron, OmniVision tip sensors for security | www.pixim.com

•Moving from CCD analog and ramping-up digital CMOS sensor IC chip manufacturing.
•CMOS Image Sensors – a large market with steady growth.
•Providing home and small business surveillance at an affordable price.

NAND flash memory – Short Term Shortages

June 26, 2006

Analysis of:Analyst: NAND Production Isn't Equal to nano Demands | www.technewsworld.com

Strong growth in media players is a market driver for advanced NAND flash memory. Rapid growth in larger capacity storage (up to 16GB) could result in short term shortages for NAND. Which semiconductor companies are making the most advanced NAND flash? What are the wafer fabrication capacity issues?  

Steady Growth and Challenges Anticipated for Toppan

June 13, 2006

Analysis of:CEO Turner leaving Toppan Photomasks | www.eetimes.com

At 47, David Murray’s 20-years experience in photomasking and a well-qualified technical staff provide momentum to propel Toppan Photomasks along a continued sucessful path. I see no problem filling Turner’s shoes.

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