TSMC (Remastered)

1992 snips

Jan 21, 2025

Explore the incredible history of TSMC, a semiconductor giant founded by Morris Chang, and its essential role in today’s tech landscape. Discover the unexpected rise of TSMC amid global chip shortages and the industry's early challenges, from vacuum tubes to silicon. Delve into the strategic partnerships with tech titans like Apple and the groundbreaking innovations like extreme ultraviolet lithography. The episode highlights TSMC's transformative impact, impressive growth statistics, and the dramatic evolution of the semiconductor ecosystem.

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ANECDOTE

Morris Chang's Early Life

Morris Chang fled China multiple times in his youth due to wars.
This included the Second Sino-Japanese War, World War II, and the Chinese Civil War before age 18.

ANECDOTE

Chang's Self-Education

Morris Chang transferred from Harvard to MIT to study engineering and supported himself by working.
He learned electrical engineering by studying Shockley's textbook and questioning a senior engineer at the hotel bar.

ANECDOTE

Chang Joins Sylvania

Chang chose Sylvania Semiconductor over Ford for a $1 higher monthly salary.
Sylvania was also where Don Valentine started his semiconductor career around the same time.

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7 Powers: The Foundations of Business Strategy

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