We are living in an era defined by data. Every action, device, and interaction generates data, fueling a digital revolution that has reshaped industries and economies. From mobile phones and IoT devices to machines generating their own operational data, the sheer scale of data creation is staggering. In 2010, the world produced 2 zettabytes of data; by 2025, this is projected to soar to nearly 400 zettabytes—an astonishing 200-fold increase in less than two decades.
While this explosion in data has driven unprecedented opportunities, it has also created formidable challenges. Storing, securing, processing, and analyzing this data—while keeping costs under control—has become a cornerstone of business operations. Nowhere is this challenge more pronounced than in the semiconductor and electronics industries, where electronic design automation (EDA) generates and consumes vast volumes of highly specialized data.
The Role of Data in Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing
Electronics form the backbone of the modern world. From smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles (EVs) and industrial machinery, electronics have become indispensable. Today, machines are increasingly evolving from mechanical systems to electronics-based devices. This trend is most evident in the automotive industry, where electronic components now dominate the architecture of modern vehicles. An electric vehicle, for instance, is effectively an electronic device on wheels, with semiconductors and sensors driving its intelligence.
At the core of this transformation is the semiconductor industry, which designs and manufactures the chips that power these devices. According to Mordor Intelligence, the global semiconductor and electronics manufacturing market, currently valued at $1.1 trillion, is projected to grow to $1.7 trillion by 2029, at a CAGR of 6-8%. India is emerging as a key player in this sector, producing $115 billion worth of electronics annually, making it the world’s fourth-largest supplier of mobile phones. The government’s push for domestic semiconductor manufacturing, including incentives under the India Semiconductor Mission, is expected to drive a staggering 20% CAGR in this industry, cementing India’s position as a global semiconductor hub.
Data Complexity in EDA and Semiconductor Design
The journey from raw silicon to an intelligent electronic device involves multiple stages, including semiconductor manufacturing, electronics manufacturing services (EMS), fabrication (Fab), and EDA. EDA, in particular, has transformed chip design, shifting from manual processes to automated, software-driven workflows. These workflows generate vast amounts of data, including Verilog, GDSII, OASIS, CAD files, and 3D design models. Individual files can range from a few gigabytes to as much as 100GB, making data storage a critical challenge.
For organizations, this data is more than just information—it is their core intellectual property (IP). Protecting this IP is essential, as its loss could lead to catastrophic financial and reputational damage. The complexity of managing this data extends beyond storage; organizations must ensure robust data security, disaster recovery mechanisms, and compliance with global data protection standards. However, a KPMG study highlights a glaring gap: only 35% of Indian organizations have adequate data protection measures in place, and the number drops to single digits for small and medium enterprises.
The Role of High-Performance Storage in EDA
EDA tools, such as Cadence, Synopsys, and Mentor Graphics, require immense computational power to process, render, and design complex circuits. This computational demand places enormous pressure on storage systems, which must deliver data quickly to avoid resource wastage. Slow or poorly designed storage systems can lead to delays, inefficiencies, and increased time-to-market (GTM).
Can the Cloud Solve EDA’s Data Challenges?
The advent of cloud computing has revolutionized data storage and management, offering scalability and flexibility previously unavailable with on-premise solutions. However, the transition to the cloud is not without its challenges. For EDA and semiconductor manufacturing, where data sizes are massive and compute requirements are intensive, poorly designed cloud architectures can lead to soaring costs. Egress charges, which apply when data is moved out of the cloud, can also distort operational expense (OPEX) calculations.
Despite these complexities, the cloud offers significant advantages. It allows for disaster recovery solutions, where data can be replicated across geographically dispersed locations to mitigate risks from natural disasters or cyberattacks. Additionally, cloud providers now offer high-performance storage options tailored to industries with demanding data needs, such as EDA.
Designing a Balanced Storage Strategy
While the cloud offers promise, many organizations find that a hybrid approach—combining cloud and on-premise storage—works best for their needs. On-premise storage ensures low-latency access to data and greater control over critical IP, while the cloud provides scalability and disaster recovery options. The key lies in designing a storage architecture that balances cost, performance, and security.
For Indian organizations, this approach is particularly relevant as the country scales its semiconductor capabilities. Storage systems must not only handle vast data volumes but also support high-speed processing to optimize resource utilization. Poorly designed storage solutions—whether on-premise or in the cloud—can lead to inefficiencies that waste time and money.
The Road Ahead: Prioritizing Data as a Strategic Asset
As India positions itself as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, the importance of data storage cannot be overstated. Loss of critical design data not only results in financial losses but also undermines India’s credibility on the global stage. With the government pushing for advanced technology development, businesses must invest in robust, high-performance storage systems.
In a world where data drives innovation, the semiconductor and electronics industries cannot afford to overlook its importance. The time for India to lead in technology has arrived, and ensuring secure, efficient, and scalable data storage is a cornerstone of that journey. Through a combination of smart strategies and cutting-edge solutions, India can not only meet its ambitious growth targets but also set a global benchmark for data management in high-tech industries.
