一块布，卡住了芯片脖子

Core Viewpoint - The shortage of high-end glass fiber, essential for chip substrates and printed circuit boards (PCBs), is creating significant supply challenges for companies like Apple, Nvidia, and Qualcomm, particularly as demand surges due to advancements in artificial intelligence [1][3]. Group 1: Supply Chain Challenges - Apple is competing with AI companies for high-end glass fiber from Nittobo, a Japanese manufacturer, which is the primary supplier of this material [1]. - The demand for high-performance PCBs, driven by AI developments, has led to a supply shortage affecting both Apple and Qualcomm [1][3]. - Apple has taken proactive measures, including sending employees to Japan to secure more materials for Bluetooth substrates and seeking assistance from the Japanese government [3]. Group 2: Industry Impact - The glass fiber supply constraints are expected to be one of the biggest bottlenecks for the electronics manufacturing and AI industries by 2026 [3][5]. - Companies like AMD and Nvidia have also attempted to secure supplies from Nittobo, but increasing production capacity remains limited [5]. - Qualcomm has sought alternative suppliers, such as Unitika, but their production capacity is significantly lower than that of Nittobo [5]. Group 3: Material Specifications - The specific type of glass being sought is known as low thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) glass, or T-glass, valued for its dimensional stability and high-speed data transmission capabilities, crucial for AI computing and high-end processors [6].