Semiconductor Basics
Silicon, gallium, arsenic.
During which administration was the CHIPS and Science Act signed into the law.
Biden-Harris administration
What is the main goal of the CHIPS Act as described in the text?
The main goal of the CHIPS Act is to bring the semiconductor industry back to "friendly lands," a process known as nearshoring.
A thin slice of semiconductor substance used in electronics for the making of integrated circuits.
Which company is considered the most important foundry in the semiconductor industry?
TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company).
Arizona Small-Scale Consortium
Name a creator of transistors
John Bardeen, Walter H. Brattain or William B. Shockley
When was TSMC's second facility in Arizona planned to open, and when is it now expected to open now?
TSMC's second facility in Arizona was originally planned to open in 2026 but has been delayed to 2027 or 2028.
What ignited the creation of vacuum tubes, integrated circuits and chips?
Discovery of silicon purification
What are the main political tensions between the U.S. and China?
The U.S. and China clash over trade, climate change, and Taiwan, with China seeking to annex Taiwan.
What are some concerns critics have about the CHIPS Act and its potential impact on the semiconductor industry?
Critics argue the act lacks clear goals, may create supply chain issues, increase demand for scarce components like substrates and PCBs, and lead to longer supply chains with the introduction of new foundries in the U.S.
Name the top 3 companies in the market (based on revenue)
Intel (48.6 B)
Samsung Electronics (39.91 B)
Qualcomm (29.02 B)
Why is the semiconductor industry strategically important in U.S.-China relations, and how does the CHIPS Act address this?
Semiconductors are crucial for military and consumer technologies, with Taiwan's TSMC playing a key role. The CHIPS Act counters China's influence by investing $52.7 billion in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and R&D.
Why have experts criticized the performance of the CHIPS Act?
Experts criticize the CHIPS Act due to underwhelming performance, evidenced by the industry’s revenue decline from 2022 to 2023, the delay of TSMC’s facility in Arizona, and Intel’s $20 billion factory project in Ohio being delayed due to slow distribution of government incentives.