The Rise of ARM: From Low-Power CPUs to Changing People's Lives

 

In the semiconductor industry, a company that designs semiconductor blueprints, known as fabless companies, is essential. They provide the blueprint for companies like TSMC, which only handles the production of semiconductors. However, some fabless companies are so-called "cancers," buying and using licenses like a subscription to Netflix. This article will explore the impact of these cancer companies on the design of semiconductors and how it affects the number of domestic fabless companies.

The Story of ARM

ARM is a design group that developed a CPU, which became popular for its low-power consumption and small size. In the 1980s, the company struggled to differentiate itself in a market dominated by Intel and Microsoft. However, it steadily released low-power CPUs suitable for navigation, PDAs, and games and multimedia. In the 1990s, ARM joined forces with Apple to develop a low-power CPU that led to Apple's PDA, Newton.

In 1991, ARM was born through a joint venture between VLSI, a semiconductor company and a partner of Archon, and Apple's small Archon. ARM's low-power consumption and miniaturization strengths were utilized, and it began releasing the Arm Nine Ten Elevens suitable for navigation PDA. Texas Instruments began delivering ARM-structured cell phone CPUs to Nokia, and soon, ARM became known to the world.

Since 2010, the market share of ARM-based chips has increased rapidly in smartphones. From Qualcomm to Apple and Samsung Electronics, many companies have designed chips using ARM's low-power consumption and miniaturization advantages. ARM-based CPUs have been used in many devices such as the iPod, the iPhone, and other smartphones.

The Impact of Cancer Companies

Cancer companies, which buy and use licenses like a subscription to Netflix, have a significant impact on fabless companies. They can drive up the cost of licensing, making it difficult for smaller companies to compete. This results in a reduced number of domestic fabless companies and less innovation in the industry.

However, the rise of open-source semiconductor designs, such as RISC-V, provides an alternative to proprietary designs. These designs allow more companies to develop their own CPUs and reduce their dependence on licenses.

The Future of Semiconductors

The semiconductor industry is continuously evolving, and the future is uncertain. However, the rise of ARM and other low-power consumption CPUs has shown that there is a demand for more energy-efficient devices. As technology advances and becomes more integrated into our daily lives, the need for low-power consumption CPUs will only increase.

 

The rise of ARM and other low-power consumption CPUs has revolutionized the semiconductor industry. However, the impact of cancer companies on the industry is a cause for concern. It is crucial to strike a balance between innovation and accessibility. Open-source semiconductor designs offer an alternative, but their impact remains to be seen. As technology continues to advance, it is essential to consider the ethical implications of our reliance on technology and the companies that provide it.