Nvidia(US:NVDA) 是说芯语·2026-01-15 04:11Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the severe shortage of high-end electronic-grade glass cloth (glass cloth) required for AI chip substrates, driven by the explosive demand for artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Major tech companies, including Apple, are competing for limited supplies, with Nvidia's CEO personally visiting suppliers to secure materials [3][5][10]. Group 1: Supply Shortage of High-End Glass Cloth - The electronic-grade glass cloth is a critical component for IC substrates and PCBs, essential for signal transmission in electronic devices. Its manufacturing requires high temperatures and expensive materials, leading to a supply bottleneck [5][7]. - Nittobo dominates the market, holding over 90% of the supply for Low CTE glass cloth, which is crucial for high-frequency and high-density designs in AI chips [7][9]. - The demand for Low CTE glass cloth has surged due to the needs of various companies, including Nvidia, AMD, Google, and Amazon, leading to a situation similar to the DRAM chip shortage experienced last year [9][10]. Group 2: Production Capacity and Expansion - Nittobo's production capacity is currently insufficient to meet the skyrocketing demand, with a forecast that supply issues may not improve until new production lines come online in 2027, which are expected to increase capacity by 20% [10]. - The company prioritizes quality over quantity in its production, which has contributed to the slow expansion of capacity [10]. Group 3: Alternative Suppliers and Market Dynamics - Nvidia is actively seeking alternative suppliers, such as Taiwan Glass, to mitigate the supply constraints caused by Nittobo's bottleneck. However, the initial production capacity from these suppliers will be limited [11][13]. - Apple has also taken proactive measures to secure its supply of Low CTE glass cloth, including engaging with smaller manufacturers and seeking government assistance to ensure material availability for upcoming products [14][15].