Over the past few years, it has become apparent the vulnerability we face concerning “chips.” Chris Miller writes an important book concerning the “Chip Wars.” He expertly details the current situation and how we arrived in our current predicament.

This was an interesting book. I don’t read a lot of nonfiction, but this was worth the read. It walks you through the history of microchips - from when they were invented, to mass production, the globalization of the supply chain, and the role in geopolitical strategies. It really is amazing how large a role these tiny things have in our lives and if anything would happen to the supply chain, life as we know it could change. I would recommend this one to anyone that is interested in our economy or if you enjoy learning more about the technology around us.

Rounding up to 4stars.

After working in manufacturing for decades, reading about manufacturing processes and their development is pretty interesting to me.

In talking with friends in the automotive industry about the chip shortages, the broad brush response is easily "you could write a book on it". Well, here's your book.

The last 20-25% of the book documents resources/references of the book. The first 50-70% of the book is very well done. I wasn't all that fond of the last part of the book (Part VIII). I personally think that there is some additional work in this section still required.

I definitely learned much more about the world of semiconductors.

Thank you to NetGalley, Chris Miller the author and Simon & Schuster the publisher for the opportunity to read the advance read copy of Chip War in exchange for an honest review.

Chip Wars : The Quest to Dominate the World’s Most Critical Technology by Chris Miller. I worked in the semiconductor equipment industry from 1980-2020, so this was an interesting stroll down memory lane for me. Of course, for me the equipment makers were and still are the key as far as pushing the developments in the technology. And over this period, some equipment makers rose and then fell and finally disappeared. Only us old timers may recall Semicon West at the San Mateo Fairgrounds where there were actual real tools on display. Nevertheless, as Mr. Miller points out the leadership of the device makers was a critical part in this incredible story of development as well. I almost find in surprising that in retirement some of my friends can spell “TSMC” or “ASML” correctly. This suggests how import both a device manufacturer and equipment maker are in the world we live today. No longer are it three letter acronyms like DEC or IBM, now it often includes the four-letter type as above. I believe Mr. Miller does an excellent job describing in most cases the fall of US device manufacturers and the rise of Asian device makers. I think he does leave out one key factor and that was the switch to 300mm wafers from 200mm wafer. The cost of the FABS soared as they became more automated and many smaller equipment makers could not justify the development costs to make the 300 mm tools that were required to be faster, cleaner and more uniform. In my experience this played a significant role in the shrinking of the number of participants. The book does an excellent job discussing why China most likely cannot catch up and also that TSMC’s FABS in Taiwan probably offer more protection from invasion by the Chinese that US aircraft carriers. A disruption of devices which would result from an attack would be catastrophic for the entire world. The book I believe is not too technical and can and perhaps should be read by anyone interested in how semiconductors control our lives. Perhaps only CRISPR technology rivals in importance. Well worth a read and an excellent effort by Mr. Miller who I believe is not a technologist but a historian.

This book is a tour de force and a must-read for everyone. The lone drawback to this wonderful tome is that it contains over 50 chapters so it can not be read in a single sitting. The main claim that is made by Chris Miller is that today integrated circuits (computer chips) have replaced oil as the world economy's most important component or input. Oil has fueled an economic boom for over 70 years now but Miller makes a very compelling case for the claim that chips are now the key component that will drive future economic growth. Buy it and make sure that your kids read your copy too.