New Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger warns that the global shortage of computer chips will take years to resolve.
Since 2020, there has been a global shortage of computer chips. It seems that things will not normalize as we expect in 2022, but it may take years to fully resolve. According to the new CEO of Intel the problem is largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking to Reuters, Pat Gelsinger pointed out that the issue will affect many areas of technology, from electric cars to computers, smartphones, tablets, game consoles, graphics cards, etc.
Why is there a shortage of chips? The silicon crisis that erupted in 2020 was the result of the following factors:
1. Telecommuting: People got into teleworking due to Covid-19 and forced to upgrade their home appliances.
2. Traffic ban: There was a great demand for new gadgets to entertain those who were on a traffic ban due to Covid-19.
3. Issues paratreatments: The recycling of chips (chip plants) was temporarily stopped due to health protocols.
Combined these factors, along with the overload work of the global supply chain, have led to an unprecedented global demand for semiconductors that the market cannot meet. It seems that the Covid-19 pandemic caused panic not only for a lack of paper health but also in semiconductors.
To make matters worse, chip makers or even a wealthy government, can not just throw money and solve the problem. It takes billions of dollars and 18-24 months to build an advanced semiconductor plant from scratch to the point where it can produce a sufficient number of chips. Intel, for its part, is investing $ 20 billion in two brand new plants in Arizona to increase its current chip production capacity.
On the other hand, the lack of chips will increase the cost of acquisition in electronic devices, in cars and because now every type of device has a chip inside, small or large, it seems that prices will rise in general. Or as some ill-wishers will say, some companies will find an opportunity to increase their profits.
