A podcast about the business and market of semiconductors
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Episode 112: More Semi Tariff Chaos, Lip Bu's Plan, TSMC Earnings
45:11
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45:11In this episode, Ben and Jay discuss the current state of the semiconductor market, focusing on the impact of tariffs, the upcoming earnings season, and the potential for sector rotation amidst economic uncertainty. They explore how companies are navigating these challenges, particularly in relation to AI demand and capital expenditures, while also…
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Episode 113: Talking DSPs with CEVA CEO Amir Panush
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38:11In this conversation, Jay Goldberg interviews Amir Panoush, CEO of CEVA, discussing the evolution of the company, its role in the semiconductor industry, and the importance of digital signal processing (DSP) technology. They explore Siva's market segments, customer base, and the company's value proposition compared to competitors like ARM. The disc…
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Episode 112: Talking x86 and Intel's Future With Intel Product CEO Michelle Johnston
28:51
28:51
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28:51In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg are joined by special guest Michelle Johnston, CEO of Intel products. They discuss the new culture shift at Intel, how Intel can use this new approach to compete and innovate in AI, how to invigorate x86 and Intel Architecture, and the opportunity for both product and foundry in the chiplet era.…
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Episode 111: Talking Chips and Wafers with Chips and Wafers
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55:06In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg engage with Simi Sherman and Chaim Eisenberg from Chips and Wafers to explore the intricacies of the semiconductor industry. They discuss the importance of both qualitative and quantitative analysis in understanding market trends, the challenges of data collection, and the unique insights their company …
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In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the recent GTC event, highlighting its shift from graphics technology to a focus on AI and robotics. They share their emotional responses to the keynote, the crowded atmosphere, and their disillusionment with the lack of new AI demos. The conversation delves into Jensen Huang's defensive stance …
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Episode 109: Unpacking the Nuances of Deep Seek with Austin Lyons
48:17
48:17
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48:17In this conversation, Jay Goldberg and Austin Lyons delve into the emergence of Deep Seek, an AI lab that has gained attention for its innovative models and unique approach to AI development. They discuss the origins of Deep Seek, its self-funded nature, and the implications of its advancements in the context of geopolitical constraints. The conver…
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Episode 108: MWC Observations, MRVL and AVGO Earnings, Apple's new Devices
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46:07
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46:07In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the recent Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, reflecting on its relevance in the current tech landscape, particularly in the telecom and semiconductor industries. They explore the shift in focus from traditional mobile technologies to AI and data centers, the challenges faced by telecom o…
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Episode 107: NVIDIA Earnings and Peak Nvidia? (Sentiment Wise)
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37:59
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37:59In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss Nvidia's recent earnings report, market reactions, and the implications for the future of AI and the company's stock performance. They analyze the current state of Nvidia's business, including product segmentation, enterprise demand, and geopolitical factors affecting the market. The conversatio…
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Episode 106: Apple C1 Modem! More Intel Rumors (FUD!) Previewing Nvidia Earnings
42:50
42:50
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42:50In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss Apple's recent announcement of their C1 modem and the new iPhone 16E. They explore the implications of Apple's entry into modem technology, the positioning of the iPhone 16E in the market, and the potential impact on Qualcomm. The conversation also delves into the integration of modem technology…
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Episode 105: Sanity Check on Custom ASICS?
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41:50
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41:50In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg delve into the ongoing debate between ASICs and GPUs in the AI compute landscape, discussing the implications for companies like NVIDIA and AMD. They explore the role of custom silicon in hyperscalers' strategies and the potential for GPUs to regain market share. The conversation then shifts to the ofte…
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Episode 104: Earnings Thoughts (QCOM, AMD, Arm) and Hypersaler CapEx Steady
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44:11
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44:11In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the recent earnings reports of Qualcomm, AMD, and Arm, analyzing the surprising market reactions and investor expectations. They delve into Qualcomm's strong quarter but puzzling stock performance, AMD's ongoing struggle to establish itself in the AI market, and Arm's critical yet underappreciat…
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Episode 103: Earnings - MSFT, META, AAPL, INTC - The Custom ASIC Debate!
55:46
55:46
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55:46In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the latest earnings reports from major tech companies, focusing on their strategies related to AI and the semiconductor industry. They analyze Microsoft's approach to AI, Meta's success in monetizing AI, Apple's challenges in the current market, and Intel's uncertain position in the semiconducto…
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In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the recent market reactions to DeepSeek's AI model, its implications for the AI landscape, and the future of AI infrastructure investments. They explore the efficiency of DeepSeek's training methods, the skepticism surrounding AI valuations, and the potential of ambient agents in AI development.…
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Episode 101 Part 2: Digging into TSMC Earnings
30:21
30:21
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30:21In part two of this conversation, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss TSMC's recent quarterly performance, highlighting its strong growth driven by AI and changing dynamics in chip manufacturing. They explore the implications of AI on TSMC's business model, the challenges faced by NVIDIA in data center transitions, and the future of ASICs and cust…
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Episode 101 Part 1: Discussion with Jordan Schneider (ChinaTalk) on New Semi Regulations
43:05
43:05
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43:05In this episode of The Circuit, hosts Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg welcome Jordan Schneider, founder of China Talk, to discuss the evolving landscape of US-China technology relations, particularly focusing on semiconductor restrictions. Schneider provides insights into the recent regulations imposed by the Biden administration, the motivations behi…
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Episode 100: CES 2025 - Applied AI, Applied Robotics, AR/MR Tipping Point
42:51
42:51
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42:51In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg reflect on their experiences at CES, discussing the varying levels of AI integration and the prevalence of AI washing. They explore the future of robotics, emphasizing a turning point in humanoid robotics and the potential for AI to enhance these technologies. The conversation shifts to the advancements…
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Episode 99: Semis Outlook for 2025 - Bullishness Remains
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42:51
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42:51In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss their predictions for 2025, focusing on market trends, investment strategies, and the impact of AI on various sectors. They explore the implications of the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the potential for growth in semiconductor stocks, and the importance of software revenue in AI dep…
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Episode 98: 2024 Semi Recap and Outlook Into 2025
36:44
36:44
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36:44In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the current state of the semiconductor market as they transition from 2024 to 2025. They analyze Nvidia's growth trajectory, the challenges faced by AMD and Intel, and the performance of other key players like Apple and Broadcom. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on the semicondu…
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Episode 97: Accellerated Infrastructure - Marvell Analyst Day, Broadcomm Earnings - Infra!!
51:49
51:49
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51:49In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the recent Marvell Industry Analyst Day, focusing on the concept of accelerated infrastructure in data centers, the competitive landscape with Broadcom, and the significance of custom HBM in AI silicon. They explore how Marvell is positioning itself as a data center company and the implications …
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Episode 96: The State of Intel Post Pat G, Product Roadmap focus, Foundries Strategic Value
46:13
46:13
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46:13In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the unexpected retirement of Pat Gelsinger from Intel and its implications for the company's future. They explore the strategic direction Intel may take post-Gelsinger, the challenges of leadership transition, and the importance of product focus versus foundry operations. The conversation delves…
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Episode 95: QCOM Financial Investor Day, and NVIDA Earnings (age of Nvidia is over)
40:15
40:15
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40:15In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss Qualcomm's recent Analyst Day and NVIDIA's earnings report. They analyze Qualcomm's shift towards becoming a compute-centric company, the challenges in the smartphone market, and the potential growth in automotive and IoT sectors. The conversation then shifts to NVIDIA, where they explore the im…
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Episode 94: Chatting Apple Silicon with Apple's Tim Millet and Tom Boger
35:22
35:22
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35:22In this enlightening conversation, Ben Bajarin hosts Apple executives Tom Boger and Tim Millet to discuss the significance of Apple Silicon in the company's product ecosystem. They delve into the relentless pursuit of performance per watt, the integration of hardware and software, and Apple's unique approach to AI and on-device intelligence. The di…
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Episode 93: Arm/QCOM Earnings, Trump Presidency Impact on Semis, NVDA Preview
37:56
37:56
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37:56In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss recent earnings reports from Arm and Qualcomm, analyzing market reactions and the implications of ongoing lawsuits. They delve into Qualcomm's diversification strategy, particularly in the automotive sector, and the potential impact of political changes on semiconductor policy. The conversation …
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Episode 92: Another week in Semi's Earnings. -AMD, Intel, Capex growth in Cloud
44:50
44:50
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44:50In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the latest earnings reports from AMD and Intel, focusing on market expectations, performance, and the challenges faced by both companies. They analyze AMD's struggle to meet high investor expectations in the AI market and Intel's ongoing turnaround efforts under CEO Pat Gelsinger, highlighting t…
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Episode 91: Thoughts on: Snapdragon Summit, Arm v. QCOM, RISC-V Summit
48:39
48:39
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48:39In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit, highlighting the company's return to custom cores, advancements in AI integration, and innovations in automotive technology. They also delve into the competitive landscape of automotive software, Qualcomm's branding evolution, and the ongoing legal drama with ARM …
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Episode 90: TSMC/ASML Earnings Signals, X86 Consortium, Nuclear Trending
44:54
44:54
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44:54In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the recent earnings reports from major semiconductor companies, focusing on ASML's disappointing results and TSMC's optimistic outlook. They explore the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry, the implications of Intel and AMD's collaboration on x86 architecture, and the competitive press…
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Episode 89: Advancing AI, thoughts on AMD's Event, Nvidia, and Chain of Reasoning AI
45:39
45:39
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45:39In this episode of The Circuit, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the recent AMD AI event, focusing on the advancements in CPU architecture, the competitive landscape with NVIDIA, and the importance of vertical integration in AI systems. They explore the role of CPUs in AI workloads, the complexities of total cost of ownership for hyperscalers, …
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Episode 88: AI Accellerators, Startup graveyard? With Special Guest Austin Lyons
51:31
51:31
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51:31In this episode, Ben Bajarin, Jay Goldberg, and Austin Lyons discuss the rapid evolution of AI technology and its implications for hardware and software. They explore the challenges faced by AI accelerators, the role of hyperscalers, and the investment landscape in AI startups. The conversation highlights the disparity between the fast-paced develo…
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Episode 87: Shrinking Silicon (Meta Orion) and Excited about Hardware Again!
40:13
40:13
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40:13In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the recent announcements from Meta at MetaConnect, particularly focusing on their new AR glasses concept. They compare Meta's approach to Apple's Vision Pro, exploring the implications of custom silicon, product timing, and the importance of developer ecosystems. The conversation also touches on…
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Episode 86: Intel's Inflection Point? Analyzing the Intel Plan.
47:08
47:08
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47:08In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the current state of Intel, focusing on its challenges, board dynamics, and the implications of activist investors. They delve into Intel's foundry strategy, customer relationships, and the significance of the 18A technology. The conversation also touches on Qualcomm's interest in Intel and expl…
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Episode 85: OpenAI leaves AI Silicon in the Dust
41:10
41:10
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41:10In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the recent advancements in AI software, particularly focusing on OpenAI's new model and its implications for silicon architecture. They explore the challenges of inference costs, the need for silicon innovation, and the competitive landscape involving Nvidia and Google. The conversation highligh…
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The conversation covers various topics related to Apple's recent product announcements, including the iPhone, wearables, Apple Silicon, and AI features. The hosts discuss the potential impact of the new iPhone lineup on sales volume and upgrades, as well as the significance of TSMC's involvement in supplying processors. They also highlight the desi…
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Episode 83: The Earnings Heard Round the World (NVDA)
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47:01In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss NVIDIA's recent earnings and the challenges of managing expectations in the stock market. They touch on the mispronunciation of NVIDIA, the volatility of the stock, and the impact of whisper numbers on investor sentiment. They also discuss the role of NVIDIA's CEO, Jensen Huang, and the difficul…
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Episode 81: Chatting With AMD's Forrest Norrod EVP Datacenter Solutions about Buying ZT Systems
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34:05This week Ben and Jay are joined by AMD's EVP of Datacenter Solutions Forrest Norrod. AMD's acquisition of ZT Systems is a strategic move to enhance its position in the data center and AI market. ZT Systems is a leading systems design company focused on hyperscalers, with expertise in customized server and rack designs. By integrating ZT's design c…
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Episode 80: Viewing AI Compute Demands as a Tectonic Shift for Semiconductor Design
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33:40In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the tectonic shift happening in the semiconductor industry due to the rise of AI. They highlight the need for substantial improvements in energy-efficient computing performance and the importance of reducing power consumption. The conversation also touches on the role of companies like Applied M…
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Episode 79: Not Your Grandfathers Data Center
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40:13In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the current state of the stock market and the semiconductor industry. They explore the factors that may be contributing to the recent fluctuations in stock prices and the challenges faced by the semiconductor market. They also delve into the changing dynamics of data center design and the implic…
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Episode 78: What a Week in Semis! AMD! ARM! Qualcomm! Intel?
50:26
50:26
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50:26This episode of The Circuit covers the recent earnings reports of semiconductor companies, including AMD, Arm, Qualcomm, and Intel. The hosts discuss the market sentiment, the strength of the data center infrastructure, and the growth potential of these companies. They highlight the cleverness of Arm's business model and the positive trends in thei…
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In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss their observations and insights from their recent trip to China. They cover topics such as the challenges of semiconductors in China, the economic sentiment in the country, the impact of Huawei's comeback, the state of the semiconductor industry in China, the focus on AI and EVs, the impact of U…
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Episode 76: Tales of Analog Semis, TSMC Earnings and Foundry Competition
38:48
38:48
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38:48In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the recent earnings reports of NXP and Silicon Labs, as well as the latest updates from TSMC. They analyze the challenges and opportunities in the semiconductor industry, particularly in the areas of automotive, IoT, and AI. They also explore the pricing dynamics and competitive landscape betwee…
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The conversation explores the question of how to monetize the massive investment in AI infrastructure and hardware. There is a mix of pessimism and optimism regarding the potential returns on this investment. The thesis is that AI is currently being used as a feature to improve existing processes, but there is a lack of consumer use cases that can …
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Episode 74: Deep in the Weeds in Cryptography (not crypto)
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47:53
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47:53In this episode of The Circuit, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg are joined by Scott Best to discuss cryptography. They explore the origins of cryptography, including Scott's personal journey and early experiences with decoding secret messages. They also delve into the practical applications of cryptography in everyday life, such as secure web browsing…
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Episode 73: Nvidia's Moment, and The "Platformization" of GPUs
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41:53Nvidia briefly became the most valuable company in the world by market cap, surpassing Apple. This milestone highlights Nvidia's dominance in the semiconductor industry and its position as a leading company in AI computing. However, there are concerns about the sustainability of Nvidia's growth and the disconnect between its stock performance and t…
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Episode 72: Apple Intelligence and Closed Loop Private Computing
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32:53
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32:53Apple announced Apple intelligence, integrating AI in a very Apple way. They are focusing on on-device AI to align with their privacy philosophy. The features are only available on the most recent Apple Silicon iPhone pro and newer models. The implementation of AI is focused on useful feature-centric applications rather than general AI. Apple's inf…
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Episode 71: Computex 2024 - Main Takeaways and Key Debates Emerging
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44:21
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44:21Computex has evolved into an important tech trade show, with a focus on gaming, GPUs, and components for gaming and PCs. The show has seen a shift towards data center components and AI servers, which have become a significant category. AMD and Intel are both making chips for AI PCs, with AMD leading in NPU tops. Qualcomm's Snapdragon is ahead in pe…
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With Special guests, Austin Lyons and Paul Karazuba! The conversation covers the topic of NPUs (Neural Processing Units) and delves into their architecture, performance, and relevance in the semiconductor industry. The discussion also addresses the use of tops per watt as a metric for NPU performance and the design origins of NPUs, including the us…
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Episode 69: Google Silicon, Microsoft BUILD NPUs, and NVDA Earnings
47:03
47:03
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47:03In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the recent Google I/O event and the introduction of new TPUs and CPUs. They also explore the ARM architecture in the data center and the potential for switching between different ARM CPUs. Additionally, they touch on Qualcomm's launch of Windows on ARM and the significant adoption of Qualcomm SK…
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In this episode of The Circuit, Ben Bajarin interviews Esam Elashmawi, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer of Lattice, about the world of Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). They discuss the basics of FPGAs, their unique capabilities, and their pervasiveness across various applications. They also explore the advantages of FPGAs over Applicatio…
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Episode 67: A Conversation with Aart de Geus on EDA and the Future of Silicon Design
42:20
42:20
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42:20In this episode of The Circuit, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg interview Aart de Geus, the executive chair and co-founder of Synopsys, about the semiconductor industry and the evolution of electronic design automation (EDA). They discuss the concept of EDA and how it allows designers to simulate and optimize circuits without physically building them.…
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Episode 66: Earnings Insights on Industry Segments (Infra, PCs, Mobile, Auto/industrial)
36:01
36:01
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36:01In this episode of The Circuit, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the latest developments in the semiconductor industry, focusing on the sectors of data centers, PCs, mobile, automotive, and industrial semiconductors. They analyze the performance of companies like Intel, AMD, Nvidia, Apple, Qualcomm, and NXP, and explore the factors influencing …
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Summary In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the skyrocketing capex by cloud hyper scalers and its implications. They explore the significant growth in capex spending by companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, and the connection between capex and revenue growth. They also discuss the challenges of monetizing AI investments an…
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