semiconductor chip shortage Page 39

The chip shortage that kneecapped everything from utes to toasters peaked in 2021–22 and has mostly eased, but it hasn’t exactly retired to the beach. Lead times for many parts are back to something resembling normal, yet legacy nodes (28 nm and above), auto‑grade MCUs, and power semis still get tight when demand spikes. At the pointy end, AI silicon and the fancy packaging behind it remain scarce, so top‑shelf GPUs and CoWoS‑dependent bits still mean queues. Car makers now carry fatter buffers and redesigns to use whatever silicon actually exists, which helps—most days. Memory fell in 2023 then climbed through 2024–25 as demand rebounded, proving volatility never really left. Short version: better than the bad old days, but if you need niche parts, order early, diversify suppliers, and keep a plan B that doesn’t rely on unicorn wafers.