Founders' Review Editorial

I recently attended the Santa Clara Chiplet and DesignCon conferences, and it's clear that both events have grown compared to last year. In particular, DesignCon appeared to attract a larger number of expo visitors than before.

While these conferences primarily cater to professionals, they can be incredibly valuable if you're working on a hardware-related business plan. The barriers to manufacturing within the US are beginning to diminish, making it likely that more companies will explore exciting opportunities, especially in small-scale production.

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To create your own electronic products, you'll typically need printed circuit boards (PCBs), chips, and chiplets. The industry can be broadly divided into three main sectors: sensors, energy infrastructure, and compute.

If your focus is on energy-related technologies, these conferences might not be the best fit. The energy sector often deals with specialized components like high-current transformers, inverters, transistors, and fuses, which are typically showcased at other, more targeted events.

For those interested in sensors - particularly high-bandwidth radio frequency communication - Sensors Converge may be a better choice. That said, DesignCon still hosts a variety of vendors, including connector and measurement tool manufacturers.

If your interest lies in chips and high-performance computing, such as client hardware, game consoles, robotics, or servers, the Chiplet conference is ideal. Additionally, common integrated circuit resellers like Mouser typically have a presence at all these events.

DesignCon is also a great place to explore PCB manufacturers and assembly providers who handle soldering chips onto PCBs. Occasionally, you'll even encounter manufacturers of highly specialized equipment, such as circuits printed on glass.

Finally, for those considering building AI equipment, here's a list of noteworthy companies to explore. These conferences offer a great opportunity to network and discover resources for your next project.

Chiplets are useful, if you already have your designs or intellectual property to assembly, or if you are working on high performance compute like AI at a premium price $100+ per unit.

Alchip Technologies is a semiconductor solutions provider specializing in ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) design and manufacturing services. They focus on advanced process technologies and have recently been involved in new semiconductor transistor architecture development.

Alphawave Semi specializes in high-bandwidth chiplets and connectivity solutions. Their products deliver higher bandwidth (800G) and lower power consumption compared to traditional infrastructure solutions, making them ideal for digital communication networks

Achronix Semiconductor is a San Jose, California based FPGA manufacturer focusing on AI applications. They produce high-performance FPGAs, FPGA IP, and accelerator card solutions, particularly their Speedster7t FPGA line designed for high-bandwidth workloads. They are unique in offering both FPGA and eFPGA solutions in high volume.

Stratasys is a global leader in 3D printing and additive manufacturing technology, providing solutions for various industries including prototyping, manufacturing, and aerospace.

QuickLogic offers eFPGA IP generator solutions, allowing companies to integrate FPGA technology into their custom semiconductor designs.

SmartSoCs is a semiconductor company focusing on system-on-chip solutions and integrated circuit design.

Marquee Semiconductor provides semiconductor design services and solutions for various applications.

VeriSilicon is a Silicon Platform as a Service (SiPaaS) company that provides comprehensive custom silicon solutions and semiconductor IP.

Numem is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance memory solutions and innovative memory architectures for data-intensive applications.

Sanmina is a global electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider offering end-to-end manufacturing solutions including PCB fabrication, system assembly, rack space, and testing services.

Signature IP focuses on developing and licensing intellectual property for semiconductor designs.

Sofics specializes in on-chip ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) protection and electrical overstress solutions for integrated circuits.

Anemoi Software provides software solutions for semiconductor design and verification.

Robominions.in is involved in robotics and automation solutions.

Blue Cheetah develops high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions.

Alphawave Semi (formerly Alphawave IP) specializes in high-speed connectivity solutions and chiplets for digital infrastructure.

Syncopated Systems works on electronic design and development services.

Crossfire Technologies provides semiconductor design services and solutions.

Promex offers microelectronic packaging and assembly services, specializing in complex medical and biotech applications.

Palo Alto Electron focuses on electron microscopy and advanced imaging solutions.

SmartSoCs develops system-on-chip solutions and provides semiconductor design services.

NTLab specializes in integrated circuit design and IP cores.

GenioEvo works on evolutionary computing and AI solutions.

Fraunhofer Institute of Integrated Circuits is a research institution focusing on microelectronics, signal processing, and integrated circuit development.

Alphawave Semiconductor (same as Alphawave Semi mentioned above) is a leader in high-speed connectivity solutions for global infrastructure.

Siltronics specializes in silicon wafer manufacturing and processing for the semiconductor industry, providing materials essential for chip production.

QuickLogic eFPGA offers embedded FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) solutions and IP, allowing companies to integrate customizable logic into their chip designs. Their eFPGA IP generator enables customers to create tailored FPGA solutions for specific applications.

Sarcina Technology provides semiconductor packaging and testing services, focusing on advanced packaging solutions for various electronic components.

Blue Cheetah develops high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions, particularly focusing on power management and data conversion technologies.

Advanced Materials Technology works in the development and production of specialized materials for semiconductor and electronics manufacturing.

Menta Mosaics Hub offers configurable embedded FPGA IP cores and design solutions for system-on-chip applications.

LIM Circuit Simulator is a software tool for electronic circuit simulation and analysis, used in electronic design and testing.

Pragmatic Semiconductor specializes in FlexICs - flexible integrated circuits that can be manufactured at lower costs than traditional silicon chips. Their technology enables electronics to be integrated into flexible materials for various applications.

Craftronics provides electronic manufacturing and assembly services, focusing on custom electronic solutions and prototyping.

Polywell Computers is a manufacturer of custom computers, workstations, and servers, specializing in high-performance computing solutions.

EmbeddedTS (Embedded Technology Solutions) develops embedded computing solutions and single-board computers for industrial applications.

WinSource Electronics is an electronic components distributor providing sourcing and supply chain solutions for electronic manufacturers.

iTechnotion offers technology consulting and software development services, focusing on embedded systems and IoT solutions.

Unigraf specializes in video electronics testing equipment and solutions, particularly for DisplayPort and HDMI interfaces.

Synclesis is a technology company specializing in electronic design automation (EDA) tools and solutions for semiconductor design and verification.

OEM Production is a contract manufacturer providing electronic manufacturing services (EMS), including PCB assembly, prototyping, and full-scale production services for original equipment manufacturers.

Allspice.io offers a modern version control and collaboration platform specifically designed for hardware development teams, helping manage electronic design files, schematics, and documentation.

Kipo AI develops artificial intelligence solutions and tools for various applications in the technology sector, with a focus on machine learning implementations.

AV Dimensions specializes in audio-visual solutions and professional display technologies, providing hardware and integration services for commercial and industrial applications.

CircuitMind is an AI-powered electronic design automation platform that helps engineers design and optimize circuit boards. Their software uses artificial intelligence to assist in component selection, placement, and routing optimization.

Imagineering PCB provides printed circuit board design, manufacturing, and assembly services, specializing in prototype to production solutions for electronic products.

Sigilent (also known as Siglent Technologies) manufactures test and measurement equipment including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, function generators, and power supplies for electronic testing and development.

Winsource is an electronic components distributor that provides sourcing and supply chain solutions for electronic manufacturers, offering both new and hard-to-find electronic components.