• Inside Cadence: The Software Powering Semiconductor Breakthroughs

  • Feb 29 2024
  • Length: 50 mins
  • Podcast

Inside Cadence: The Software Powering Semiconductor Breakthroughs

  • Summary

  • In this episode of What Matters Most, Sands Capital Sr. Research Analyst Daniel Pilling takes us on a deep dive into the world of Cadence, the leading software provider in the semiconductor industry. From the evolution of semiconductor design to the potential of generative AI, we explore the intricate processes and challenges in chip design. We delve into the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry, the value addition in both leading edge and analog chips, and the strategic role Cadence plays in this dynamic ecosystem. With their software integrated into the manufacturing process of semiconductors, Cadence has the potential to shape the future of the industry. Episode Transcript ⁠Available Here⁠. Show Notes: (00:53) Cadence’s two offerings(03:00) Overview of the semiconductor manufacturing process (if you didn’t listen to the Entegris episode) and the three-legged stool analogy(05:34) Electronic design automation (EDA) tools and evolution of semiconductor design process(09:52) Physical limitations, shrinking transistors, and the laws of physics(13:04) Error reduction, adapting to increasing complexity, and generative AI(17:17) Daniel’s five- to 10-year view on whether AI is a future alternative to EDA(19:00) Who actually uses Cadence software?(21:49) A counter to the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry(23:31) The value added in analog chips, and legacy Cadence software(25:58) Frequency of chip re-architecting(28:22) Management team and a second act(30:55) Risks and how Cadence can benefit from the Jevons Paradox(34:25) Daniel’s not worried about “the wall of worry.”(36:05) The end of Moore’s Law and the paradigm shift to quantum chips(40:36) How did Daniel become an investor?(44:44) Daniel’s closing hypothesis and conviction in investments Related content from Sands Capital Business Breakdowns Podcast: Daniel Pilling - Entegris: Solutions for Semiconductors ⁠Sign up to receive our monthly Perspectives newsletter: ⁠Our latest thinking on innovation investing, long-term capital, and culture In case you missed it: What Matters Most Episode 7: Globant Takes A Design-First Approach to Pure Play Digital Service Catch our most popular episodes from this season: Kaspi: The Super App Reshaping Kazakhstan’s Financial Landscape⁠⁠Revolutionizing Public Safety: The Axon Ecosystem⁠⁠ Follow What Matters Most⁠ wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss an episode. Learn more about ⁠Sands Capital⁠, sign up for ⁠our newsletter⁠, and ⁠follow us on LinkedIn⁠. Review our podcast season and episode disclosures ⁠here⁠.
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