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Friday 9 August 2024
Taipei Medical University Hospital successfully advances telemedicine, leveraging technology to provide comprehensive healthcare
Telemedicine, capable of transcending the boundaries of time and space, has become an essential part of medical institutions' efforts to improve the quality of healthcare. Taipei Medical University Hospital (hereinafter referred to as TMUH) has been actively engaged in this field, utilizing the power of technology to establish convenient, high-quality, and comprehensive healthcare services. In recent years, TMUH has made great achievements in telemedicine. The hospital not only used its full-featured remote treatment platform to provide outpatient services during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also extended its reach to ocean-going merchant ships, homes, and long-term care facilities, leveraging smart technologies to help the public maintain and predict their health.Liu Wen-Chi, director of Taipei Medical University Hospital Telemedicine Center, said that the original purpose of promoting telemedicine at TMUH was to strengthen the mechanisms of preventive medicine and provide health management services for people with hypertension, diabetes, and other groups with poor health. By monitoring patients' physiological data using remote equipment, medical teams can make predictions and intervene immediately to adjust medication, diet, and exercise habits to contain patients' existing conditions and minimize the risk of developing new diseases. This model of round-the-clock proactive health management also offers new ways of thinking and solutions for healthcare in an aging society.Liu pointed out that TMUH had already started to provide telemedicine services before the COVID-19 pandemic, with the platform going online on the eve of the pandemic outbreak. After the outbreak of the pandemic, TMUH was able to fully utilize its self-developed platform and provide outpatient video services, allowing the public to register and arrange medical consultations online. The platform also fully stores all medical data and manages all audio and video files recorded during medical sessions in the cloud. This minimizes the risk of patients' personal data being leaked. In the future, TMUH will cooperate with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and accept virtual NHI cards to provide telemedicine services. Moreover, Taipei Medical University Healthcare System will pool the medical resources of its four affiliated hospitals, namely TMUH, Wanfang Hospital, Shuang Ho Hospital, and Hsin Kuo Min Hospital, to realize the vision of "One Campus" and actively promote low-carbon and net-zero transformation to provide joint remote outpatient treatment services. This will allow the public to receive remote medical treatments from doctors in different hospitals via video conferencing, integrating and strengthening the capabilities of telemedicine services offered by Taipei Medical University Healthcare System.Currently, TMUH has developed a smart and automated home telemedicine system that integrates a variety of devices connected to the Internet The system integrates multidisciplinary professional care from doctors, nurses, and nutrition and rehabilitation specialists. With nurses on the front line as supervisors, the system provides round-the-clock telemedicine services to the public and analyzes physiological data using AI technology. If abnormalities are detected in a patient, the system immediately alerts nurses to initiate follow-up measures such as remote care and medical treatment.TMUH's range of services is not limited to patients with chronic illnesses or home and family care for the general public, but also focuses on specific groups with limited medical resources. The crews of ocean-going vessels are one of these groups. Liu mentioned that there is a lack of medical personnel on most ocean-going merchant ships. If a crew member is injured or falls ill, there is no choice but to wait for the ship to dock or to have the captain or first mate, who have basic medical training, provide emergency treatment. However, both of these approaches are only effective to a limited extent. In this context, TMUH has been working with shipping companies to promote the concept of remote sustainable green healthcare. TMUH installs telemedicine systems on ships and assists in the production of standardized medicines and medical equipment. To enable remote medical treatments via video and emergency care guidance, TMUH transmits all medical communication via medium or low orbit satellites. In this way, ship crews can be guided by doctors and treat patients immediately and correctly in the crucial moments following an injury or the outbreak of an illness. This significantly improves the accessibility and quality of medical care and effectively reduces the risk and severity of injury and illness for the ship's crew.In order to provide the telemedicine services described above, healthcare providers must work closely with device manufacturers. Only through extensive communication and interaction can telemedicine systems be adapted to the needs of both healthcare professionals and the people they care for. Liu therefore pointed out that cooperation with experienced device manufacturers generally runs more smoothly, as they are already familiar with the various requirements of the healthcare sector.The VivoWatch from ASUS, a smart health wearable, for example, has integrated physiological sensors that can measure various indicators such as blood pressure, blood oxygen, heart rate, ECG, sleep quality, and stress. The device allows wearers and healthcare professionals to access a wealth of physiological information at a glance. Healthcare professionals can use the data to assess the health of their patients and give advice in real time. The data can also be analyzed to predict individual disease risk and thus optimize the quality of telemedicine services.As the quality of telemedicine services improves, the range of possible telemedicine applications will continue to expand. Liu expects telemedicine to further open up the field of remote treatment. Especially after the introduction of new technologies such as the Internet of Things, 5G, and AR/VR, telemedicine will be more applicable and difficult procedures such as remote surgery or rehabilitation will be developed. In addition, remote technologies can also be combined with smart home care to create a more comprehensive and sophisticated solution for the long-term care of the elderly. There is also a chance that the whole paradigm of telemedicine will shift and the dream of patient-centered, holistic healthcare, where technology has warmth and wisdom, will become a reality.As for future planning, Liu said Taiwan's new telemedicine law took effect on July 1. Together with virtual NHI cards, the public will be able to enjoy more convenient and lifestyle-oriented telemedicine care services. In response, TMUH will pursue the aforementioned strategy of integrating hospital resources and professional telemedicine healthcare teams. As part of the new developments in telemedicine triggered by the new legislation, TMUH will provide the public with better and more accurate healthcare using physiological measurement devices.Liu Wen-chi pointed out that healthcare providers must work closely with equipment suppliers to provide real-time health assessments and recommendations through wearable devices, making the system meet the needs of both healthcare professionals and those receiving care. Credit: ASUSCurrently, TMUH has integrated various connected devices to develop a smart and automated home telecare system. Credit: ASUS
Thursday 8 August 2024
Fostered by TTA, Taiwan-based startups demonstrate generative AI strength
Not only does generative AI spark revolutionary changes with applications growingly spanning across all industries, but it has also become the first solution that companies choose to build up their competitiveness.Startups that drive global business transformation are increasingly utilizing generative AI to develop new products or services as a way to grab the attention of angel investors and enterprise users. To allow more enterprises to see what Taiwan-based startups have accomplished with generative AI, DIGITIMES and Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA), a flagship startup program funded by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), held Enterprise Connect - Generative AI Startup Pitch Day on July 23, 2024, with technical support from Amazon Web Services (AWS).The event gathered promising startups to present their generative AI solutions and attracted a great number of corporate venture capital and new business development specialists who hoped to connect with the startups through the one-to-one matchmaking activity and thereby build a solid foundation for their companies' long-term development.According to Yi-Bin Chen, Director, Integrated Marketing Department, DIGITIMES, startups are playing a growingly important role in the global marketplace. Because of this, CES has an exhibition area specially designed for startups to demonstrate their promising potential. TTA led 96 startup teams to participate at CES 2024 and organized the TTA Taiwan Pavilion, where the teams showcased their innovations and successfully grabbed the attention of venture capitalists from all over the world.Today everyone is talking about AI. AWS is among the few cloud computing pioneers that are capable of providing total AI solutions. AWS has been supporting and helping startups achieve great achievements over the long run.Andrea Hsu, Director General, Department of Academia-Industry Collaboration and Science Park Affairs, National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), noted that by establishing TTA in 2018, NSTC aims to bridge Taiwan-based startups with the international community to thereby drive innovations and developments across many industries. As of today, TTA works with close to ten accelerators to bring resources and technologies to support startups' early-stage development.More than 900 startup teams have flourished thanks to TTA. Today, AI has become the engine that drives digital transformation for global industries. At CES 2024, AWS invited the teams for a visit to the Amazon fulfillment center to witness how AI was used to process shipments. That was very inspiring to the teams that use generative AI to develop innovative services. It is hoped that bridging startups with enterprises will build positive momentum for Taiwan's industry upgrade.Chester Hsieh, Head of Taiwan Sales, Head of Strategic Programs, Hong Kong and Taiwan, AWS, commented that AWS has been working with startups for years. AWS is adopted by more than 80% of the unicorns in the world including Netflix, Airbnb, and Uber as well as Taiwan-based KKBOX and 91APP. Among those that endeavor in AI, 96% have chosen AWS. Since 2000, Amazon has been utilizing AI technologies.AWS offers a wide range of high-performing foundation models (FM) from leading AI companies for startups to choose from based on their products and services. AWS was pleased to support TTA and DIGITIMES in holding the event connecting startups with enterprises.Moreover, in recent years, Amazon has been actively utilizing generative AI to enable new services. For example, it is used to collect and sort customer comments at Amazon's online bookstore to help consumers make purchase decisions. Furthermore, generative AI is also used for Alexa, the voice assistant that many people are familiar with, and for shipment schedule prediction and package arrival notices for orders placed on Amazon Pharmacy. All of the aforementioned innovative services rely on the robust computing power and advanced machine learning technologies provided by AWS.Eye-catching generative AI solutions from startupsNine startup teams supported by TTA and AWS Joint Innovation Center (JIC) participated in Enterprise Connect - Generative AI Startup Pitch Day. Based on their products or services, they were divided into different categories including audio tech, RPA software, energy, no-code AI, cyber security, martech, and law tech.In the cyber security category, Cymetrics, a subsidiary of OneDegree Global, provides a complete range of cyber security assessment and inspection products and services. For example, its LLM-based cyber security inspection service helps users improve the visibility of vulnerabilities and manage risks with more agility and flexibility.Authme is an authentication solution built on AI and machine learning to enable security, convenience, and regulatory compliance for corporations. Authme has developed authentication, face recognition, and biometric liveness detection systems that safeguard against identity frauds and Deepfake attacks while reducing inspection costs and enhancing user experience.Amid the rising popularity of robotic process automation (RPA) software, IsCoolLab with years of experience in professional software development introduced Robotiive. The patented AI-enabled solution integrates and modularizes a variety of automation capabilities to allow users with no coding experience to easily automate their process in any use scenario.In support of energy efficiency initiatives, PurismEV developed a proprietary AI-based solution that increases EV range by 40% and extends battery life 2.3 times to address EV owners' range anxiety. The solution is being used in delivery trucks, ride-sharing electric motorcycles, off-road electric bikes, and race cars.With user experience being a top priority, DeepWave, in the audio tech category, is committed to AI-enabled voice recognition solution development and application. It provides customers with an all-in-one digital audio processing solution for voiceprint recognition, active noise reduction, noise cancellation, and voiceprint comparison.Its solution has been used in smart manufacturing, digital content processing, music entertainment, and education. In the law tech category, Legal Tech, founded by a group of lawyers, presented a one-stop contract lifecycle management solution, LegalSign.ai, based on generative AI. Encompassing contract lifecycle management, electronic signing, and AI legal assistant, the solution improves efficiency and minimizes risks for corporate legal teams, allowing them to deliver greater business value.To help circumvent the current AI talent shortage, many companies have developed no-code AI solutions to lower the barrier to AI adoption. Chimes AI introduced Tukey, a solution that allows factory workers to extract data and build AI models using the automatic model packaging function and connect with enterprise information services in a snap.Tricuss presented an enterprise-level LLM-based solution to improve efficiency for operations such as document integration, automated sorting, and data entry as well as knowledge management and consolidation. Featuring a simple user interface and guaranteed accuracy, the solution boosts productivity for all kinds of corporate functions.BigGo, a star that shines brilliantly in the martech sector, operates the biggest e-commerce product search and price comparison website in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. It debuted two new AI tools in 2024. One is BIRSE, an image search engine that searches for products based on images. The other is the BigGo Description Generator, which generates accurate product descriptions using AI.The final section of the event was a one-to-one matchmaking activity aimed at connecting startups with prospective partners who can help them with fundraising, market expansion, and technology development. The activity marked a perfect ending to the Enterprise Connect - Generative AI Startup Pitch Day.DIGITIMES, TTA, and AWS representatives at Enterprise Connect - Generative AI Startup Pitch Day. Credit: DIGITIMES
Tuesday 6 August 2024
Macronix achieves ISO/SAE 21434 Information Security Standard Product certification for ArmorFlash MX78 series, embracing automotive security chip market
With the rise and widespread application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, apart from the popular autonomous driving systems in the automotive market, a significant number of software-defined automotive systems are also experiencing rapid growth. These software-managed systems create new passenger and driving experiences. Behind these cutting-edge smart solutions, primary concerns about AI revolve around "information security and cybersecurity" protection, thereby catalyzing the rapid adoption of the secure flash memory.Macronix faced an urgent need to meet memory security requirements for automotive and industrial control electronic data, to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability. To address this, they developed the ArmorFlash series of secure flash memory solutions. These solutions include key establishment, encryption, decryption, authentication, and anti-tamper functions. Additionally, a true random number generator is integrated into the memory chips for secure ID or key configurations. ArmorFlash supports various security functions such as identity authentication, crypto key, and secure-boot mechanisms. The ArmorFlash series has received recognition from international autonomous-driving and microcontroller unit (MCU) chip giants, and has earned accolades such as the Taiwan Excellence Award.The ArmorFlash MX78 series fully complies with ISO/SAE 21434 Information Security Standard CertificationThe ISO/SAE 21434 Standard was officially released at the end of August 2021, covering the entire vehicle lifecycle and emphasizing the requirements for cybersecurity risk management. Macronix promptly formed a project team to intensively prepare for the ArmorFlash MX78 series' standard certification, first passing TARA verification activities to assess various scenarios in which threats occur and determine solutions when encountering information security attacks. They also obtained the ISO/SAE 21434 threat analysis and risk assessments (TARA) verification report on June 2022, subsequently achieving full ISO/SAE 21434 Information Security Standard Product Certification in 2024, which marked a significant milestone in cybersecurity design.The enhanced data access performance of ArmorFlash enhances brand customer user experienceDr. Donald Huang, director of product marketing at Macronix, emphasized in an interview that advancements in AI applications, such as AI, edge computing, 5G and autonomous driving, are leading to exponential growth in data volume, thus driving the demand for memory. With AI applications increasingly capable of operating independently on multiple terminal devices and personal electronics, secure flash memory plays a crucial role in enhancing system security.To enhance user experience, the third-generation ArmorFlash MX78 series has been redesigned with a renewed focus on the speed of accessing data. It currently operates more than one hundred times faster than the previous generation of ArmorFlash. This enhancement significantly aids electronic devices in smoothly executing critical security functions during startup, thereby improving overall user operational experience. In an era where speed is paramount across various applications, the access speed of secure memory undoubtedly plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal brand reputation and product quality.Additionally, ArmorFlash's integrated design consolidates all security functions into a single memory chip, meeting critical security certification standards. This contrasts with typical practices whereby chip manufacturers require additional security chips for specific certifications. Furthermore, ArmorFlash uses a standard Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) that is pin-to-pin compatible with standard NOR Flash SPI or OctaBus interfaces, unlike products using proprietary interfaces. By integrating the standard SPI interface into a single-chip design, ArmorFlash significantly reduces design complexity for engineering teams. This approach not only enhances product performance but also accelerates volume production and time-to-market, providing a competitive edge in seizing valuable market opportunities.ArmorFlash earns favor from leading global automotive OEMs, automotive electronics manufacturers, and industrial control giantsSince 2019, Macronix's first-generation ArmorFlash has been integrated within NVIDIA's Level 2+ to Level 5 autonomous driving systems, including the DRIVE AGX Xavier and AGX Pegasus autonomous vehicle computing platforms. By leveraging robust secure memory capabilities, ArmorFlash has strengthened data security in autonomous systems and enhanced driver safety.The second and third generations of the ArmorFlash MX78 series have now achieved ISO/SAE 21434 standards, putting focus on "cybersecurity" design. This accomplishment has facilitated Macronix's memory products to secure significant partnerships with major international autonomous driving solution providers and automotive MCU chip manufacturers, as well as adoption by leading automotive and automotive electronics manufacturers.Beyond the automotive sector, ArmorFlash chips are also employed in industrial control and embedded application systems, such as Japan's Renesas Electronics RA series of MCUs. By utilizing ArmorFlash chips featuring integrated hardware encryption accelerators, cybersecurity is bolstered, and more secure and dependable network connections across various embedded applications are ensured.In addition to the aforementioned technologies, ArmorFlash also offers a physical unclonable function (PUF), which functions similarly to chip biometrics with a fundamental encoding method. This equips the chip with a chip fingerprint capability, providing memory chips with unique, unpredictable physical characteristics and non-replicable key features. These properties offer high-level encryption and are applied in various information security and confidentiality applications.Huang emphasized that the identification and prevention of potential information security and cybersecurity threats is an ongoing pursuit. Macronix has already obtained automotive information security standard certifications but continues to reinforce efforts at every stage, from product design and development to volume production and market launch. This ongoing effort aims to identify potential threats and security vulnerabilities, establishing a common foundation for cybersecurity risk management. The newly launched ArmorFlash MX78 series of flash memory solutions significantly shortens the time to market for customers' products, meeting the urgent needs for the automotive, industrial control, and embedded application markets. Through ArmorFlash technology, Macronix is in a strong position to expand its international market presence and continue collaborating with global customers to sustain its success.Macronix ArmorFlash MX78 Serie Achieves ISO/SAE 21434 Information Security Standard Product Certification
Tuesday 6 August 2024
Mexico: powering the future with electronics, semiconductors, and AI
Mexico: powering the future with electronics, semiconductors, and AIFor decades, the narrative surrounding electronics manufacturing has revolved around giants like China, South Korea, and Taiwan. However, a new contender is emerging in Mexico. Mexico's electronics industry is experiencing a remarkable surge, transforming the nation into a powerhouse for semiconductors, AI applications, and beyond.Despite the exciting prospects, Mexico's electronics industry faces several challenges. Upgrading infrastructure, particularly reliable power grids and advanced cleanroom facilities, is crucial for attracting top-tier chip fabrication companies. Additionally, developing a skilled workforce capable of handling complex AI projects requires ongoing investment in education and training programs.However, the opportunities are vast. The Mexican government's commitment to infrastructure development and education, coupled with potential foreign investment seeking to diversify supply chains, paints a bright future. Mexico's young and tech-savvy population creates a fertile ground for fostering a dynamic AI innovation hub.Mexico: a land of opportunityMexico's electronics industry is a sleeping giant awakening. With its strategic location, skilled workforce, and growing focus on cutting-edge technologies, the nation is poised to become a major player in the global electronics landscape. This presents a wealth of opportunities for companies seeking to tap into new markets and optimize their operations. Mexico's electronics industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years. This can be attributed to several factors:Strategic location: Mexico boasts a prime location bordering the United States, offering proximity to a massive consumer market and simplified logistics for North American companies.Free trade agreements: Trade agreements like USMCA (previously NAFTA) have facilitated the smooth flow of components and finished goods between Mexico, the US, and Canada.Cost-effectiveness: Compared to some Asian counterparts, Mexico offers competitive production costs while maintaining high-quality standards. This makes it an attractive option for companies seeking to optimize their supply chains.Mexico's strategic role in the global semiconductor ecosystemWhile Mexico may not yet be manufacturing the most advanced chips, its role in the global semiconductor ecosystem is crucial. The nation excels in assembly and packaging, the vital final steps before a chip reaches its end user. This "middle ground" position allows Mexico to capitalize on the booming electronics market without requiring massive investments in top-tier fabrication facilities.Mexico's contributions extend beyond hardware; the country is also embracing AI's potential. The government actively supports AI development through R&D grants and collaborations between research institutions, universities, and private companies. This focus on fostering innovation positions Mexico at the forefront of applying AI solutions in various sectors, from optimizing agricultural practices to automating industrial processes.Mexico's geographical advantage is undeniable. Sharing a border with the US, the world's largest consumer electronics market offers unparalleled access and streamlined logistics. But Mexico isn't just about proximity. The nation boasts a highly competitive production cost structure compared to traditional manufacturing hubs. While Mexico doesn't manufacture the most advanced semiconductors, it excels in assembly and packaging. This "middle ground" offers several advantages:Faster time to market: Companies can leverage established Mexican facilities to get products to market quicker than building new fabs from scratch.Cost-effectiveness: Mexico offers competitive labor costs compared to some traditional manufacturing hubs.Proximity to the US market: Quick and efficient movement of components between Mexico and the US streamlines production processes.By leveraging its strengths in assembly and packaging and strong commitment to AI development, Mexico is strategically positioned to play a pivotal role in the global electronics and semiconductor industries.Mexico's electronics industry: major investments signal a bright futureMicron, a leading memory chipmaker, has announced plans to invest billions of dollars in a semiconductor engineering center in Mexico. This significant investment underscores Mexico's potential to move beyond assembly and packaging, positioning itself as a key player in advanced chip fabrication.Similarly, Foxconn, a major electronics manufacturer, is expanding its operations in Mexico. The company is reportedly considering establishing facilities to produce artificial intelligence (AI) hardware, a move that would further solidify Mexico's position as a hub for cutting-edge technology.These concrete developments signal a significant shift in the global electronics landscape. Mexico's rise as a major player presents exciting opportunities for companies looking to diversify their supply chains and tap into a growing market.Unlock Opportunities in Mexico's Booming Electronics Sector with Fusion WorldwideThe future of Mexico's electronics industry is promising, with both challenges and opportunities on the horizon. With strategic investments and continued support, Mexico's thriving electronics sector offers many opportunities for businesses looking to expand. Fusion Worldwide, with our strong presence in Guadalajara, Mexico, is perfectly positioned to help you navigate this dynamic market.Christopher Kolodko, VP of Sales for America, elaborates, "Fusion Worldwide excels in sourcing reliable suppliers, managing complex cross-border logistics, and bridging language barriers. Beyond simple transactions, we provide strategic advice on the Mexican market and emerging technologies."With Fusion Worldwide as your guide, you can unlock the exciting possibilities of the Mexican electronics industry. Our local presence, global network, and industry expertise empower you to seize this dynamic market's opportunities. Contact us to discover how we can work together to build a successful future in Mexico's electronics revolution.Alan ChewStrategic Account DirectorFusion WorldwideTo learn more, visit fusionww.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X.Download Fusion Worldwide's State of the Industry Report Volume 1.About Fusion WorldwideFusion Worldwide is the preeminent open-market distributor of electronic components and products. We source, inspect, test, and deliver a wide range of components to a large and diversified customer base that includes OEMs, CMs, and ODMs across a wide array of verticals. Founded in 2001, Fusion is headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and maintains offices and quality centers in major manufacturing hubs worldwide.
Wednesday 31 July 2024
FuriosaAI and GUC partner on RNGD, most efficient AI accelerator for LLMs
FuriosaAI Inc. is pleased to announce its collaboration with GUC (Global Unichip Corporation) as a key partner on the secondgen AI accelerator, RNGD (pronounced "Renegade"), the most efficient data center accelerator for high-performance large language and multimodal models.GUC has been crucial in helping FuriosaAI to achieve an aggressive timeline for RNGD. Developing a new AI accelerator – especially one like RNGD, which utilizes advanced technology like HBM3 and a large-scale 653mm2 SoC with 40 billion transistors – is only possible with excellent partners like GUC, which brings deep expertise in designing system-on-chip (SoC) solutions."RNGD offers the unprecedented combination of performance, power efficiency, and programmability for running large language models and multimodal models. GUC's expertise in areas such as SoC design, backend implementation, and silicon interposer (CoWoS) packaging has ensured that the RNGD project stayed on schedule to launch this year," said June Paik, FuriosaAI CEO.Complementing FuriosaAI's cutting-edge technology is GUC's expertise in turnkey semiconductor design services. As a trusted partner, GUC meticulously executed the project starting from spec-in, seamlessly integrating complex HBM memory subsystems, implementing the physical design, designing the package utilizing TSMC's industry leading CoWoS technology, followed by comprehensive testing services and manufacturing logistics management, successfully enabling FuriosaAI RNGD's 1st time success. GUC played a pivotal role in enabling FuriosaAI RNGD's flawless execution, significantly accelerating its time-to-market."We are excited to partner with FuriosaAI to bring their revolutionary AI accelerator to market," said Dr. Sean Tai, president of GUC. "GUC is highly experienced with large-scale chip design. Our turnkey design services provide end-to-end support, enabling FuriosaAI to rapidly scale their innovation and meet the growing demand for AI acceleration solutions. We look forward to further supporting FuriosaAI as they continue to design innovative products for the AI market."Together, FuriosaAI and GUC are poised to drive AI innovation to new heights, empowering organizations worldwide to harness the full potential of artificial intelligence.For more information about FuriosaAI and the RNGD AI accelerator, visit https://furiosa.ai.For inquiries about GUC's turnkey design services, visit https://www.guc-asic.com
Tuesday 30 July 2024
SK Hynix enhances leadership in graphics memory with introduction of industry's best GDDR7
SK hynix Inc. (or "the company", www.skhynix.com) announced today that it introduced the industry's best-performing GDDR7, a next-generation graphics memory product.The development of GDDR7 in March comes amid growing interest by global customers in the AI space in the DRAM product that meets both specialized performance for graphics processing and fast speed. The company said that it will start volume production in the third quarter.The new product comes with an operating speed of 32Gbps, a 60% improvement from the previous generation, and the speed can grow up to 40Gbps depending on the circumstances. When adopted for the high-end graphics cards, the product can also process data of more than 1.5TB per second, equivalent to 300 Full-HD movies(5GB each), in a second.SK hynix also improved power efficiency by more than 50% compared with the previous generation by adopting the new packaging technology that addresses the heat issue as a result of the ultra-fast processing of data.The company increased the layer number of the heat-dissipating substrates from four to six, while applying the EMC for the packaging material in a bid to reduce thermal resistance by 74%, compared with the previous generation, while maintaining the size of the product unchanged.Sangkwon Lee, Head of DRAM Product Planning & Enablement at SK hynix, said that GDDR7 is expected to be adopted by a wider range of applications such as high-specification 3D graphics, AI, high-performance computing, and autonomous driving."We will continue to work towards enhancing our position as the most trusted AI memory solution provider by strengthening the premium memory lineup further," Lee said.About SK hynix Inc.SK hynix Inc., headquartered in South Korea, is the world's top-tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips ("DRAM"), flash memory chips ("NAND flash"), and CMOS Image Sensors ("CIS") for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company's shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxemburg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK hynix is available at www.skhynix.com, news.skhynix.com.
Friday 26 July 2024
SK Hynix board approves Yongin semiconductor cluster investment plan
SK Hynix Inc. announced today that it has decided to invest about KRW 9.4 trillion in building the first fab and business facilities of the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster after the board resolution on July 26.SK Hynix (or "the company", www.skhynix.com) designs to start construction of the 1st fab to be built in the Yongin cluster in March next year and complete it in May 2027 and has received investment approval from the board of directors before it. The company will make every effort to build the fab to lay the foundation for the company's future growth and respond to the rapidly increasing demand for AI memory semiconductors.The Yongin Cluster, which will be built on a 4.15 million square meter site in Wonsam-myeon, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, is currently under site preparation and infrastructure construction. SK Hynix has decided to build four state-of-the-art fabs that will produce next-generation semiconductors, and a semiconductor cooperation complex with more than 50 small local companies.After the construction of the 1st fab, the company aims to complete the remaining three fabs sequentially to grow the Yongin Cluster into a "Global AI semiconductor production base."The amount of investment approved this time included various construction costs necessary for the initial operation of the cluster, including auxiliary facilities, business support buildings, and welfare facilities along with the 1st fab. The investment period was planned to be from August 2024 to the end of 2028, considering the design period to prepare for fab construction and the business support building scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2028.The company will produce next-generation DRAMs, including HBM, a representative AI memory, at the 1st fab and prepare for the production of other products in line with market demand at the time of completion.In addition, SK Hynix plans to build a "Mini-fab" within the first phase to help small businesses develop, demonstrate and evaluate technologies. Through the Mini-fab, the company will provide small business partners with an environment similar to the actual production site so that they can improve technological perfection as much as possible."The Yongin Cluster will be the foundation for SK Hynix's mid-to long-term growth and a place for innovation and co-prosperity that we are creating with our partners," said Vice President Kim Young-sik, Head of Manufacturing Technology at SK Hynix. "We want to contribute to revitalizing the national economy by successfully completing the large-scale industrial complex and dramatically enhancing Korea's semiconductor technology and ecosystem competitiveness."
Wednesday 24 July 2024
NewPower bolsters global leadership in quality with strategic team expansion
NewPower Worldwide, a global leader in the electronic components distribution industry, is excited to announce the addition of Carlos Da Silva as the new Vice President of Quality, working alongside NewPower's Chief Quality Officer, Barry Lafontaine. Drawing upon more than three decades of profound expertise in quality management and lean methodologies, Carlos is poised to drive the advancement of NewPower's global quality standards, and his addition will certainly continue to strengthen the company's status as one of the world's premier electronics distributors.Carlos is a Certified Manager of Quality and Organizational Excellence by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), nominated US Lead Quality Expert by ANSI/ASQ and Alumni by the Shingo Institute, with a remarkable track record of implementing and sustaining ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and Lean Systems globally. His leadership and technical expertise have earned him international recognition, including substantial contributions to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and presentations at numerous high-profile conferences.Before joining NewPower Worldwide, Carlos held significant roles, including the Director of Global Quality at Axcelis Technologies and Quality Assurance and Lean Manager at Rockwell Automation. He led multicultural teams across the US, Dominican Republic, Korea, Germany, Italy, China, Japan, and Singapore, developed comprehensive training programs, coordinated global quality events, and improved quality management systems. His innovative approach to problem-solving and strategic planning significantly reduced variation and enhanced product quality and availability, proving his ability to drive operational excellence across global platforms."We are thrilled to welcome Carlos to our team," said Barry Lafontaine, Chief Quality Officer of NewPower Worldwide. "His extensive experience and proven ability to drive quality and operational excellence will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our processes and deliver exceptional value to our customers."
Tuesday 23 July 2024
Getac demonstrates AI capabilities with new rugged laptops and smart audio-visual solutions
For enterprises whose operations span a diverse range of outdoor working environments, rugged IT solutions that combine purpose-built hardware with industry-specific software can play a pivotal role in streamlining key processes, boosting productivity, and aiding digital transformation.Getac Technology Corporation (Getac) has been focusing its research and development on Edge AI solutions that target real-world rugged industry needs. In addition to the recent launch of its S510, the world's first rugged laptop with AI support*, Getac's two main AI platforms, focusing on imaging and speech, have proved popular with manufacturers, public utilities, automotive, defense industries, and public safety organizations for their powerful smart functions that greatly aid operational efficiency.James Hwang, President of Getac Technology Corporation, said that Getac believes in the importance of Edge AI. The company integrates software, hardware and partners' AI ecosystems to provide customized solutions for vertical industries that accelerate the digital transformation process and optimize workflows.Using Intel's latest Core Ultra processor, Getac's recently launched S510 the world's first AI-ready rugged laptop features an Intel AI Boost NPU (Neural Processing Unit), which is dedicated to processing data-heavy AI-based tasks. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) are then free to focus on core tasks, resulting in optimal battery life and improved performance. The S510 also features Microsoft Windows 11 Pro and integrates the latest Windows Copilot AI assistant, which complements the Intel platform and maximizes AI performance.In addition to AI functionalities, the S510 is certified to the US Department of Defence MIL-STD-810H military standard with a dustproof and waterproof rating of IP53 (Ingress Protection), and screen brightness of up to 1,000 nits, making it well suited to professionals working outdoors. Getac also provides design customization services to meet industry-specific needs if required.In terms of AI visual capabilities, Getac supplies solutions that cover two major products: in-car video systems and body-worn cameras. The Getac CA-NF42/VR-X20G3 in-car video system is specifically designed for law enforcement and public safety applications. CA-NF42 is equipped with a dual front 4K UHD lens and supports WDR technology to capture clear images, even in poorly light environments. License plate recognition has also been successfully introduced to the CA-NF42, meaning that even in complex environments it can recognize license plates across multiple lanes simultaneously in as little as 0.5-0.8 seconds. VR-X20G3 uses the latest Intel Core Ultra Processor as an In-car video server, it can support up to six cameras to deliver 360-degree monitoring with no blind spots, both inside and outside the vehicle.Regarding body-worn cameras, Getac's solutions currently utilize the Qualcomm platform, which will soon include the ability to identify suspects through the use of facial recognition technology. Getac's imaging AI platform has completed model training and can be closely integrated with other Getac software and hardware for the deployment of optimal unified solutions. In order to provide value for more customers, this solution will initially target the North American law enforcement market, with plans for horizontal expansion into other fields, such as transportation at a later date.For its AI speech platform, Getac crafted an AI voice solution that can be deployed on terminal devices to improve the efficiency and safety of police, firefighters and paramedics. The core architecture of the audio solution consists of three features. The first is the background noise cancellation technology that can accurately isolate human speech in noisy environments. The second is an Embedded Speech Model that can control software and hardware functions directly through speech commands and connect with other auxiliary systems. The third is a multi-language voice-to-text engine. The engine is currently trained mainly for English and can convert speech into text records in realtime. Users can use the three functional modules above to perform vehicle registration checks, write reports, and perform other administrative tasks through natural speech. Eliminating keyboard or touch screen data entry allows the operator to focus on policing, thus reducing risk while on duty.Hwang said that Getac has been involved in the field of rugged computers for more than 35 years. A combination of technology development experience and market insights, combined with its large investment in R&D (Research and Development) resources, internal integration of group resources, and flexible supply chain, has enabled the company to create solutions for a wide range of end-user scenarios. In the future, Getac will continue to draw on its strengths to respond quickly to ever-changing market demands, listening to customer needs and working closely with ecosystem partners to strengthen its product portfolio even further.By providing customers with reliable, efficient, and tailor-made Edge AI solutions, Getac will help usher all professionals and industries into a smarter, AI-driven future.Getac showcases AI-enabled rugged laptops and audio-visual solutions that help industry customers perform tasks more efficiently in digital transformation applicationsPhoto: Getac Technology Corporation
Thursday 18 July 2024
Generative AI ignites: Semiconductor industry shows new facet
Generative AI is currently the hottest topic in the high-tech industry. To meet the massive computational power demands brought by generative AI, our clients are exploring various innovative technologies and design concepts, from chip development to system design, and integrating them into their products. Responding to customer needs and helping them complete more complex designs in a shorter time, incorporating AI/ML techniques into design and simulation tools is an inevitable trend and a direction Ansys is committed to.On the other hand, the enormous business opportunities contained in generative AI have not only driven world-class semiconductor giants to accelerate their investments, but also led to the emergence of numerous startups. This thriving design activity makes the entire semiconductor industry look vibrant and dynamic.Empowering Innovation with AIAI is transforming the world. In the semiconductor industry, AI tools are already widely used in chip design exploration and optimization. For example, AI tools are used in the design and optimization of on-chip and off-chip power delivery networks (PDNs). The addition of AI allows designers to create more advanced and complex chip architectures. With the assistance of AI, designers can explore more design possibilities, find better architectures, and speed up the chip design iteration process through more automation, shortening the time to market.Ansys recently launched a new AI-based technology called Ansys SimAI, a physics-agnostic, Software as a Service (SaaS) application that combines the predictive accuracy of Ansys simulation and the speed of generative AI. The new solution allows engineers and designers to predict the performance of their design within minutes, democratizing simulation through intuitive interfaces and processes.The impact of AI on semiconductor design is just beginning. As AI technology continues to advance and become more powerful, we can expect AI to be used in optimizing chip layout, reducing chip size, and increasing density. In chip manufacturing, AI technology will become a crucial tool for improving overall process yields. The emergence of generative AI also alleviates the pressure caused by talent shortages in the semiconductor industry. With the help of large language models (LLMs) and Copilot tools, engineers can make better design decisions, enhancing productivity and efficiency.The operation of Ansys itself has also undergone significant changes due to the advent of generative AI. One of the main values Ansys brings to its customers is assisting them in achieving more complex and advanced designs. Thus, the Ansys team must provide intensive technical support to help customers solve problems encountered during the design process. Until now, customer support has been highly reliant on manpower, but Ansys believes that virtual assistants based on generative AI technology will be the future direction, as they can provide more immediate responses and support, offering an advantage in speed.To this end, Ansys has invested considerable resources and recently officially launched AnsysGPT. If users encounter issues while using Ansys tools, they can ask AnsysGPT at any time and receive nearly instantaneous responses. Ansys will continue to invest more resources to further strengthen AnsysGPT, enabling it to answer user questions more accurately.At the same time, AnsysGPT ensures data security and compliance, since it is trained using new public sources, including product documentation, product and engineering-related training documentation, FAQs, technical marketing materials, and public Ansys Learning Forum discussions. And this is just the beginning. In the future, Ansys will embed virtual assistant features based on generative AI into the products it provides, making the products more intelligent in responding to user needs.Governments Actively Foster the Semiconductor Industry: AI Chips Gain MomentumFrom the perspective of overall industry development, the emergence of generative AI has made the semiconductor industry vibrant and dynamic. To meet the huge computational power demands brought by generative AI, besides GPU companies, many international chip giants are intensively developing new products, trying to get a share of the market. It is also worth mentioning that, against the backdrop of governments worldwide actively fostering their domestic semiconductor industries, many startups have emerged in the AI chip market.Industry support policies and even government investments are key factors driving the AI chip startup boom. Without government resource injection, startups might take a considerable amount of time to become self-sufficient. On the other hand, performance, power consumption, and cost are the three major factors determining the competitiveness of AI chips, all of which rely on advanced process technologies. While governments strategically support new IC design startups, they are also actively investing in semiconductor manufacturing, especially advanced processes. This dual-track policy approach helps build a robust semiconductor industry ecosystem and makes the AI chip industry more prosperous.To further share with Taiwan's high-tech industry how generative AI can assist R&D teams in accelerating design exploration and verification, enabling products to reach the market faster, Ansys will host Simulation World 2024 on August 6 at the Sheraton Hsinchu Hotel. This annual user conference will feature not only experts from Ansys but also leading companies such as Delta Electronics, Google, NVIDIA, MediaTek, Realtek, ASE Group, Global Unichip, and Lite-On. These experts will share their firsthand experiences of using generative AI in advanced process technology, advanced packaging, silicon photonics, smart vehicles, and power electronics applications. Let us join hands and participate in this grand event to jointly explore the potential applications of multiphysics simulation and new technologies in the field of R&D design, pushing the boundaries of technology!2024 Ansys Taiwan Simulation World (event-simulate.com.tw)Padmesh Mandloi, Regional Vice President, Customer Excellence, APAC Ansys
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Summary of Tech Supply Chain News!
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Generative AI market to reach US$1.5 trillion by 2030 with Taiwan holds hardware advantage; software and services to see promising future, says DIGITIMES Research