After the layoffs, I became a tech godfather

Chapter 235 A Huge Upheaval, the World Trembles!
"Mr. Zhang, among so many chip design companies in China, besides HiSilicon, I would say that Moore's Threads is the one I have the most faith in."

To be honest, although the products designed by these companies are all quite powerful, especially when compared with Intel and Qualcomm, even just the first-generation advanced process chips are already much stronger.

"But, as you know," Zhang Jian said after the meeting, meeting with Hao Cheng separately. Hao Cheng mentioned the first-generation chips from these companies and said he was only barely satisfied, not to the point of being a hindrance.

“I know,” Zhang Jianli nodded immediately. “With such a powerful EDA, to put it bluntly, even if you tether a dog there, the chip design wouldn’t be too bad.”

The relevant production lines were improved by Xiao Sha himself. And the EDA was developed by Xiao Sha based on production line data, after countless tests and fine-tuning, combined with the most advanced concepts.

This thing can automatically generate everything for you throughout the entire process, as long as you make a request.

Traditionally, chip design begins with defining functional specifications, followed by a series of front-end processes such as architecture design, RTL design, and functional simulation.

Once the front-end process is determined and there are no problems, the next step is to create a floor plan, arrange the units, and configure the wiring, followed by a series of back-end function simulations.

Finally, the design of the photolithography pattern must be carried out, and the line width and spacing between the patterns must be confirmed to match the production process.

These steps may sound simple, but in very large-scale integrated circuits, the difficulty increases exponentially with the size of the circuit.

This is also the key reason why, before Baiju Technology, apart from Huawei EDA whose strength is unknown, the automation tools for advanced manufacturing processes were almost monopolized by foreign countries.

Now, with Xiaosha EDA, the whole process has changed.

We only need to do the first step, which is to define the functions and design the architecture.

All the remaining work can be left to Xiao Sha.

All the RTL (Register-Level Data Transfer Abstraction) design, functional simulation, testability description, and subsequent black-box testing, timing analysis, etc., were all handed over to Xiao Sha.

If you don't have any requirements for innovation, it can even guarantee almost no mistakes.

In other words, you just need to make your request and then wait.

As for backend wiring, layout, and the integration with the wafer fab's database and processes, those are Xiao Sha's strengths—after all, Xiao Sha is already a veteran on the production line.

This is also why Zhang Jian said that even if you just tie a dog up there, you can still do a good job.

“You can’t say that,” Hao Cheng shook his head. “Xiao Sha’s abilities are certain, but people exist for innovation. That’s why seven companies contacted me today, but I only accepted your offer.”

If I give Xiao Sha a request, and Xiao Sha can do all the subsequent work of chip design, then the question is, what am I supposed to do with you chip companies?
Xiao Sha's strength lies in the fact that he can work in a chip factory, understanding all the details of the production line, and also work as a chip designer to design chips according to requirements.

Its advantage lies in the fact that its memory is unlimited, and it can integrate all kinds of knowledge and content, thus performing exceptionally well in certain aspects.

However, Hao Cheng always emphasized that the purpose of human existence is innovation!
"Mr. Zhang," Hao Cheng said with some emotion, "do you know what I thought about most and what people asked me most after Xiao Sha was created?"

Zhang Jian nodded. He roughly knew: "Some people think that since Xiao Sha is so strong, I can just hand over everything to it."

"However, I firmly believe that there must be a group of people, no matter how many or how few, whether they can push things forward or not, who are willing to help Xiao Sha take another step forward."

"Did Xiao Sha assist you, or did he replace you?"

Hao Cheng brought up a familiar topic again, but with a thought-provoking second half: "Won't your own abilities decline if you frequently use Xiao Sha's assistance?"

"It replaced some parts and also assisted others."

It's not just Hao Cheng, nor just Zhang Jian; everyone goes through this mental journey in the development of AI: "As for whether our abilities will decline, the first part will, but the second part will not only not decline, but will gradually become stronger."

Zhang Jian gave an example.

He bought a car with HarmonyOS intelligent operating system.

This car is not related to Xiaosha yet. Although Xiaosha's fine-tuned model version has undergone training sequences for intelligent driving, it is still under testing. Zhang Jian was referring to the previous ADS3.3 version.

"Its AEB active safety capability is very strong," Zhang Jian said. "It can help people stop in emergency in all kinds of extreme ghost-jumping scenarios, as evidenced by various short videos on the Internet."

"However, it never stopped me from falling. Because for me, it was just a last resort, and my responsibility was to eliminate the danger before it even happened."

"And then there's intelligent driving. What's most reassuring is actually human-machine co-driving. When I'm driving, Xiao Yi helps me keep an eye on things, and if I'm careless or don't notice something, it will proactively intervene to prevent an accident."

"If we let Xiaoyi drive in certain scenarios, then I will also keep an eye on it, which is the safest way. I think that Xiaosha's capabilities in the human society field and Xiaoyi's capabilities in the autonomous driving field are actually about the same level."

"Your analogy is quite interesting." Hao Cheng nodded in agreement.

Xiao Yi is now able to handle most driving scenarios, but in some situations, he still needs the driver's help to handle certain special scenarios.

Xiao Sha is indeed capable of handling most problems in life and work, but in certain scenarios, it requires adjustments by professionals.

Is it okay not to make adjustments? It's not impossible, but it's easy to make mistakes.

Some people say that they can avoid detection by buying a magnetic steering wheel cover, and then just sleep in the car. If they're lucky, it might actually take them home. There are such examples.

However, given your current abilities and skill level, it's best to pray for continued good luck.

"It feels pretty much the same now that Xiao Sha is working," Hao Cheng said.

"So, look at the test data of these chip companies. It's like getting into a car and falling asleep as soon as you get in. It's 'autopilot' from start to finish, and you don't have to intervene at all."

"I suddenly feel that comparing Xiaoyi to smart driving with Xiaosha to all walks of life is a bit of an insult to Xiaosha."

Zhang Jianyi laughed and said, "Even if we let Xiao Sha 'autopilot' and set a 'destination,' that is, after the function is set, without any intervention, the performance of this chip still surpasses Intel and Qualcomm!"

"Nonsense!" Hao Cheng said irritably, "These are just a few extremely simple and obvious problems. If we fix them, the performance can be improved by at least 20%!"

Zhang Jian smiled. People are indeed different, and companies are even more different: "So, we will receive even greater preferential treatment in the future?"

"Of course!" Hao Cheng said matter-of-factly, "The fusion model will be your first supporter." "Thank you, Mr. Hao!" Zhang Jian had come for this very purpose. Not entirely reliant on Xiao Sha, but that didn't mean they didn't want a stronger Xiao Sha; it was crucial evidence for future breakthroughs. Other company executives had likely met with Hao Cheng for the same reason.

"For people who lack common sense, the more they use it, the more dangerous it becomes. The more they use it, the more they might lose their knowledge. We won't provide them with a more advanced version until they learn how to use Xiaosha."

Hao Cheng now has a new idea for promoting Xiao Sha compared to the beginning: to guide everyone to always remember to stay true to themselves when using it.

To put it simply, if Xiao Sha does everything, your own abilities will deteriorate further and further, and you'll slowly become an idiot. This is something we must guard against.

Zhang Jian did not comment on this, because he does not do it that way, and he requires all members of his team not to do it that way either; this is not referring to him.

……

Just as the two were talking, a major event occurred: Qualcomm released an announcement regarding adjustments to its revenue forecasts for the second quarter of 2025 and beyond.

The domestic semiconductor industry is making breakthroughs step by step, a fact recognized by everyone, both domestically and internationally.

Even chip giants like Intel, Nvidia, Texas Instruments, and Qualcomm are no exception.

They all knew this day would come sooner or later.

All they can pray for is for you to slow down, and slow down even more.

After the Spring Festival, two months of silence seemed to have made these people forget about it, burying their heads in their wings and acting like ostriches.

But how long can this ostrich-like posture last? Qualcomm has provided the answer!

Second Quarter and Subsequent Revenue Forecast Adjustment Announcement: Due to the suspension or reduction of mobile phone chip purchases by Chinese brands such as Vivo, OPPO, Honor, and Xiaomi, revenue is expected to decrease by 52% in 2025.

The announcement caused a huge uproar and shocked the world.

This further confirms the speculation of many people: a certain domestic mobile phone chip has already entered mass production, and its performance is definitely not weaker than Qualcomm's flagship. In fact, under the influence of the Boundless system, Qualcomm's processor is already at an absolute disadvantage in the competition.

Otherwise, it would be impossible to explain why seemingly unrelated manufacturers all made the same choice.

Just as people were speculating about just how powerful the chip was and when it would be released, concrete information broke:
"Brothers, it's confirmed! I just received the invitation. April 10th, Pengcheng International Convention and Exhibition Center, [Chip Feast] Joint Launch Conference."

"Let's see which companies are joining forces at this joint press conference. First up is Baiju Technology, followed by Huawei HiSilicon, Loongson Technology, Zhongke Hygon Information, Zhaoxin Technology, Moore Threads, and Unisoc. Wow, all the leading domestic chip design companies are here!"

"An invitation? Where did you get an invitation? I don't have one. Is it fake?"

"Fake? If you don't believe me, why don't you ask Xiao Sha to verify it?"

"Little Sha..."

Yes, the chip industry extravaganza, a joint chip launch event, will be held at 3 PM on the day before the Greater Bay Area International Semiconductor Exhibition (April 11-15) at the Pengcheng International Convention and Exhibition Center - Conference Center. At the launch event, twelve chips from seven companies will be simultaneously unveiled and will participate in the exhibition the following day, in Hall 17.

The news was quickly confirmed by Xiao Sha, and the lucky ones who received invitations through various channels began to show off their invitations on social media.

"I have one too, and they even asked for my ID number to book my flight and hotel. Should I give it to them or not? I have to work on Thursday, and I'd have to take two days off. It's not worth it!"

"Don't take leave! It's just a press conference. Apart from Baiju Technology's chips, the others are all traditional semiconductors. What's there to see? I'm unemployed. Give me the invitation, and I can go in your place!"

"But this invitation is registered under my real name and can't be transferred. Sigh, since they're so sincere in inviting me, I guess I'll go! Sigh, this is really a dilemma!"

"Tell me, why do I want to strangle you so badly!"

"Oh God, may lightning strike him dead!"

……

Those who received the invitation were overjoyed, wishing they could use a megaphone to spread the word and let the whole world know.

Those who didn't receive an invitation are now too bored to do anything but ask around, wondering what conditions are required to get one and if it's too late to start.

Everyone, especially those working in the tech industry, has been so affected that they've lost all focus on their work—constantly checking their phones and emails, afraid of missing any official messages from Xiao Sha.

"I'm going crazy! Can you tell me what exactly the conditions are for receiving an invitation? I'm Xiaosha's most loyal user. I was among the first batch, even when Xiaosha was still testing applications on native HarmonyOS. I'm practically a veteran, right?"

"The elders are useless. This time it's most likely random, and you're probably just unlucky!"

Who are you calling shameless?

"That's you!"

……

Good heavens, a group of people actually started arguing over whether their faces were black or not. Some even took the opportunity to fish in troubled waters, saying they could get media tickets, supplier tickets, internal tickets from chip companies, etc., with offers as high as tens of thousands of yuan.

It's unprecedented and unheard of for a new product launch to escalate to this extent.

In the end, it was Baiju Technology that stepped in to quell the farce, saying only one sentence: Xiao Sha was in charge of the ticket verification this time.

Well, that means there are absolutely no loopholes to exploit.

Subsequently, Baiju Technology issued a second announcement: the invitees to the press conference were determined by Xiaosha, and the selection criteria were very simple: people who innovatively use Xiaosha have a higher probability of being selected.

[Don't be discouraged if you weren't selected! For those watching the live stream from off-site, Xiao Sha has prepared a surprise for you! See you at 4 PM on April 11th!]

"A surprise? There's another surprise? What surprise?" People quickly forgot about the invitation, since there was no point in dwelling on it anyway, and instead focused on the surprise Xiao Sha was talking about.

(End of this chapter)