Nvidia(US:NVDA)2026-01-21 02:25Summary of Conference Call Notes Company and Industry Involved - The discussion revolves around the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) industry, specifically focusing on the developments related to the orthogonal backplane technology and its implications for companies like Nvidia and the broader PCB market. Core Points and Arguments 1. Orthogonal Backplane Scheme Will Not Be Canceled - The Kyber scheme has been established, with the orthogonal backplane being a core component. Nvidia has stated that by 2027, a single platform will accommodate 576 GPUs, which refers to the RubinUltra model. The design utilizes vertically stacked computing trays, confirming the orthogonal backplane route established at Nvidia's 2025 GTC conference and showcased again at the CES on January 6, 2026 [1][2]. 2. Progress of Orthogonal Backplane is Steady - The orthogonal backplane is currently in the secondary sample submission phase, with domestic manufacturers providing timely feedback. The product validation stage is ongoing, focusing on the 78-layer M9 Q solution, while PTFE solutions are also being explored. The emphasis on this technology is evident, as the value of PCB per cabinet is expected to double once the orthogonal backplane is confirmed [2]. 3. Backplane Progress Does Not Affect Overall Industry Direction - The AI chip market is projected to have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 50% over the next five years. The shipment of PCBs is linearly correlated with GPU output, and the trend of increasing value per card remains unchanged. There is an anticipated high demand for PCBs over the next three years, with a significant supply shortage, indicating that short-term disruptions should not be overly concerning [2]. 4. Concerns Over Supply Chain and Production Capacity - Recent intensive research indicates a severe shortage of materials such as copper foil and fabric within the industry, leading to a widening supply-demand gap for PCBs. Leading PCB companies are expressing concerns regarding insufficient production capacity. The valuation for 2027 is projected to remain below 15 times, excluding the implicit expectations surrounding the orthogonal backplane [3]. Other Important but Potentially Overlooked Content - The ongoing developments in the PCB industry are critical as they relate to the broader technological advancements in AI and GPU markets. The emphasis on the orthogonal backplane technology highlights the strategic importance of innovation in maintaining competitive advantage within the industry [1][2][3].