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Wednesday 28 August 2024
Reliya attends SEMICON 2024 along with gas equipment from ASDevices, Simpure, Tiger Optics
In today's fast-growing industry, the accuracy and stability of gas equipment are indispensable to semiconductor manufacturing. As an integrator in the gas field, Reliya Tech. has been vigorously promoting its own brand and has also introduced three leading brands, ASDevices, Simpure, and Tiger Optics, to the local market.In SEMICON 2024, Reliya will display a full range of products together with its technological innovation and top customer service. We sincerely expect a grand expo in the company of other established leaders in the semiconductor industry in Taiwan.During this year's Semiconductor Expo, which will be held from September 4th to 6th, we are glad to display the gas chromatograph Ka8000 and the intelligent gas calibration system (iGCS) of AS Devices, Purifier 7NG, 9NP003, and 9NP050 series of Cipro, as well as the micro oxygen analyzer of Tiger Optics. In addition, our gas particle counter, independently developed by Reliya's lab, will also be presented at the exhibition.Our gas particle counter has been well received by the industry since its launch, with sales in over 80 countries, including Taiwan, China, and Singapore. Besides, Reliya Technology has just acquired the certification of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 this year, ensuring our accordance with high quality and industrial standard in manufacturing, installation, gas piping design, and construction of the instrument. Our gas particle counter will soon see its overseas sales in cooperation with companies in Europe and the United States.Innovation and Excellence in fechnologyEquipped with advanced sensors and a control system, ASDevices Ka8000 as a top GC solution is capable of regulating the gas flow with a high degree of accuracy to ensure control of each step in the manufacturing process. Also, the iGCS dilution device can operate in different environments with great stability, which endeavors to provide a stabilized gas supply and ensure its continuity and consistency.In a low-temperature setting, Simpure's purifiers allow the removal of impurities of H2 and He down to the ppt level with the feature of purging not only conventional impurities such as H2O, O2, CO, CO2, NMHC but also other impurities such as Ar, N2, CH4, etc. The purifiers are available in different flow rates and pressure ranges, which are trusted by leading gas companies and 12-inch semiconductor wafer factories. Among them, the 9N 120Nm3/h H2 purifier has performed well in a 12-inch semiconductor wafer fab, passing a comprehensive impurity test with all the criteria met. We can therefore proudly say that we definitely meet our client's requirements.Quality Customer SupportRelyea Technology not only provides top-end products but also values our instant and complete support for our customers. We aspire to take the lead in both technology and services to satisfy our customers' needs and assist them in their business goals.Tailor-made Solutions: Our team provides gas supply solutions tailored to each customer's needs. Prioritizing our clients' interests, we provide the best advice and solutions to different requests such as building a whole new plant and upgrading an existing system.Prompt Technical Support: Our team provides timely customer services at any time and in any place. Our technical professionals are dedicated to troubleshooting in the shortest time to ensure that our client's production is not interrupted.Comprehensive Training Program: Covering basic operation to advanced maintenance, we offer a comprehensive training program to assist our clients in maximizing the benefits of our products, which includes all the core knowledge and skills needed to attain the highest productivity.We cordially invite you to visit our booth and learn more about our products and commitment.Exhibition DetailsLocation: Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 2, First floor, Booth Q5252Visiting hours: 10:00-17:00 4-6 September (Wed. - Fri)Contact: sales@reliya.com.twUp to date with the most advanced technology and the latest trends, we aim to deepen our exploration and contributions in gas purification equipment and gas analyzers. We are looking forward to your visit on-site.
Wednesday 28 August 2024
Henkel Semiconductor capillary underfill enables complex AI and HPC large body advanced packaging designs
Irvine, CA – Henkel recently announced that it has commercialized a semiconductor capillary underfill encapsulant to address the unique requirements of the market's most demanding advanced packages, like those used in artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) applications. Loctite Eccobond UF 9000AE protects large die within flip-chip BGA (FCBGA), high-density fan-out (HD-FO), and 2.5-D advanced packaging devices.HD-FO and 2.5-D wafer-level packaging techniques have seen significant progress in the last ten years, having achieved dramatic increases in I/O, efficiency, and performance, making them a key enabler of AI growth in the data center and at the edge. With high-density thin, large die (>40 mm x 40 mm) and substantial package body sizes (>100 mm x 100 mm), emerging AI and HPC devices for certain applications can contain more than 2,000 fine-pitch (~100 µm), low gap height (~50 µm) interconnects per die. Bump protection and warpage control are critical for device functionality and optimized package performance. However, achieving thorough bump encapsulation at flow rates that deliver coverage efficiency can be challenging, given the cutting-edge architectural complexity.Henkel has developed a brand-new capillary underfill formulation that meets the dimensional demands of highly integrated package designs. Loctite Eccobond UF 9000AE completely envelops fine-pitch, low gap height die interconnects for rigid protection against stress to deliver good electrical, moisture, and thermal reliability performance for high production yields. The material's low shrinkage and toughness provide die and underfill crack resistance, while its low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) protects against warpage. Loctite Eccobond UF 9000AE also has low resin bleed out (RBO) and forms narrow fillets, allowing the dense die integration inherent in advanced packaging techniques.Henkel Global Market Segment Head for Semiconductor Packaging Materials, Ramachandran (Ram) Trichur, acknowledges that while thorough, rugged bump protection against thermal cycling strain and mechanical damage is the highest underfill priority, processability is critical to achieving throughput and yield objectives."Loctite Eccobond UF 9000AE delivers no-voiding bump encapsulation of flip-chip BGA, Cu pillar, and other high-density interconnects, which is fundamental to preserving the value and function of these high-performance devices," Trichur says. "Notably, however, this material does so faster than our prior generation underfills, allowing for greater flow efficiency, which is an important feature for complete interconnect coverage and encapsulation across large surface areas."In internal testing versus previous generation capillary underfills, Loctite Eccobond UF 9000AE demonstrated 20% faster flow* on a 40 mm x 40 mm die, indicating that this material is compatible with even larger die sizes. Its edge-to-edge capillary flow efficiency ensures interconnect encapsulation before any material gelation, eliminating the risk of exposed bumps. So far, Loctite Eccobond UF 9000AE's performance has been validated on die as large as 50 mm x 50 mm and within packages up to 110 mm x 110 mm."The rise of AI underscores semiconductor packaging ingenuity and its ability to drive remarkable levels of computing power and cost-effective scaling alternatives to Moore's Law," Trichur says, citing the well-publicized growth of 2.5-D chip-on-wafer and 3-D advanced packages. "Henkel has been at the forefront of enabling these devices with novel semiconductor materials, and our new underfill further demonstrates our contributions to this dynamic market space."Learn more about Henkel's advanced semiconductor packaging materials at www.henkel-adheisves.com.LOCTITE® is a registered trademark of Henkel and/or its affiliates in the USA, Germany, and elsewhere.*Die size dependent. About HenkelWith its brands, innovations, and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The business unit Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in laundry & home care, and hair in many markets and categories around the world. The company's three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil, and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2023, Henkel reported sales of more than 21.5 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 2.6 billion euros. Henkel's preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of about 48,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values, and a common purpose: "Pioneers at heart for the good of generations." More information at www.henkel.comPhoto material is available at www.henkel.com/pressContact Sebastian HinzPhone +49 211 797-85 94Email sebastian.hinz@henkel.comHenkel AG & Co. KGaA
Tuesday 27 August 2024
AI optimizes health management experience: upgraded ASUS VivoWatch 6 protects public cardiovascular health
ASUS VivoWatch is a series of smart wearable devices that serve as a comprehensive personal health management platform for users through precise physiological monitoring.In response to the needs of users, a new model in the series, the VivoWatch 6, was released in 2024, offering enhanced features. According to ASUS, the new VivoWatch continues the company's tradition of smart health watches equipped with two sets of medical-grade electrical and optical PPG sensors. The watch allows users to measure their blood pressure and ECG anytime and anywhere with just their fingertips.The device can integrate and analyze various physiological and lifestyle data and provide personalized suggestions to improve health based on AI algorithms. In addition, the watch's hardware and software functions have also been improved to meet users' long-term health management needs.Harnessing the power of technology to manage physical health has become a major trend for people and medical institutions around the world. A recent in-depth market study conducted by ASUS with nearly 1,300 users revealed that the group of people who are actively interested in their health is gradually expanding from the middle and upper age groups in the past to the lower age groups.Today, users expect wearable devices to consistently and accurately record physiological data and provide insights about their health that integrate information from their entire lives. The survey also showed that wearable devices are gaining popularity among all types of users. Even if they already own traditional devices such as blood pressure monitors, more than 80% of people are willing to opt for wearable devices that can collect physiological data at any time to get a comprehensive overview of their body condition.To meet the needs of users, the VivoWatch 6 has introduced a range of innovative functions. Firstly, body composition analysis has been added, which uses bioimpedance technology to accurately measure indicators such as body fat, water, and muscle percentage, providing more comprehensive data support for body health management.In terms of sports monitoring, the VivoWatch 6 is equipped with a high-precision dual-frequency GPS that allows outdoor sports enthusiasts to determine their position faster and more accurately, making sports records more complete and reliable. The dual-frequency GPS can also be used to track the elderly and ensure their safety.Family members can use the watch's GPS data to find out where the wearer is. In addition, the built-in fall detection function automatically sends alerts and location information to the predefined emergency contact as soon as it detects a fall so that medical assistance can be provided in the critical moments after the accident.In terms of hardware, the VivoWatch 6 has a high-resolution AMOLED display that offers an excellent viewing experience. A new physical shortcut button on the side of the watch allows users to set and access frequently used functions with a single press.At the same time, the VivoWatch 6 offers a battery life of up to 7 days with a variety of health monitoring functions turned on, which can be extended to up to 14 days in power-saving mode to ensure that users can keep an eye on the condition of their body. It is also worth mentioning that the blood pressure and ECG application software developed by ASUS has passed the TFDA medical software certification, earning users' confidence in their professional functionality.Powered by proprietary hardware and software, the VivoWatch 6 demonstrates strong potential for cloud integration. Not only can the watch support industry players in the fields of healthcare management, clinical drug research, and occupational health and safety, but the data it collects can also be seamlessly uploaded to cloud platforms, offering a wide range of applications for healthcare providers and academic research institutions.For example, medical teams can integrate the data from the VivoWatch 6 into their hospital's system to gain real-time insights into the health of their patients. In clinical pharmaceutical studies, the watch can be used to track long-term physical changes in test subjects before and after the administration of medication.In the field of occupational health and safety, the VivoWatch 6 can help management objectively assess employee fatigue and prevent occupational safety accidents. These applications fully demonstrate the potential of the VivoWatch series on the commercial market.Through intensive cooperation with various industries, the VivoWatch 6 is expected to become an important vehicle for innovative business models. For example, insurance companies can develop premium discount plans based on the personal health data provided by the watch, while health management service providers can use the device to deliver remote and customized health services, improving management efficiency and service quality.In addition, ASUS has announced that its AI Coaching Platform, which will be officially launched in October this year, will be able to integrate users' physiological data and daily life information collected by the VivoWatch 6 to build a comprehensive and in-depth database of health data. The platform will use AI algorithms to analyze users' health patterns and potential health risks and make recommendations to improve their health, taking care of users' health in every way.According to ASUS, the VivoWatch series has already shown promising results in overseas markets. In Southeast Asia, ASUS has joined hands with Thailand's renowned high-end health examination centers and elderly care providers to build an innovative model for digital healthcare services.The health examination centers use the VivoWatch to collect long-term health data of the elderly to develop personalized health management plans and use the data to promote remote care. In Spain, ASUS has partnered with local healthcare organizations to integrate the VivoWatch into a medical metaverse blueprint. Physicians can use VivoWatch's remote health monitoring capabilities to fully track changes in patients' daily physical condition and enable more accurate diagnosis and treatment.The VivoWatch 6 demonstrates ASUS' technological capabilities and innovative thinking in using technology for health management. In the future, ASUS will continue to work with partners in various fields to accelerate the implementation of the VivoWatch series into the smart healthcare ecosystem and bring more benefits to the health of the public.In terms of hardware, the VivoWatch 6 has a high-resolution AMOLED display that offers an excellent viewing experience. Credit: Asus
Tuesday 20 August 2024
WebX 2024 in Japan: two-day gathering of companies venturing into Web3, led by anime industry
WebX2024 is a global Web3 conference organized and managed by CoinPost, Japan's largest cryptocurrency and Web3 media outlet.Two days opening the door to Web3 industry utilizationGiven the development of regulation, the Japanese government and major corporations attempting Web3 expansion will participate in large numbers. Centered on the theme of Web3's industrial expansion, drawing participants from around the world to gather.With approximately 180 exhibiting companies, about 250 speakers (50/50 ratio of Japanese to international sessions), and around 130 media partners, becoming the largest conference in Asia.Many major companies from globally renowned Japanese industries such as anime and gaming will be among the exhibitors, providing opportunities for interaction with global attendees.Well known DJ Steve Aoki will participate in the opening party to Kick-off WebX 2024.Well known DJ Steve Aoki will participate in the opening party to Kick-off WebX 2024Seeing the future of Web3 mass adoption in Japan- Date: August 28-29, 2024- Location: Tokyo, Japan - THE PRINCE PARK TOWER TOKYO- Organized by: CoinPost - Japan's largest Web3 and cryptocurrency mediaWith the focus on "Accelerating the Adoption and Social Implementation of Web3 Technologies," will offer opportunities for acquiring business ideas and forging connections, thereby contributing to the advancement of Web3 technologies.Why attend in person- Exclusive on-site speaker sessions: Prominent speakers from around the world, with recorded sessions available for ticket holders- Access to exhibition areas of over 180 companies outside the Web3 industry- Participation in IP and Gaming areas: Companies like Kodansha, Capcom, Toho, Square Enix, etc. will participate- Access to networking areas and events (available for Business ticket holders and above)- Participation in over 100 associated side events: complimentary taxi service to side event venues during WebXASIA TOUR and TOKYO blockchain weekASIA TOUR and TOKYO Blockchain Week1. DAO TOKYO2024 (TOKYO / JAPAN)August 21 (Wed.) - 22 (Thu.), 20242. Coinfest Asia 2024 (BALI / INDONESIA)August 22 (Thu.) - 23 (Fri.), 20243. ETHTokyo'24 (TOKYO / JAPAN)August 23 (Fri.) - 26 (Mon.), 20244. WebX2024 (TOKYO / JAPAN)August 28 (Wed.) - 29 (Thu.), 20245. Korea Blockchain Week 2024 (SEOUL / KOREA)September 1 (Sun.) - 7 (Sat.), 2024WebX featured speakers- Fumio Kishida (Japan / Prime Minister)- Masaaki TAIRA (Member of House of Representatives / Head, web3 Project Team, LDP)- Yuriko Koike (Tokyo Metropolitan Government / Governor of Tokyo)- Richard Teng (Binance / CEO)- Audrey Tang (Plurality / Taiwan's First Digital Minister, Co-founder)- Naohiko UENO (TOYOTA Blockchain Lab)- Ken Kanetomo (Konami Digital)- Kosuke Hamasaki (Sanrio - famously known for Hello Kitty)Status of the eventExclusive Discount CodeWe are offering a 20% discount code exclusively for those who have seen this release.20% Discount Link: https://events.bizzabo.com/570958/page/3518018/registration?promo=WebX_hfyrksu7[View WebX Homepage]
Friday 16 August 2024
Showcasing dual expertise in technology and architecture, DataVan expands into smart building sector
As the wave of smart technology sweeps across industries, leveraging digital platforms to enhance operational efficiency and innovate business models has become a key strategy for field operators to strengthen their competitiveness. DataVan, which has built a strong market reputation in the food, beverage, and retail sector through its comprehensive product line and service quality, has been actively transforming in recent years. In addition to continuing to deepen its presence in existing industries, the company is extending its product reach into the building sector. Chih-Cheng Yu, General Manager of DataVan, pointed out that DataVan is one of the few companies in Taiwan that boasts of dual expertise in technology and architecture. Moving forward, they will leverage this advantage to provide tailored smart solutions for areas such as building management planning and healthcare.Chih-Cheng Yu stated that while DataVan has long been established in the food, beverage, and retail sector with a solid foundation, the competition for products like POS and Kiosk is becoming increasingly fierce. Transforming is a key strategy for maintaining competitiveness and exploring new markets. DataVan sees great potential in the application of smart building systems and enterprise visitor systems for community management and commercial office spaces. They aim to drive hardware sales through software, thereby enhancing product value. He emphasized that in addition to technological expertise, the group also has a background in real estate development and marketing. Leveraging these two professional advantages, DataVan can closely integrate smart systems with real estate development, bringing new niches to real estate developers and achieving a synergistic effect greater than the sum of its parts. Using the example of urban renewal for aging buildings, he explained that smart building systems can help developers obtain additional floor area incentives and address issues such as high management fees and inadequate security in small communities. This demonstrates that DataVan's transformation strategy not only responds to market demands but also opens up new growth opportunities for the company.Regarding its dual expertise in technology and real estate development, as well as the integration of AI into real estate products, Chih-Cheng Yu mentioned that DataVan recognizes the significant impact AI has had on various industries. Therefore, AI is viewed as a key driver of their transformation, with a focus on enhancing product intelligence through AI to create more efficient and customized solutions. For example, in smart hotel management, AI can enable self-service operations and streamlined staffing, significantly improving management efficiency, reducing personnel costs, and enhancing guest experiences. In the smart building sector, AI will be pervasive, effectively improving operational efficiency and comfort through systems such as smart security, energy management, and automated controls.Chih-Cheng Yu further pointed out that urban smartification has become an established industry trend. DataVan will seize this opportunity, leveraging its technological advantages and market experience to actively expand its smart building business. Currently, a series of innovative applications are planned, encompassing environmental control and health protection, landscape and building management, as well as personalized services. In environmental control, DataVan will help operators implement smart temperature and humidity regulation, air purification, and smart lighting systems, while also improving accessibility features and fall prevention designs to ensure resident safety. This also includes landscape maintenance systems for building exteriors and public spaces, exterior wall lighting control, and climate monitoring and warning systems, all aimed at optimizing building management efficiency. For personalized resident needs, DataVan plans to offer services such as appointment-based cleaning and maintenance, as well as smart concierge systems, significantly enhancing daily convenience. He believes that these innovative applications will not only strengthen DataVan's competitive advantage in the market but also create more business opportunities and growth potential for the smart building industry.To achieve this vision, DataVan is significantly adjusting its product strategy, shifting from a traditional hardware supplier to a comprehensive smart solutions provider. Chih-Cheng Yu revealed that the company's focus this year will be on enhancing the intelligence of existing products and introducing self-service solutions that require minimal management. Regarding smart functionalities, DataVan has bolstered its investment in AI and IoT technologies to optimize product performance and user convenience. For instance, they have introduced a new generation of POS systems with advanced data processing capabilities that seamlessly integrate with various smart devices. This series also includes applications such as the smart hotel management solutions showcased by DataVan at Computex this year. These solutions encompass self-check-in systems, room service management, and energy management systems, which help hotel operators reduce operating costs and improve service quality.Additionally, DataVan is actively pursuing cross-domain collaborations with construction project supervision, managed hotel-style apartments, long-term care, and senior living residences. Recently, the company acquired a highly-rated Japanese hot spring hotel, renaming it "Hodakaso Sangetsu," as a strategic entry into the Japanese market. Chih-Cheng Yu mentioned that this historic hot spring hotel, renowned for its valuable interior decor and cultural significance, will be integrated with smart systems to serve as a unique demonstration site for smart hotels. This will provide a reference model for Japanese operators interested in adopting such systems and allow DataVan to gain deeper insights into the Japanese market through practical operations, ultimately optimizing its products and services and laying the foundation for global expansion.Chih-Cheng Yu concluded that integrating technology with architectural expertise and creating new business models is only the beginning of DataVan's transformation. In response to the trend towards smart solutions, DataVan will continue to deepen its presence in the food, beverage, and retail markets and, with its high level of innovation and market insight, actively pursue cross-domain collaborations and expand product applications to meet the diverse smart needs of different sectors, creating a win-win scenario for both clients and DataVan.Chih-Cheng Yu, General Manager of DataVan, noted that the company is one of the few in Taiwan with dual expertise in technology and architecture. Moving forward, they will leverage this advantage to provide smart solutions tailored to the real estate sector.Photo: DIGITIMES
Tuesday 13 August 2024
Quality control guide for electronic component distribution
In the semiconductor industry, maintaining the highest quality control standards is paramount. With the industry evolving and the demand for semiconductors surging, product integrity and reliability have become increasingly critical. The open market — known for its speed, variety, and flexibility — is vital in meeting these demands by providing access to a diverse range of suppliers and components. However, this also highlights the necessity for stringent quality control measures.Fusion Worldwide stands at the forefront of this challenge, offering unparalleled quality control processes that set the benchmark for the industry.Read on to learn more about the importance (and the future) of quality control — but you'll need to download our Buyer's Guide to Quality Control to get a better understanding of how Fusion maintains the highest quality standards in electronic component testing and how that can benefit your company.Download the Buyer's Guide to Quality ControlUnderstanding quality control in semiconductor distributionWhy quality control matters:Quality control in semiconductor distribution is essential throughout the supply chain process — especially in the open market, where the risk of counterfeit components is higher. Here's why.Reliability: Quality control ensures components function correctly and consistently.Safety: Quality control prevents potential malfunctions that could lead to safety hazards.Performance: Quality control guarantees components meet the required standards.Reputation: Quality control helps maintain a company's reputation in the market.The semiconductor industry changes quickly — while also enforcing strict policies — and quality drops can harm the product. This means that any deviation from quality standards can significantly affect the immediate product and potentially cause downstream failures in larger systems.Learn more about our vendor qualification and management practices that support these high standards.Our quality control processEvery single part we source undergoes our extensive 100-point inspection process. We use the same system in all our quality control centers to guarantee everything is clear, traceable, and accountable throughout the supply chain.Download the Quality Control Guide for a more detailed view of the six-step process. Step 1: photography & reviewThe first step in our quality control process is to document the condition of each component when we receive it.Step 2: barcode scanning & reviewBarcode scanning provides transparency and traceability, tracking components throughout the supply chain.Step 3: visual inspection Visual inspection is essential to find any immediate physical defects or inconsistencies in critical components.Step 4: lab inspectionLab inspection involves detailed examination and testing of semiconductor components in a controlled lab environment.Step 5: electrical testingElectrical testing involves assessing the electrical characteristics of semiconductor components to meet the required electrical specifications and perform reliably.Step 6: packaging and shipping Proper packaging and shipping are crucial to prevent damage during transit. Fusion Worldwide uses industry-standard methods to package semiconductors securely, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition.What sets Fusion Worldwide's quality assurance standards apartAt Fusion Worldwide, quality is not just a requirement but a commitment. Our rigorous quality control processes guarantee that every component we distribute meets the highest standards of reliability and performance. We are committed to continuously investing in advanced testing facilities and the latest technology. These processes also lead to streamlined operations, contributing to overall cost savings and improved operational efficiency.Comprehensive testing and inspectionOur quality control centers have the latest technology and a skilled inspection team. We follow a 100-point inspection process to verify every component is tested thoroughly. We also carefully document each step so that every item and action is traceable.Global quality control centersWe have several quality control centers around the world, and each one is strategically placed to serve our global customers effectively. Each center follows the same procedures and maintains the highest security and environmental standards, ensuring our quality control is always consistent and reliable.Advanced technology and expertiseOur quality control centers are armed with the latest technology and staffed by experts in their field. This combination detects and addresses even the most minor defects or inconsistencies in semiconductor components. What's next in quality control — industry trends and future outlookAs technology advances, so do the methods and processes for ensuring the highest quality in semiconductor distribution. New technologies and artificial intelligence advancements — specifically, machine learning — are key to enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of quality control processes.The role of AI in quality controlAI is revolutionizing quality control in the semiconductor industry. Companies can use machine learning algorithms to detect defects more accurately and reduce inspection times. AI systems also have the ability to quickly analyze vast amounts of data, finding patterns and anomalies that human inspectors might miss. This leads to more reliable and consistent quality checks.Future outlook: The use of AI-driven quality control is expected to grow, leading to more efficient and accurate inspections. This will enhance quality standards and reduce the likelihood of defects slipping through the cracks.Advancements in testing technologiesNew testing technologies are also making inspections of semiconductor components more detailed and accurate. XRF analysis and advanced microscopy give deeper insights into material composition and defects.Future outlook: Continuous improvement in testing technologies is expected, further raising quality standards in the semiconductor industry. As they become more sophisticated, these technologies will provide even greater precision and reliability in quality control.Bottom line: quality starts with Fusion WorldwideFusion Worldwide's thorough, industry-leading quality control processes are second to none. Our commitment to quality guarantees that our clients receive the best products and experiences, reducing risks and improving performance every step of the way.By choosing Fusion Worldwide, you get a supplier and a partner dedicated to delivering the highest quality standards in semiconductor distribution. Our rigorous quality control processes and state-of-the-art facilities ensure you receive reliable and high-performing components every time.Discover why Fusion Worldwide's quality standards are superior. Learn more about our quality control in semiconductor distribution in our Buyer's Guide.Download the Buyer's Guide to Quality Control
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.
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