August 2024 Newsletter

August 2024 Updates for Design Engineers 

Read the latest semiconductor and electronics news and updates. 

In this edition:

1. SK Hynix Scores CHIPS Act Funding

2. Ethernet/Crypto MCU: The Latest From Nuvoton 

3. McKinsey Electronics Acquires Two New ISO Certifications

SK Hynix Scores CHIPS Act Funding

SK Hynix has secured substantial funding under the CHIPS and Science Act, receiving $450 million in grants and up to $500 million in proposed loans from the U.S. government. This funding will be directed toward establishing a high-bandwidth memory (HBM) packaging and research facility in West Lafayette, Indiana. This facility represents SK Hynix's first-of-its-kind investment in the U.S. and aligns with broader efforts to enhance domestic semiconductor manufacturing, particularly for applications in artificial intelligence (AI).

The total investment for the SK Hynix facility is projected to reach $3.87 billion. This investment is anticipated to create approximately 1,000 jobs in the region, with production expected to commence in 2028. The facility will specialize in memory chips packaging, which are critical components for high-performance graphics processing units (GPUs) used in AI systems. Nvidia, a key customer for these advanced chips, stands to benefit significantly from this new venture.

This project is part of a larger strategy by the Biden administration to bolster the U.S. semiconductor industry. The goal is to produce 20% of the world’s leading-edge chips domestically by the end of the decade. SK Hynix's investment is a key component of this strategy, contributing to the onshoring of semiconductor production. The investment aligns with similar initiatives from other major semiconductor manufacturers, including Intel, Samsung and Micron, all of which have also received funding under the CHIPS Act.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the strategic significance of SK Hynix's investment, noting that it will strengthen the U.S. AI hardware supply chain, enhancing global competitiveness. The facility's location at Purdue University underscores the importance of R&D in advancing semiconductor technology. The decision to locate the facility at Purdue University is strategic. Purdue has already established a semiconductor degree program to support workforce development in the field, and the university's research faculty and talent pool were key factors in SK Hynix's decision. The partnership between SK Hynix and Purdue University is expected to drive R&D efforts related to advanced packaging technologies, further solidifying Indiana's position as a leader in semiconductor innovation.

This collaboration is not Purdue’s first foray into semiconductor research. In the previous year, Purdue signed a five-year agreement with Belgium-based research firm Imec to bolster semiconductor R&D efforts in Indiana. This ongoing commitment to advancing semiconductor technology positions Purdue as a critical partner for companies like SK Hynix, which are seeking to innovate and lead in the competitive semiconductor industry.

The CHIPS and Science Act under the Biden administration’s strategy to revitalize the U.S. semiconductor industry, has already allocated $30 billion of its $39 billion funding pot for semiconductor manufacturing, with SK Hynix being the 15th company to receive CHIPS funding across 15 states.  

Contact  McKinsey Electronics for the latest products from SK Hynix

Ethernet/Crypto MCU: The Latest Form Nuvoton

Nuvoton’s NuMaker-HMI-M467 is an advanced evaluation board designed for the NuMicro M467 Ethernet/Crypto series microcontrollers (MCUs). This board is equipped with the M467HJHAN MCU, which is also compatible with the M467SJHAN, M467KJHAN and M467JJHAN variants, offering robust support for a wide range of applications.

Key Features of the NuMaker-HMI-M467 Board:

• Main Board (NuMaker-M467HJ): Full pin extension connectors.

• Daughter Board: 4.3" TFT LCD (480 x 272 resolution, 16-bit interface supporting 65K colors) with capacitive touch panel.

• Memory: 32 MB SPI Flash and 64 MB HyperRAM.

• Peripherals: Thermal sensor, user LEDs, user buttons, 10/100M Ethernet PHY, FS-USB OTG, HS-USB OTG, audio codec, micro SD card slot, CAN FD transceiver.

• Debugger/Programmer: On-board Nu-Link2-Me.

The NuMaker-HMI-M467 is ideal for developing GUI-based applications that leverage the powerful features of the M467 MCU series. This board is particularly suited for prototyping IoT, industrial control, telecom and data center solutions, providing a flexible platform for various projects.

Built on the Arm Cortex-M4F core, this series can run at speeds up to 200 MHz. They feature up to 1024 KB dual-bank Flash memory with Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA) support and 512 KB SRAM with hardware parity check.

The M467 series integrates rich analog and digital peripherals, including:

• Networking: Ethernet 10/100 MAC, 4 CAN FD buses, USB HS OTG, USB FS OTG.

• Security: Hardware crypto engine, hardware key store, True Random Number Generator (TRNG).

• Interfaces: Up to 24 channels of 16-bit PWM, 10 UARTs, 4 SPI/I2S, 2 Quad-SPIs, 5 I²C.

• Analog Peripherals: 4 analog comparators, up to 28 channels of 12-bit ADC, and 2 channels of 12-bit DAC.

The M467 series excels in providing comprehensive security features essential for modern connected devices, particularly in the automotive and industrial sectors. These features include:

• Execute-Only-Memory (XOM): Protects confidential code from unauthorized access.

• Hardware Secure Boot: Ensures the integrity of the boot process.

• Hardware Crypto Engine: Accelerates AES-256 cryptography, with support for ECC-571, SHA-512, HMAC-512, RSA-4096, and SM2 algorithms.

• True and Pseudo Random Number Generators (TRNG, PRNG): Enhance cryptographic strength and security.

The series’ extensive cryptography support, combined with its Ethernet 10/100 MAC, makes it an ideal choice for applications requiring secure network connectivity, such as IoT gateways and industrial control systems.

Nuvoton offers the M467 MCU in a variety of LQFP and QFN packages, with options ranging from 48 to 176 pins. Many variants also include an exposed thermal pad (EPAD) for enhanced cooling. This range of packaging options allows designers to select the most suitable MCU variant for their specific application needs, offering scalability with minimal redesign effort.

To facilitate rapid development, Nuvoton provides a comprehensive suite of tools, including the NuMaker-M467HJ evaluation board and the Nu-Link debugger. These tools are supported by industry-standard IDEs such as Keil MDK, IAR EWARM and Eclipse IDE with GNU GCC compilers.

Nuvoton also supports popular real-time operating systems (RTOS) including Mbed OS, Amazon FreeRTOS and Zephyr, as well as GUI libraries like emWin and LVGL. Sample code is available for a variety of use cases, including TinyML applications, making it easier for developers to integrate advanced functionalities into their designs.

Nuvoton’s NuMicro M467 series MCUs are powerful, feature-rich solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of modern electronic devices. Whether the focus is on robust networking and security or advanced CAN FD applications, this series provides the necessary tools and features to develop cutting-edge products in industries ranging from industrial control to IoT and telecom. The comprehensive development environment and flexible packaging options further enhance its appeal, making it a top choice for engineers and developers seeking reliable and versatile microcontrollers.

Get the latest Nuvoton MCUs from McKinsey Electronics – Nuvoton Authorized Distributor.

Mckinsey Electronics Acquires Two New ISO Certifications

McKinsey Electronics is proud to announce its recent acquisition of two new ISO certifications: ISO/IEC 27001:2022 for Information Security Management and ISO/IEC 42001:2023 for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems. These certifications underscore our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of security, quality, and reliability in the semiconductor industry.

ISO/IEC 27001:2022 - Fortifying Information Security

The ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification is a globally recognized standard that sets the framework for an effective Information Security Management System (ISMS). For the semiconductor industry, where data integrity and confidentiality are paramount, achieving this certification is a significant milestone. 

In an industry that thrives on innovation and sensitive information, the ability to protect customer data and intellectual property is critical. With this certification, McKinsey Electronics has demonstrated its ability to systematically manage and protect information assets, ensuring that they remain secure from threats. The certification process involved a rigorous audit of the company’s information security practices, policies, and infrastructure, affirming our adherence to international best practices.

ISO/IEC 42001:2023 - Advancing Artificial Intelligence Management

In addition to strengthening its information security capabilities, McKinsey Electronics has also achieved ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems. This standard is vital for organizations that develop, deploy or manage AI systems, ensuring that these technologies are implemented responsibly and ethically. 

The ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification provides a comprehensive framework for managing the lifecycle of AI systems, from design and development to deployment and monitoring. By acquiring this certification, McKinsey Electronics demonstrates its commitment to maintaining transparency, fairness and accountability in AI processes. This not only enhances the reliability of our AI-driven solutions but also builds trust with our customers and partners, allowing them to leverage AI technologies with confidence.

As McKinsey Electronics continues to expand its footprint in the semiconductor industry, these certifications will serve as a cornerstone for the company's ongoing efforts to deliver superior service and secure, reliable solutions to its customers. By aligning with global best practices, McKinsey Electronics is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the modern semiconductor landscape and drive sustained growth.

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