MTS Steven Glinert on AI Chip Design, Inference Infrastructure, and Defense Applications | MTS Live
May 12, 2026
Steven Glinert, CEO and founder of Sphere Semi, builds AI-designed mixed-signal and analog chips for defense and satellite systems. He discusses AI-driven chip design that slashes development time, targeting high-value niche chips before scaling up, and how specialized inference and autonomy reshape defense and robotics. He also covers why national strategy and STEM talent matter for maintaining America’s semiconductor edge.
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AI Designs Mixed Signal Chips For Defense
- Sphere Semi uses an internal AI engine to design mixed-signal and analog chips, then ships bespoke hardware rather than selling design software.
- That AI covers the entire design process and cut complex design cycles from months to weeks for defense customers like Northrop Grumman.
Pick Bespoke Niches Instead Of Chasing GPUs
- Sphere targets narrow, high-value niches (e.g., digitizers and DSPs) instead of competing head-on with GPU incumbents.
- Their universal digitizer uses AI-designed front ends to efficiently capture high-bandwidth signals and feed GPUs.
Climb The Stack From Niche To Data Center
- Aim upmarket gradually: start with specialized components then expand toward higher-volume data center products.
- Avoid directly confronting dominant incumbents; grow from niche retimers or front ends into broader silicon over time.