Fabless Semiconductor Implementation 1st Edition

Nice to read.. Too technical.... It is mostly for people who have some understanding of industry... Not newbies reading it first time

Good introduction, as the field is evolving an online update of annexes would be good.

great insight

In this well written book the author, Rakesh Kumar, shares his 35 years of experience in the semiconductor industry. The book presents a comprehensive overview of the fabless semiconductor technology in an easy to read fashion. The book includes an overall picture of the dynamics of the semiconductor industry as well as a detailed, step-by-step discussion of what is involved in launching a new product as a fabless company. It takes the reader through the lifecycle of a fabless company and points out the challenges and pitfalls of developing a new IC. The book covers the various implementation options and technology choices. It emphasizes the importance of dealing with customers and suppliers and sharing a long term roadmap with them. There is also extensive coverage of unit and development cost, quality and other operational issues.Although the book focuses on starting a successful fabless company, many of the issues discussed apply to IDMs and fab-lite companies as well. The book also includes illuminating testimonials of leaders in the semiconductor industry to illustrate the points the author makes in the book.I have been using this book in a class I am teaching at the University of Pennsylvania on the "Dynamics of the Semiconductor Industry". The course is part of our Executive Masters of Technology Management program which offers an MSE in Engineering, and is co-sponsored by our Wharton Business School. The comprehensive nature of this book makes it an ideal reading for the class, and provides a context against which to teach. It brings together business and technology considerations in a well explained fashion. The book is a must-read for semiconductor design engineers, non-engineering personnel associated with the industry as well as aspiring entrepreneurs.

Kumar explains much about the problems of starting up and running a fabless company. He addresses a reader who might or should already have an idea about a niche in chip or system design currently unaddressed by the marketplace. He explains the ecosystem of the semiconductor industry, and where fabless companies fit in. By now [2008], there are several fabs throughout the world that can take your design tapeouts and instantiate them in silicon.The text goes through ways to attract funding. Starting with the proverbial friends and family. Then angel investors. Followed by Series A, B etc. All the way to an IPO or perhaps being bought out by a larger, established chip firm. For an American startup, another source of funding is the US government. Through its Small Business Innovative Research grants. Or by contracts with various other federal agencies or departments. Kumar does warn of one danger. You might get success in attracting contracts. But you need to later avoid a sole dependence on these. Otherwise you will never get big; always remaining essentially a research arm of the government.

This is excellent new book, that covers the hottest business area of semiconductors over past two decades. I'm about a third of the way through it and it's a good read as it covers not only the technical aspects but also the business aspects of starting up a Fabless chip company. I know Rakesh from way back and he sent me a copy. Normally I don't get very far in industry books, but this one has held me as I find it provides new perspectives as well as filling plenty of details I didn't know -- and I've been in the industry for more than 30 years.

Dr. Kumar's "Fabless Semiconductor Implementation" is a well written, up to date reference guide for modern custom silicon. The layout is excellent, and the book reads & flows well. Also, I couldn't find a single area that Dr. Kumar fails to address. The book is applicable for a wide range of people from the "smart but inexperienced in silicon" engineer, to the silicon expert seeking a comprehensive reference manual. Lastly, I believe this book is perfect for executives who have silicon groups under them, but have not grown up through the silicon ranks. Highly recommended fabless silicon primer.

Dr. Kumar's recently released book presents a marvelous compendium of current information gleaned from years of experience and success in the fabless arena. Whether this is your first or your fiftieth fabless company; whether you are an executive managing an existing fabless operation, a technical professional designing the next great semiconductor product, or an entrepreneur compiling a business plan for a new fabless company; the information in this book will prove invaluable to your success.