SK hynix Inc. announced today that it has started supplying mobile DRAM products with highly efficient heat dissipation by adopting the High-K Epoxy Molding Compound material for the first time in the industry.The development comes as heat generated in the process of fast data transfer for on-device AI applications results in performance degradation of smartphones. Global smartphone companies welcome the launch of the product on expectations that it will help address the heat issue of high-performance flagship smartphones.The structure of package on package, or PoP, that most flagship smartphones adopt and stacks DRAM onto the application processor, allows efficient use of limited space, while improving data transfer speed. Such system, however, also triggers a performance degradation of the device itself as heat generated within the mobile AP stays inside DRAM.SK hynix found the solution in improvement of thermal conductivity of EMC, a critical material that covers DRAM package and developed High-K EMC by adding Alumina to Silica, which has been adopted for EMC material so far.With thermal conductivity improved by 3.5 times and thermal resistance in the vertical course of the heat improved by 47%, the new technology is expected to contribute to a longer battery runtime and product lifespan by improving performance of a smartphone and reducing power consumption."It's a meaningful achievement that goes beyond a simple performance improvement as it addresses the inconvenience that many high-performance smartphone users may have had," Lee Gyujei, Head of Package Product Development, said. "We are committed to firmly establishing our technological leadership in the next-generation mobile DRAM market with our technological innovation in materials."Credit: SK HynixSK hynix develops the industry's first mobile DRAM with High-K EMC, enabling advanced thermal management for next-gen on-device AI. SK Hynix

Energy efficiency is often described as the "first fuel" of the global energy transition, as it offers some of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce CO2 emissions. It not only helps lower energy bills but also strengthens energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. However, the energy transition, particularly in industries, remains a complex challenge with a myriad of barriers slowing the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.One often-overlooked opportunity can be found in electric motors, which account for over 45% of global electricity consumption and power a vast range of industrial applications. Improving the efficiency of these motors present significant energy savings with the potential to reduce global electricity consumption by up to 10%.In this interview, Mike Umiker, Managing Director of the Energy Efficiency Movement (EEM), shares insights on global efforts to accelerate energy efficiency progress and the opportunities it presents for Taiwan. The EEM, founded by ABB in 2021, serves as a collaborative platform that unites like-minded stakeholders committed to driving innovation and action toward a more energy-efficient future. Today, the Movement has grown to include over 600 organizations and companies worldwide.Barriers to energy efficiency adoptionWhile the benefits of energy efficiency are widely acknowledged, its adoption is not universally straightforward. The logic behind adopting energy-efficient practices may not resonate across all sectors and regions. Different drivers influence adoption in different ways, and what works in one context may not be effective in another.Despite the availability of numerous energy efficiency solutions and technologies, their widespread and rapid implementation continues to face significant obstacles. In the interview, Umiker highlights findings from the Energy Efficiency Movement's recent survey in a report titled "Efficiency NOW". He explains that many companies, although aware of the advantages, encounter internal barriers that hinder progress. These include financial constraints, infrastructure limitations, a lack of skilled personnel, strategic gaps and challenges related to data and control systems.The survey highlights 5 main barriers to adopting energy efficiency measures. The first is financing with 43% of respondents citing it as the highest barrier and stating uncertain returns on investment as a key challenge. Second is infrastructure, with 19% of companies being affected. Interestingly, about 1 in 2 companies struggle with shortage of skilled workers, hindering energy efficiency ideation and implementation.Responding to these key obstacles, Umiker suggests three targeted action to accelerate energy efficiency adoption:1.Establishing dedicated budgets or exploring alternative financing models such as equipment-as-a-service to enable access to energy-saving technologies and services without the burden of large upfront capital investments.2.Investing in data infrastructure and real-time analytics to empower organizations with continuous performance monitoring and deeper insights into energy consumption patterns, helping to identify areas for improvement.3.Driving strategic alignment through clear KPIs and ROI modeling, ensuring that energy efficiency initiatives are integrated into broader business objectives and performance metrics.Scaling Up Industrial ImplementationWith around 300 million industrial motor-driven systems in operation worldwide, global energy consumption could be reduced by up to 10% if these systems were replaced with high-efficiency equipment. This is where ABB plays a pivotal role, Umiker noted.As of July 1, 2023, electric motors with power ratings between 75 kW to 200 kW sold within the EU are required to meet the IE4 energy efficiency standard, an upgrade from the previously mandated IE3 level. In response to this, ABB introduced next-generation electric motor systems, including the newly developed IE6 SynRM motors, as part of its Top Industrial Efficiency (TIE) initiative. These systems exceed standard performance benchmarks, helping customers reduce electricity usage, operating costs, and total cost of ownership (TCO), all without compromising performance or adding complexity. Notably, one of ABB's TIE motors, destined for a steel plant in India, achieved a record-breaking efficiency rating of 99.13% during testing, surpassing ABB's previous world record of 99.05% set in 2017.In Taiwan, the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for low-voltage, three-phase, squirrel-cage induction motors with a rated output power of 75kW or greater will require IE4 efficiency levels, starting July 1, 2025, while motors below 75kW will need to meet the IE3 standard. The regulatory shift has prompted proactive investments from the private sectors including several semiconductor manufacturing companies which are now investing in large scale energy efficiency initiatives. New purchase orders have been placed for a total of 122 high-efficiency drives, intended for pump and fan applications. These ABB Variable Speed Drive (VSD) Inverters are designed to save energy, reduce operating costs and minimize unscheduled downtime.According to Vincent Wu, Head of ABB Taiwan's Motion business, these developments are helping to sustain strong momentum for energy efficiency adoption across the country. Taiwan's progress is already notable, with an average annual energy efficiency improvement of 5.4% over the past five years, surpassing the 4% target set at the 28th U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP28).Joining the Energy Efficiency Movement is Simple and SeamlessJoining the Energy Efficiency Movement (EEM) presents a powerful opportunity to advance energy efficiency through shared knowledge, collaboration, and customized training. Movers gain access to practical insights and valuable resources that support the swift and seamless implementation of energy-efficient solutions. By becoming part of a global network of like-minded organizations, companies or organizations can exchange best practices, form strategic partnerships, and accelerate meaningful change.Visit the EEM website today to learn more and take your first step toward a more energy-efficient future. https://www.energyefficiencymovement.com/Mike Umiker, Executive Director of EEM, with Yu-Ren Liu, Sales Manager of GEORDING MACHINERY. ABBMike Umiker, Executive Director of EEM, with Victor Wu, Vice President of SUCOM ELECTRIC. ABBMike Umiker, CEO of EEM, with Vincent Wu, Vice President of ABB Taiwan Motion Business. ABB

Every town has its fixtures. The postman with the half-wink, the dog that sits outside the news agent as if guarding the broadsheets, the elderly gent in the cap who always arrives at the bus stop exactly twelve minutes before the bus is due. In the world of cryptocurrency, Bitcoin has taken that role of the fellow in the shiny jacket who insists on telling you his plans before you've even put your bag down. Litecoin, by contrast, is the shopkeeper you've known for years. The one who doesn't rush to greet you but knows precisely which brand of biscuits you’re after and has them wrapped before you've said a word.And yet, for all its quiet ways, Litecoin has had quite a year. The Litecoin price at this moment stands at $127.69 — a rise of 100.98 percent in twelve months. The market cap is brushing $9.73 billion, with a day's trading volume tipping $1.04 billion. These aren't the shaky figures of a hopeful start-up. This is the sort of balance sheet that would have certain overconfident coins blushing if they could manage the self-awareness.An Old Hand Still Moving BrisklyWhat's notable is that despite its age, Litecoin hasn't become entirely passive. The rise to its current value isn't random—it reflects consistent efficiency, including faster transaction speeds, modest fees, and a reliability that allows users to send it with confidence, rather than anxiously refreshing the screen like they're watching an eBay bid count down.The cryptocurrency market is, by its nature, drawn to novelty. New coins appear with fancy logos and slogans, offering grand visions for the future. Some barely last longer than a summer romance, gone before you’ve even learned to pronounce their names. Litecoin, though, belongs to the group that turns up, does the work, and keeps turning up.It's reminiscent of those actors who never get their name above the title but appear in every film worth seeing. Judi Dench won an Oscar for just eight minutes of screen time, and Litecoin could be seen as playing a similar role for over a decade—not the biggest name on the poster, but often the one holding the scene together.The Gap Between Now and ThenHere's the part that turns the heads of the more thoughtful investors: Litecoin's all-time high was $410.26. That's not yesterday's news; it's a reminder that the coin has been valued far higher and could, given the right conditions, make a return journey. The current price, less than a third of that, offers a sort of measured intrigue. There's room for movement without the pressure-cooker atmosphere that accompanies a coin at peak value.And then there's scarcity. A circulating supply of 76.18 million coins might not sound scarce compared to fine art or vintage wine, but in crypto terms it's a reassuring limit. It means each unit matters, and that matters when so many coins dilute themselves into irrelevance by flooding the market.Why the Overlooked Often Last the LongestThe market often treats coins like Litecoin — or Dash, or Monero — as supporting acts. They're talked about in passing, overshadowed by the ones in the news. But in a sector where hype can burn through a project faster than any security flaw, being under the radar is a kind of shield. Litecoin doesn't have to keep proving its worth with stunts. Its worth is in having survived, adapted, and kept its integrity intact.This is why its one-year chart doesn't look like a heart monitor during a penalty shootout. Even in the months where the price dipped, it did so in a way that suggested recovery was a matter of "when"rather than "if".The Everyday AppealFor newcomers, Litecoin's appeal is often practical. It's more affordable than many household-name coins, and there's a certain satisfaction in owning an entire coin rather than a fractional amount like 0.0043. It's akin to having a whole cake rather than just a sliver on a plate—even if, in practice, it's not consumed all at once.It's also nimble in use. Transactions are fast, fees are modest, and it functions without requiring deep technical expertise. That level of usability is essential if cryptocurrency is to become something accessible to everyday users, rather than feeling like enrollment in a correspondence course.Looking Forward Without the HysteriaWhere Litecoin goes from here will depend on the usual collection of influences: the mood of the market, the pace of blockchain development, the tug-of-war between regulation and freedom, and whether more people start using it in everyday life. It's not a mystery, and the coin's history suggests it won't be left behind.If you put the figures together — billions in market cap, billions in daily volume, and a price comfortably below past highs — it's the sort of picture that would make the cautious optimist nod. Not so low as to be risky in the wrong way, not so high as to be top-heavy. Just the middle ground where sensible progress tends to happen. Of course, as with any investment, it's important to do thorough research and make decisions based on individual risk tolerance and long-term goals.Understanding the Role of Coins Like Litecoin in the Crypto Ecosystem. Pexel