Technology
The Unlikely Revival of Nuclear Batteries
Source
IEEE Spectrum
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US stops exports of tools to China’s number two chip maker — Hua Hong and Huali Microelectronics reportedly on the cusp of starting a 7-nm fab in Shanghai
The US Department of Commerce has instructed toolmakers to cease exports to Hua Hong, China's second-largest chipmaker, which is gearing up to establish a 7-nm production line in Shanghai. This move is part of the US strategy to impede China's semiconductor self-sufficiency efforts. Companies like TSMC and ASML have also faced restrictions in providing advanced services to Chinese tech firms. The ban on exports could strain US-China relations, impacting both Chinese companies' progress and potential losses for American toolmakers.
Tom's Hardware•
Taiwan's stock market surpasses the UK's despite having less than a quarter of the UK's economy — AI boom propels Taiwan forward, TSMC alone accounts for more than 40% of Taiwan's total market value
Taiwan's stock market has surpassed the UK's in value, driven by the global demand for AI chips. TSMC alone accounts for over 40% of Taiwan's total market value, with a market cap of around $1.98 trillion. Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission has raised the single-stock investment cap for local equity funds, benefiting companies like TSMC. TSMC reported record earnings and plans to expand to meet AI demand. South Korea's market is also thriving, with Samsung and SK hynix leading the charge in the semiconductor industry.
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Intel's Q1 2026 earnings exceeded expectations, with $13.58 billion in revenue, up 7.2% year over year. The data center and AI divisions contributed significantly to this success, generating $5.1 billion in revenue. Intel's foundry business is gaining momentum, with $5.4 billion in revenue, positioning itself as a strong competitor to TSMC. Recent partnerships with Tesla and Google, along with new hardware releases, have further boosted Intel's performance. The increasing demand for AI-focused CPUs is driving growth for companies like Intel, prompting them to raise chip prices and forecast Q2 revenue of $13.8 to $14.8 billion.
TweakTown•
Two Paths for AI in Semiconductor Manufacturing: Platform Integration vs. Point Solutions
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