Digital Threads in Semiconductor Engineering

In this episode of the Engineer Innovation Podcast, host Stephen Ferguson is joined by two experts from Siemens—David Corey, VP of Semiconductor Industry Sales, and Dr. Andras Vass-Varnai, Business Development Leader—to explore the latest trends and challenges in semiconductor technology.

Our conversation covers the economic limits of Moore’s Law, the increasing complexity of semiconductor packages, and the critical role of digital threads in streamlining design and manufacturing processes. David and Andres break down how digital threads connect data across all stages of product development, helping companies manage the growing complexity of semiconductor design and production. The episode also delves into how simulation and automation are revolutionizing the industry, and the hard lessons learned from COVID’s impact on global supply chains.

Whether you’re curious about the future of your smartphone’s chips or deeply involved in the semiconductor industry, this episode offers valuable insights into the innovations that are driving the future of electronics.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Moore’s Law and its economic limits in the semiconductor industry
• The rise of advanced semiconductor packaging and heterogeneous integration
• What digital threads are and how they connect every stage of semiconductor development
• The importance of data management and simulation in reducing time-to-market
• Lessons from COVID: How global supply chains adapted and what’s changing moving forward
• Real-world applications of digital threads in semiconductor manufacturing
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Notable Quotes:

• "Digital threads are not just buzzwords; they're the backbone of how companies are managing complexity and driving innovation."
• "The semiconductor industry might be hitting the limits of Moore’s Law economically, but innovation is just getting started."
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Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Siemens' work in the semiconductor industry: Siemens Digital Industries
• Follow David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-corey-siemens/
• Follow Andras on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andras-vass-varnai/
• More about digital threads in manufacturing: https://blogs.sw.siemens.com/simcenter/digitalizing-the-semiconductor-industry/
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Episode Highlights:

• [02:30] David Corey discusses the economic realities facing the semiconductor industry and the shifting focus on packaging.
• [10:45] Dr. Andres Vasvane explains how digital threads streamline product development and the impact of simulation.
• [18:00] The importance of a flexible supply chain and how companies are using digital threads to move data more efficiently.



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