As we head toward the fall season, semiconductor players are finding creative ways to continue developing technology and processes while adapting to a new normal. In the past few months, we’ve seen positive sales trends, creative fiction made from machine learning, silicon-based space technology, and new commercialized chipsets. In case you’ve missed anything, here’s a rundown of the latest news and breakthroughs in the semiconductor space:

As any engineer who has spent hours mulling over a malfunctioning piece of hardware can attest, nothing lasts forever. Years ago, finding defects wasn’t so complicated. But now, more features, complex packaging, and smaller nodes in modern technology make identifying defects more difficult. As a result, some devices never make it out of the lab— and others die in the fab.

Anything relying on semiconductor technology— from mobile phones to automotives— is vulnerable to integrated circuit (IC) failures. Because detecting and diagnosing IC failures is key for successful deployments, chip engineers have their work cut out for them. Today’s electronic system failures are becoming increasingly difficult and costly to identify and fix. Having the right failure analysis (FA) resources is now crucial in deciding how chipmakers can go to market effectively and lead the competition.