HiSilicon
HiSilicon Technologies Co., Ltd. is a semiconductor company based in China and is wholly owned by Huawei Technologies. Established in 2004, HiSilicon has rapidly emerged as a significant player in the global semiconductor industry, particularly in the design and development of advanced system-on-chip (SoC) solutions.
The company specializes in creating custom semiconductor solutions for a wide range of applications, including smartphones, tablets, wireless communication devices, networking equipment, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. HiSilicon's SoCs are known for their high performance, power efficiency, and integration of various functionalities onto a single chip.
One of HiSilicon's most notable achievements is its Kirin series of SoCs, which power Huawei's flagship smartphones and other devices. These Kirin chips have been lauded for their advanced AI capabilities, improved graphics performance, and enhanced energy efficiency. The company's relentless focus on research and development has enabled it to stay competitive in the fast-paced semiconductor market.
However, like other Chinese technology companies, HiSilicon faced challenges related to international trade restrictions. In 2019, the United States placed Huawei on its Entity List, restricting the company's access to critical technologies and software. As a result, HiSilicon has encountered difficulties in securing essential components for its chip designs, affecting its ability to manufacture advanced chips for its parent company and other customers.
In response to these challenges, HiSilicon has sought alternative strategies to mitigate the impact of the restrictions. The company has explored partnerships with other semiconductor manufacturers and started relying more on in-house chip production. Additionally, Huawei has diversified its supply chain and started sourcing components from non-U.S. suppliers to reduce dependence on American technology.
Founded: 1991
Headquarters: Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Website: https://www.hisilicon.com/en/
