Leading semiconductor analyst says AMD should be investigated for 'treason' over availability of restricted chips in China, AMD blames diversion of export-controlled RFSoC
Top semiconductor analysis firm accuses AMD of treason, AMD says it could have been 'diversion' of an export-controlled adaptable radio platform.
Semiconductor analyst Dylan Patel, from SemiAnalysis, has accused AMD of treason for allegedly supplying restricted chips to China. Specifically, Patel claims that China-based Puzhi Electronic Technology is raising funds to develop a system based on AMD's Zync UltraScale+ XCZU47DR RFSoC. Patel argues that AMD should be investigated for treason, pointing out that the price difference between U.S. and Chinese buyers for the chip is significant - a $36K list price in the U.S., compared to $1K in China.
AMD, however, vehemently denies any wrongdoing, stating that it does not sell or ship chips directly to restricted regions. The company says it investigates suspected cases of illegal diversion, but has not confirmed opening an investigation in this particular case. AMD emphasizes its commitment to full compliance with all U.S. and global export regulations, and its policy requiring distributors, resellers, and customers to follow the same standards.
The XCZU47DR, a dual-use component with a 3A001.a.14 ECCN classification under U.S. export regulations, is designed for commercial and industrial applications. However, exporting the component to China typically requires a BIS export license, which is unlikely to be granted. Patel's reported price for the chip is significantly lower than the publicly advertised retail offer.
AMD claims that the case is unrelated to any direct sales or shipments from the company, and that they investigate any suspected diversion cases thoroughly.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Hardware's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
