MEP EP#270: Radio Frequency Eyeballs

Circuit Break - A MacroFab Podcast

MEP EP#270: Radio Frequency Eyeballs

• Cool XLR connector with a smart method of assembly
  • NC3MD-H-BAG
  • NC3FD-H-B
  • XLR with two parts - one for mounting to the enclosure and the actual connector.
  • Assemble separately - allows you to test the electronics on the board
  • Insert and turn a small screw and lock the connector to the body
• Keysight scopes are now “dark mode”
  • Jeff Keyzer comment on Twitter
  • It is like the evolution of PC cases for test equipment
• Chipmakers are hustling to make auto chips--and say it’s not a hustle
  • Some resellers have resorted to buying up used chipmaking gear by stalking old factories in the U.S., Japan and Europe and waiting for them to close in hopes of purchasing the gear inside.
  • Chips used in braking and engine systems are typically made using older tech that is sufficient to meet automaker reliability requirements, while newer infotainment and assisted driving technologies require modern chips made in cutting-edge chip factories.
• New American Chip Fabs
  • Intel
    • Will build two new 7nm fabs in Arizona (per March 23, 2021 announcement)
  • TSMC
    • Will build a new 5nm fab in Arizona (per 2020 annoucements)
    • Rumors of up to 6 fabs might be built
  • Samsung
    • Wants to build a 3nm fab in either Texas / Arizona / New York (per 2021 announcements)
  • A few weeks ago, it was reported that Samsung / Infineon / NXP fabs in Texas had not been restarted after their fabs were shutdown during the historic state-wide power loss in February
    • Fabs still offline since Texas freeze
  • How much water they take.
    • TSMC stated they use 156,000 tons of water a day
      • 37,454,981 gallons/day
      • Are they able to recycle water use?
    • Water Management report from TSMC