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China’s SiCarrier subsidiary launches homegrown chip design software amid U.S. tech tensions

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A subsidiary of SiCarrier, a Chinese chip equipment manufacturer with close ties to Huawei, has unveiled two domestically developed chip design software tools, marking another step in China’s drive for semiconductor self-sufficiency, according to Chinese state-backed outlet The Paper.

The SiCarrier unit, called Yunqifang, introduced two electronic design automation (EDA) programs with fully independent intellectual property rights, aiming to reduce China’s reliance on Western technology in chip design. EDA software is critical to developing the blueprints of advanced semiconductors, which are central to modern electronics and artificial intelligence.

The announcement comes as U.S.-China tech tensions escalate. Earlier this year, Washington temporarily restricted exports of EDA tools to China after Beijing suspended exports of rare earths and magnets, which are vital for chipmaking. Analysts have warned that prolonged U.S. restrictions could cripple China’s semiconductor design capabilities, where it still trails the United States.

The timing of the launch coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed threats to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese exports and expand export controls on “any and all critical software” by November 1, days before current tariff relief is due to expire.

Founded in 2021 and owned by the Shenzhen city government, SiCarrier has emerged as a strategic player in China’s semiconductor industry, aligning with Beijing’s push for technological self-reliance. Its progress reflects the broader effort to build a complete, homegrown semiconductor ecosystem capable of withstanding foreign trade pressures.

Apple Explores Using AI to Accelerate Chip Design, Says Executive

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Apple is exploring the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up the design of its custom chips, a senior hardware technology executive revealed during a recent speech.

Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware technologies, spoke last month in Belgium while receiving an award from Imec, a semiconductor research and development group that collaborates with leading chipmakers worldwide.

In his speech, Srouji traced Apple’s journey in chip design from the introduction of the first A4 chip in the iPhone back in 2010 to the latest processors powering Mac desktop computers and the Vision Pro headset. He emphasized that using the most advanced design tools is essential to meet the growing complexity of Apple’s chips.

He highlighted the importance of electronic design automation (EDA) software, developed by companies like Cadence Design Systems and Synopsys, which are increasingly integrating AI technologies into their platforms. According to Srouji, generative AI has strong potential to boost productivity by enabling more chip design work in less time.

Srouji also reflected on Apple’s bold strategic decisions, especially the 2020 transition of its Mac computers from Intel processors to its own Apple Silicon chips. The move involved no fallback plans or partial rollouts, reflecting Apple’s commitment to fully owning the chip design and software integration process.

“Moving the Mac to Apple Silicon was a huge bet for us. There was no backup plan, no split-the lineup plan, so we went all in, including a monumental software effort,” Srouji said.

Synopsys Resumes Limited Services in China Amid U.S. Export Restrictions, Core Tool Sales Still Blocked

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Synopsys has partially resumed some services in China after suspending operations earlier this month in response to new U.S. export curbs, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation. The California-based semiconductor design software provider had halted sales and access to its SolvNet customer support portal to comply with broad U.S. restrictions aimed at limiting technology exports to China.

The source revealed that while Synopsys has restarted sales of non-core hardware and intellectual property (IP) to serve some existing Chinese clients, sales of critical Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools remain suspended. These essential EDA tools are necessary to fully utilize the company’s IP and hardware products, such as the HAPS and ZeBu hardware-assisted verification systems, which are primarily used for accelerating chip verification.

SolvNet has reopened with limited access, restricting some software-related documents, further impacting Chinese customers’ ability to use Synopsys’ full range of services.

Synopsys, along with Cadence and Siemens EDA, dominates the global EDA market with over 70% market share in China, according to the Chinese state news agency Xinhua. The ongoing restrictions on EDA tool sales pose a significant challenge to Chinese semiconductor design companies, potentially hindering the country’s chipmaking industry.

Following the U.S. export controls, Synopsys suspended its annual and quarterly revenue forecasts, reflecting uncertainty about future sales prospects in China.

The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.