By Geoffrey Seiler
Publication Date: 2026-03-21 21:14:00
Artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure spending is booming, and hyperscalers (owners of large data centers) are increasingly looking to turn to custom AI chips called ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits) to help them reduce costs. ASICs are hardwired chips that are preprogrammed to perform specific tasks. While hyperscalers are responsible for developing these chips themselves, they typically need help in turning their designs into physical chips that can be manufactured at scale with acceptable yields.
Two of the companies benefiting from this trend are Marvell Technology (MRVL 1.80%) and Broadcom (AVGO 2.99%). However, while they are leaders in the field, they approach the ASIC market in two very different ways.
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ASIC leaders
When it comes to ASICs, Broadcom provides customers with an end-to-end solution that is tied closely to its networking portfolio in order to optimize performance. The company is a leader in SerDes…
