# Discussing Chiplets with Ming Zhang

- Show: [The Amp Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour)
- Published: 2020-07-05
- Length: 1h 02m
- Episode: 499
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-07-05-discussing-chiplets-with-ming-zhang
- Listen: https://theamphour.com/499-discussing-chiplets-with-ming-zhang/

## Summary

Ming Zhang, co-founder and CEO of zGlue, explains how his company uses chiplet integration to create custom, highly miniaturized integrated circuits that combine off-the-shelf silicon components like Nordic microcontrollers and Bosch sensors. Zhang details the 'Omni chip' reference design, the 'smart fabric' substrate that enables programmable interconnects, and the 'Chip Builder' cloud tool that allows designers to configure these bespoke chips without traditional ASIC complexity. The discussion covers the technical architecture, cost structure via shuttle programs, and the strategic advantage of heterogeneous integration as Moore's Law slows.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-07-05-discussing-chiplets-with-ming-zhang#t=0) Introduction and Chiplet Definitions
- [4:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-07-05-discussing-chiplets-with-ming-zhang#t=272) Chiplet vs. PCB and ASIC Trade-offs
- [8:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-07-05-discussing-chiplets-with-ming-zhang#t=498) The Omni Chip Reference Design
- [14:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-07-05-discussing-chiplets-with-ming-zhang#t=853) Cost, Complexity, and the Chip Builder Tool
- [22:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-07-05-discussing-chiplets-with-ming-zhang#t=1336) Smart Fabric Substrate and Interconnects
- [34:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-07-05-discussing-chiplets-with-ming-zhang#t=2092) Customization Levels and Design Workflow
- [46:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-07-05-discussing-chiplets-with-ming-zhang#t=2811) Pricing, Manufacturing Partners, and Future Trends

## Topics

- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- zGlue (company)
- Omni chip (product)
- Chip Builder (tool)
- Nordic (company)
- Bosch (company)
- TI (company)
- Maxim (company)
- STMicroelectronics (company)
- TSMC (company)
- AIC (company)
- Google (company)
- Gem1 (product)
- nRF52832 (chip)
- nRF52840 (chip)
- MC3672 (chip)
- TMP108 (chip)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [322: Learn Assembly Code](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-02-28-322-learn-assembly-code) (Embedded.fm)
- [454: Printf Hello](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-07-06-454-printf-hello) (Embedded.fm)
- [Advanced Packaging & Chiplet Design with Chipletz](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-03-13-advanced-packaging-chiplet-design-with-chipletz) (OnTrack)
- [Pragmatic Semi is Breaking the Rules and Bending Silicon Electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-03-26-pragmatic-semi-is-breaking-the-rules-and-bending-silicon-electronics) (Moore's Lobby)
- [Episode 2: The Business of Going Vertical](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2022-12-28-episode-2-the-business-of-going-vertical) (The Circuit)

## Citing this page

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