STAr Technologies, Inc. (STAr) and EDA Industries (EDA) are pleased to announce a mutually strategic business expansion partnership. Combining product scopes and sales networks, this agreement will lead STAr and EDA's growth in the global semiconductor testing market at the highest level.With technologies and applications continuously driving the increase in the demands of ICs, semiconductor players face growing challenges, especially in production management, and must guarantee overall device cost reduction as well as adequate quality and yield.In this scenario, STAr and EDA have decided to strengthen their business cooperation relationship to meet the ever-increasing requirements of the semiconductor industry. STAr will be a sales representative of EDA products and services in the global market, in particular U.S.A, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Meanwhile, EDA will support STAr in EU markets (in particular Italy) and Morocco. The complete sales and service network will significantly benefit industry customers.EDA, established in 1993 in Italy, is a dynamic and experienced international company, providing Turn-Key Solutions and Services for Reliability, Burn-in and Testing of Semiconductor Devices, both at the Wafer and Package Levels. Recently EDA is investing in Testing solutions also for Power Modules.​STAr Technologies, founded in 2000 in Hsinchu Taiwan, is a supplier of semiconductor test total solutions and provides test systems, software, consumables, and services to semiconductor and optical industry companies. Its expertise extends across parametric E-test, WLR & PLR.Dr. Fortunato Palella, Founder of EDA Industries, commented: "We are glad to announce this important partnership with STAr Technologies. Thanks to this agreement and the integration of sales and marketing strategy, our business will be on a new scale, allowing us to increase our coverage of the global semiconductor market, as well as to highlight our deep industry knowledge and expertise".Dr. Choon-Leong Lou, CEO & CTO of STAr Technologies, said: "Testing is a critical process to semiconductor manufacturing and value demonstrated for ICs. We look forward to the year ahead with EDA as partnership promises sales and service cooperation and provide customers the complementary test solutions in the future".STAr and EDA announce strategic business expansion partnership

In the complex space of global trade, export compliance requirements play a pivotal role for businesses in the electronic industry. Export compliance encapsulates a comprehensive set of regulations and laws, dictating the movement of goods and electronic components across international borders. From export controls and licensing requirements to trade embargoes and sanctions, compliance with these mandates is imperative for maintaining the integrity and security of global trade.At Fusion Worldwide, we understand the importance of seamless international trade. As a global leader in electronic component distribution, we navigate a complex web of cross-border shipments. Ensuring compliance with export control regulations is paramount to our success and the trust we build with our partners.Fundamentally, export compliance entails following rules that oversee the exportation of goods and technologies. In an industry where innovation and fast turnaround are crucial, compliance encompasses a wide range of factors. This includes ensuring the proper classification of products, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and adhering to stringent documentation requirements. By navigating these regulations with precision and diligence, businesses can safeguard against potential risks and legal liabilities while fostering a climate of transparency and accountability.Why Export Compliance MattersExport compliance is vital due to its role in safeguarding national security, ensuring regulatory adherence, and protecting against illicit activities. By adhering to export control regulations, companies prevent sensitive goods and technologies from falling into the wrong hands and mitigate the risk of weapons proliferation.Export compliance is governed by a network of regulatory agencies worldwide, each essential for ensuring the integrity of international trade. In the United States, for instance, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) administers the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) while the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) oversees the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).Other regions such as Singapore, the European Union, and Hong Kong have their own regulatory frameworks administered by agencies like Singapore Customs, EU authorities, and Hong Kong's Trade and Industry Department (TID), each aimed at preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, promoting regional stability, and ensuring compliance with international non-proliferation norms.These controlling agencies collaborate globally, exchanging information and coordinating enforcement efforts to combat illicit trade and proliferation activities, thus upholding the integrity of international trade, and fostering responsible business practices.Non-compliance with export controls can have severe consequences. Breaching them can lead to hefty fines, restricted trade, and even jail time. Fusion Worldwide prioritizes export compliance to ensure responsible trade practices and mitigate legal risks. This means classifying items, screening customers, obtaining licenses when required, and maintaining detailed records. By upholding export controls, we foster trust with partners and ensure a smooth flow of electronics across borders.Building a Culture of ComplianceDeveloping a strong export compliance program is not a one-time effort. Fusion fosters a culture of compliance through several initiatives:Management Commitment: Senior leadership demonstrates a commitment to compliance by establishing clear policies, allocating resources, and promoting awareness throughout the organization. Training: Employees involved in export activities receive targeted training on export control regulations and Fusion's internal procedures. This includes general training for all employees and specialized training for functions like sales, purchasing, and compliance personnel. Internal Controls: Fusion has developed internal controls to ensure adherence to export regulations. These controls encompass procedures for classification, screening, license applications, and recordkeeping. Examples include holding orders for compliance review if they involve high-risk customers or unclassified items. Communication and Collaboration: Fusion fosters communication between sales and compliance teams. This synergy ensures that both departments are aligned in their efforts to adhere to regulatory requirements and maintain ethical business practices. Audits and Reviews: Regular audits and reviews of the compliance program help identify and address weaknesses. This ensures continuous improvement and adaptation to the evolving regulatory landscape.Staying Ahead of the CurveThe world of export compliance is constantly evolving. Technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, and updates to regulations all necessitate continuous monitoring and adaptation. Fusion Worldwide's export compliance team stays informed about changes in regulations and maintains a flexible program to adapt to the ever-changing landscape. Export compliance may seem like a hurdle, but it's an essential aspect of operating in the global electronics industry. By building a robust compliance program, Fusion Worldwide ensures its continued success in the international marketplace. This not only mitigates legal and financial risks, but also fosters trust with international partners and promotes responsible trade practices.Author: Wendy Yuan, Global Compliance and Privacy Director, Fusion WorldwideNavigating the Maze: Export Compliance in the Electronics IndustryPhoto: Fusion Worldwide

xMEMS introduced the Skyline DynamicVent in 2023 to solve many of the unaddressed consumer experience issues with TWS earbuds. Skyline is a novel, but straightforward extension of xMEMS' innovative MEMS speaker platform that enables a system DSP to actively control the venting and leakage of ambient air into the earbud. How can a MEMS acoustic vent bring the next level of innovation to true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds? First, we need to examine the current state of the wireless earbud market to understand how this MEMS vent can enable future earbuds to dynamically adapt to multiple environments and situations and improve the consumer experience.xMEMS SkylineSource: xMEMS LabsBy now, most of us have owned multiple pairs of wireless earbuds since they gained popularity in the mid 2010s. For most of that time, earbud design fell into one of two camps – open-fit or closed-fit – both of which come with their own strengths and weaknesses. As such, I often switch between open-fit earbuds that rest in the outer ear, like Apple's AirPods or Bose's new Ultra Open Earbuds, and closed-fit types with silicone tips that go deeper into the ear canal to create a seal, like the AirPods Pro.Open-fit earbudsSource: xMEMS LabsClosed-fit (occluded) earbudsSource: xMEMS LabsBut why do I need two pairs of earbuds? Why is each type ideal for certain situations, but not for others? The culprit: Occlusion Effects.Building A Better EarbudClosed-fit earbuds are great for isolation because they physically block sound from entering or exiting the ear canal, which is known as occlusion. Either with or without additional Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) software, this isolation allows me to better enjoy my music or maintain focus in noisy environments. But blocking the ear canal also produces internal resonance and amplification of sounds my body makes such as footsteps, speech or chewing, also known as occlusion effects which can be both distracting and annoying and detract from a comfortable user experience. Anyone who's gone for a jog with deep earbuds or wears closed-fit hearing aids will be very familiar with this experience.With open-fit earbuds, air can move in and out freely from the ear, and this "venting" of my body's internal sounds removes occlusion effects, enabling a more comfortable user experience. By eliminating the occlusion of the ear, I also have improved awareness of my surroundings. However, this venting comes at the expense of audio quality. An open, non-occluded ear results in a loss of low frequency energy and reduced bass effect, requiring larger, heavier speaker drivers to recover some of the lost energy. Also, ingress of external noise from these open, leaky earbuds takes away from maximum music enjoyment. Open earbuds typically cannot effectively employ ANC, either.To mitigate the differences and trade-offs between open and closed-fit earbuds and deliver to consumers a truly no-compromise solution, manufacturers have experimented for years with active vents or valves in earbuds that can open and close to provide the best attributes of both earbud types in a single device.Early attempts by consumer brands with electromechanical, non-solid-state vents have resulted in deployments into small volume hearing aid products, but were not reliable enough for broad, high-volume market adoption. Complications such as a short product lifespan of roughly 6 months due to vulnerability to moisture and particles, and an audible clicking sound during open/close state changes dissuaded further adoption.We found that delivering a best-of-both-worlds earbud design requires a more fundamental innovation that leverages the latest advances in MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems). Using the world's first solid-state MEMS DynamicVent, called Skyline, manufacturers can now develop true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds, hearing aids and sleep buds that offer all the benefits of closed-fit and open-fit types without any compromise.Solid-State MEMS Delivers the Best of Both Worlds Performance and QualityManufacturers integrating Skyline enable earbuds that dynamically switch between open-fit and close-fit characteristics in real time. In closed mode, Skyline can attenuate outside noise by as much as 30dB without DSP and power-hungry ANC. When combined with ANC, noise suppression gets even better. This superior isolation delivers the best overall music listening experience and improved focus for work and study.Paired with DSP noise detection, Skyline DynamicVent enables earbuds to dynamically switch between open-fit and close-fit characteristicsSource: xMEMS LabsWith the vent open, Skyline reduces occlusion effects by up to 27dB@100Hz, making exercise and conference calls more natural and comfortable. Consumers also experience improved spatial awareness, and a more natural passthrough/transparency mode where the voice of the person you're speaking with enters your ear directly through the Skyline vent instead of being digitally amplified and artificially reproduced in most wireless earbuds today.A low-power "comfort" mode is also available that blends the benefits of open and closed modes at reduced power consumption. Comfort mode brings between 3-8dB of leakage reducing occlusion effects and increasing spatial awareness, while still providing 8-20dB of passive noise isolation.These benefits apply to hearing aids as well, allowing manufacturers to develop devices that are more comfortable and more adaptable to a wide range of daily usage scenarios. And for wearers, they no longer have to switch between open and close fit ear tips to match their listening environment.Sleep buds are also growing in popularity, and any progress to make them more comfortable and more automated will undoubtedly encourage increased adoption. With a sensor-activated solid-state vent, sleep buds can block ambient sounds such as snoring or machine noise, then automatically let the ears breathe when the room is quiet.One Earbud To Rule Them AllWe are at an inflection point where personal audio devices are necessary for a significant portion of our day, but the wireless earbud industry has been slow to innovate and often focuses on incremental improvements. Now we have the opportunity to create a major shift in quality and usability that can also improve brand reputation and market share for those who give consumers what they always want: an easy-to-use product that expands usage scenarios, reduces complexity and frustration, and ultimately makes their lives easier.Solid-state MEMS vent technology is the answer we've been looking for. xMEMS' Skyline, available in a 4x5x1.15mm LGA package along with the companion Alpine controller IC, is mass-production ready. Contact your local xMEMS sales representative or distributor for more information at https://xmems.com/contact/.Link to our Product Page.

Authorities in Thailand have decided to block access to all cryptocurrency exchanges not authorized to operate in the country. The order is aimed at fighting money laundering and several other online crimes.At a meeting last week, Mrs. Pornanong Busaratrakul, the Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Secretary-General, said the resolve begins with the Commission submitting details of unauthorized crypto providers to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, which will then block access to the platforms.The move targets illegal platforms, not the entire country's crypto sector. Citizens should still gain access to authorized platforms, including cryptocurrency exchanges, merchants providing goods and services, and Bitcoin gambling sites, where players can enjoy the benefits of merging the casino industry with the perks of blockchain technology.As part of the announcement, the Thai SEC has now asked customers on these platforms to withdraw their funds as soon as possible, adding that there is no legal recourse for users. A translation of the SEC's publication reads:"The SEC would like to warn the public and investors to be careful of using services with unauthorized digital asset business operators because they will not be protected by law. There is also a risk of being deceived and [unknowingly facilitating] money laundering."The SEC's news release also encourages investors to check the Commission's list of licensed business operators before depositing funds.Thailand's decision to create stricter crypto regulations follows similar moves by authorities in other Southeast Asian nations. For instance, India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), a part of the Ministry of Finance, issued a noncompliance notice to several crypto exchanges. Affected establishments were Kraken, Binance, KuCoin, MEXC Global, Bitfinex, Bittrex, Gate.io, and Bitstamp. The government asked the exchanges to comply with local Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations within 12 days. Weeks later, the exchanges' apps were unavailable on Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store in India. The government also banned the exchange's URLs.The order came as a shock to several users of cryptocurrency exchanges in the country, especially those who camped with offshore exchanges to avoid the heavy 30% tax the Indian government imposed on crypto trading profits.There are calls for the Indian government to focus on misconduct common among local exchanges. For instance, Siddharth Sogani, the CEO of blockchain analytics firm Crebaco Global, told Cointelegraph that domestic exchanges require regulatory oversight. According to Sogani, the government's action against foreign platforms is a good way to prevent Indian traders from evading tax. However, he believes it is "hypocritical for the government to worry about foreign exchanges before setting clear regulations for Indian exchanges." The CEO buttressed his point by pointing to cases where local exchanges have prevented users from withdrawing their funds.However, Rajagopal Menon, the vice president of Indian exchange WazirX, praised the action. Menon believes it was long overdue because the government could not earn tax revenue, users had no recourse, and local exchanges lost their market share. Interestingly, the law could be positive for crypto-based services like online gambling platforms that allow crypto, especially since they may no longer have to grapple with foreign competition.Authorities in the Philippines are also cracking down on unauthorized crypto platforms. Last month, the Philippines National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) began blocking access to websites of cryptocurrency companies offering investment products without the required permits. The Commission had issued an order to internet service providers instructing them to block the websites of OctaFX and MiTrade upon request from the country's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).Photo by Geoff Greenwood on Unsplash

SK hynix Inc. (or "the company", www.skhynix.com) announced today that it recorded 12.43 trillion won in revenues, 2.886 trillion won in operating profit (with an operating margin of 23%), and 1.917 trillion won in net profit (with a net margin of 15%) in the first quarter.With revenues marking an all-time high for a first quarter and the operating profit a second-highest following the records of the first quarter of 2018, SK hynix believes that it has entered the phase of a clear rebound following a prolonged downturn.The company said that an increase in the sales of AI server products backed by its leadership in AI memory technology including HBM and continued efforts to prioritize profitability led to a 734% on-quarter jump in the operating profit. With the sales ratio of eSSD, a premium product, on the rise and the average selling prices rising, the NAND business has also achieved a meaningful turnaround in the same period.SK hynix forecasts the overall memory market to be on a steady growth path in coming months as demand for AI memory continues to rise, while the market for the conventional DRAM also starts to recover from the second half. Industry experts believe that inventories both at suppliers and customers will decrease as an increase in production of premium products such as HBM requires higher production capacities than conventional DRAM, resulting in a relative reduction in conventional DRAM supply.In the DRAM space, the company plans to increase supply volume of HBM3E, of which mass production has started in March for the first time in the industry, while expanding the customer base. The company will also introduce 32Gb DDR5 products based on the 1bnm process, the fifth generation of the 10nm technology, within this year to strengthen its leadership in the high-capacity server DRAM market.For the NAND business, SK hynix will seek product optimization to sustain the trend of earnings recovery. SK hynix will aggressively increase the sales of both high-performance 16-channel eSSD, an area where the company has a technological edge, and QLC-based high-capacity eSSD by its U.S. subsidiary Solidigm. It will also launch the fifth generation of the PCIe cSSD for AI PCs at an early time in order to respond to market demands with an optimized product lineup.*QLC(Quadruple Level Cell): NAND Flash products are categorized into single, multi, triple, and quadruple level cells depending on the number of information (in bit unit) contained in a single cell. QLC contains four times more data than a single level cell, facilitating realization of high capacity and raising cost efficiencySeparately, SK hynix announced a day earlier that it will accelerate the process to build the M15X fab in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, to expand DRAM production capacities.Aside from the M15X fab, the company will also carry out investments in advanced packaging facilities in Indiana and the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster as planned over the longer term.With sizeable investments planned, the overall capital expenditure for this year is expected to be larger than initially planned at the beginning of 2024. In addition to the plan to increase investment to meet rising customer demand, SK hynix will also boost supply of conventional DRAM in line with market trend, which it expects to lead to a steady growth of the global memory market and an improved investment efficiency and financial soundness of the company."With the industry's best technology in the AI memory space led by HBM, we have entered a clear recovery phase," Chief Financial Officer Kim Woohyun said. "We will continue to work towards improving our financial results by providing the industry's best performing products at a right time and maintaining the profitability-first commitment."SK Hynix financial results, 1Q24 (KRWb) 1Q244Q23 Q/Q1Q23 Y/YRevenues12,429.611,305.510%5,088.1144%Operating Profit2,886346734%(3,402.3)Turn to profitOperating Margin23%3%20pp(67%)90ppNet Income1,917(1,379.5)Turn to profit(2,585.5)Turn to profitSource: Company, compiled by DIGITIMES

Rugged embedded computer brand – Cincoze, will be at Automate 2024 (South Hall, Stand 1062) in Chicago, USA, on May 6–9, 2024. Cincoze will display its range of world-class industrial embedded computing products around the theme of "Comprehensive AI Edge Computing Solutions" encompassing the full spectrum of industrial application environments in four dedicated zones, including the Rugged Embedded Computers, Industrial Panel PCs & Monitors, Embedded GPU Computers, and New Products.Rugged Embedded ComputersRugged Embedded ComputersCincoze Rugged Computing – DIAMOND line is for harsh industrial environments. The seven computers in the range have wide temperature, wide voltage, and industrial-grade protections, while each model offers different performance, expandability, size, power efficiency, and industry certifications. Every model supports additional I/O and functions through Cincoze's exclusive modular expansion technology for maximum application flexibility.Industrial Panel PCs & MonitorsIndustrial Panel PCs & MonitorsCincoze Display Computing – CRYSTAL product line consists of six different series, including industrial panel PCs (CV-100/P series) and monitors (CV-100/M series) for general use in industrial environments, sunlight-readable panel PCs (CS-100/P series) and monitors (CS-100/M series) for use in high brightness environments or outdoors, and open frame panel PCs (CO-100/P series) and monitors (CO-100/M series) for seamless integration in advanced machine equipment. The CRYSTAL line offers a range of screen sizes, display ratios, touch methods, resolution, brightness, and other options to provide a complete and comprehensive selection.Embedded GPU ComputersEmbedded GPU Computers Cincoze GPU Computing – GOLD product line is for rapidly evolving AI technologies by providing the computing power needed for machine learning and AIoT in industrial environments. Cincoze will showcase the GM-1000 and GP-3100 series in the GPU Computing – GOLD product line. The GM-1000 is a high-performance computer that supports an MXM GPU and best suits machine vision applications with limited installation space. The GP-3100 is Cincoze's flagship model that supports up to two full-length graphics cards with the addition of a GPU Expansion Box and can perform sophisticated and complex visual inspection or autonomous driving. The GP-3100 has three patents for its heat dissipation, expansion, and GPU card mounting bracket designs, not only solving customer pain points but also winning many awards.New ProductsThe New Products Zone will showcase a number of the latest products with the latest Intel Raptor Lake and Alder Lake processors. The biggest highlight is the new Machine Computing – DIN RAIL PC (MD Series) product line, specially tailored for control cabinets, further filling out Cincoze's range for smart manufacturing. In addition to its excellent processing performance, expansion capabilities allow adding I/O, storage, and expansion sockets according to application needs, providing more options and flexibility.Exhibition informationItemDetailDateMon. – Thur., May 6 - 9, 2024PlaceMcCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago, Illinois, USAStandSouth Hall / Stand 1062Time·May 6, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm·May 7, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm·May 8, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm·May 9, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Connections Summit 2024 takes place between 13-16th May in Taichung, Taiwan. The event will bring together the RFID industry for four days of learning, networking and cultural experiences, covering current and future RFID market trends, technical developments and emerging use cases for the technology.Connections Summit 2024 is presented by the RAIN Alliance in collaboration with NFC Forum and hosted by SAG."This year's Connections Summit will have a particularly celebratory mood. We're celebrating 10 years of the RAIN Alliance, while our partner NFC Forum and host SAG mark their respective 20 and 25 year anniversaries," said Aileen Ryan, President and CEO of the RAIN Alliance. "With this in mind, we are delighted to bring the RFID industry together to explore the technology's future, including new and emerging use cases in tomorrow's connected world – such as sustainability and the circular economy."Organisations are increasingly using tags to improve traceability of goods, to align with incoming sustainability regulation such as the Digital Product Passport. The wide range of emerging use cases for RAIN RFID has also led to rapid global adoption of the technology in recent years. Shipments of RAIN RFID tag chips surged to 44.8bn in 2023 alone, representing year-on-year growth of 32%.Sustainability will be a key topic of discussion throughout the Connections Summit, particularly during the Open Day co-hosted by NFC Forum. The morning will feature panel discussions and keynote addresses on topics including: sustainability initiatives; the benefits of RAIN RFID and NFC Technology as key enablers of smart retail innovation; how RFID can help make the circular economy a reality; key market trends; and driving adoption of the technology as our world gets more connected. In the afternoon, attendees will split into two tracks, with sessions covering issues specific to RAIN RFID and NFC Technology in more detail."Learning, networking and cultural exchange were key focuses for us when devising the programme," added Ryan. "Alongside our Open Day, the Connections Summit will be an opportunity for the RAIN Alliance to host training masterclasses, enable working groups to connect and celebrate the cultural richness of our host Taiwan through a concert experience and various dinners. We look forward to seeing you there!"For more information or to register for the event, please visit: https://bit.ly/RainAllianceSummitConnections Summit also features a unique, cultural extravaganza featuring traditional Taiwanese music, dance, and cuisine, hosted by SAG and NXP.

Global Unichip Corp. (GUC), the Advanced ASIC Leader, announced today that the GLink-3D interface (GUC's Link for 3D die stacking) for the TSMC 3DFabric SoIC-X 3D stacking platform passed comprehensive silicon testing, validating 3DIC interface hardening flow. The first GUC 3D customer project also passed complete silicon testing, validating a full spectrum of 3D implementation services for AI/HPC/Networking applications.Typical AI/HPC/Networking chips combine large memory with high performance logic. Logic gains power, speed and size improvement when scaled to the most advanced process while the SRAM scaling gains are moderate. Stacking a logic chiplet at a more advanced process node over an SRAM-dominant chiplet at a SRAM-scaling-efficient, less advanced node is the most optimal cost/performance solution. The high-bandwidth, low-latency, low-power GLink-3D interface IP is an enabler for this solution. Other challenges are thermal dissipation and power distribution of 3D stacked chiplets. GUC developed a full 3D design flow and implemented the first customer's logic-overmemory 3D stacking product and it passed silicon validation. A silicon-correlated design and simulation flow allows seamless implementation using the emerging UCIe-3D interface standard.For the highest 3D interface bandwidth density requirements, GUC developed the GLink-3D interface using Double Data Rate (DDR) and adaptive timing architecture. The modular solution is flexible enough to support users' buses and clocking schemes and to avoid cross-die/corner timing closure challenge while providing 9 Tbps/mm2 bandwidth density. GLink-3D was validated using TSMC's first SoIC-X testchip with N5 CPU logic over N6 SRAM stacked dies. IP robustness was validated across a full range of process-voltage-temperature corners, proving BER <1E-30, high supply voltage and frequency margins, and strong supply noise immunity. The next generation GLink-3D for N2 to N7, targeting 20-40Tbps/mm2, 0.2ns-0.6ns latency and UCIe-3D compliant, is also under development.Multiple GLink-3D IPs were implemented in both dies of the SoIC-X testchip"3D packaging moves chiplet interface from die edge to the most optimal location anywhere in a chiplet, making the shortest interconnect between logic and memory," said Aditya Raina, CMO of GUC. "Together with CoWoS®, InFO, and SoIC design expertise, package design, electrical and thermal simulations, and DFT and production testing, we provide our customers with a robust and comprehensive solution, enabling fast design cycles and quick time-to-market of their AI/HPC/xPU/Networking products.""3D technology enables systems combining huge processing power and vast memory, with each component created in the most efficient process node," said Igor Elkanovich, CTO of GUC. "We developed and silicon-validated 3D interface (GLink-3D) hardening service, 3D physical implementation and timing closure, signal integrity, power distribution and integrity, and SoIC thermal and mechanical simulations – a full package of services allowing low risk adoption of 3D technology in our customers' projects."GUC N5/N6 GLink-3D HighlightsGUC's Silicon-Correlated 3D Service PackageLearn More about GUC's GLink IP with InFO/CoWoS Total SolutionFor more information, please contact your GUC sales representative directly or email guc_sales@guc-asic.comCoWoS® is a registered trademark of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. in the United States, Europe, China, Taiwan and/or other countries.

DigiKey, a leading global commerce distributor offering the largest selection of technical components and automation products in stock for immediate shipment, is excited to announce its teaming up with NXP Semiconductors to launch the MCX MCU Design Contest at embedded world. Using NXP's new FRDM development boards, contest participants are invited to submit design ideas and projects for a chance to win a variety of prizes, including a grand prize package containing a 14-inch MacBook Pro, Apple Watch Series 9, and AirPods Pro.The DigiKey and NXP MCX MCU Design Contest runs from April 8 to May 20, 2024"We are excited to launch the MCX MCU Design Contest with NXP and look forward to the acceleration of ideas from developers using NXP's FRDM development platform featuring the new MCX MCU portfolio," said David Sandys, senior director of technical marketing for DigiKey. "Partnering with NXP on a program like this supports engineers and designers and rewards them for designing without bounds using new, highly-integrated microcontrollers."DigiKey and NXP Semiconductors will select the winners by Aug. 15, 2024. The second prize is an e-bike, and the third prize is a $750 DigiKey gift card. Twenty-five runners-up will also be selected to receive swag packages.The contest opens on April 8, 2024, and all design ideas must be submitted by May 20, 2024. Final projects must be submitted by July 31, 2024.To enter, participants must select a FRDM board featuring NXP's new MCX N and MCX A series microcontrollers. FRDM boards come with a standard form factor and headers, easy access to MCU I/Os, and an on-board MCU-Link debugger.NXP's MCX N Series are high-performance, low-power MCUs featuring a dual-core architecture, on-chip accelerators and intelligent peripherals for multitasking capabilities and performance efficiency. The company's MCX A Series are all-purpose MCUs designed to address a wide range of applications featuring low-power and intelligent peripherals.Visit the All About Circuits website for the complete rules and terms and conditions.

Businesses seeking success in the digital economy need to rethink their operational strategies by effectively managing and analyzing data. This underscores the significance of digital transformation, which has become a primary focus for businesses today. Industrial professionals suggest that digital transformation entails more than merely investing in digital technology across all business areas; it involves mastering changes in business models by leveraging information technology (IT). However, among the challenges faced by enterprises is the shortage of global IT talent, which underscores the importance of software outsourcing and consulting services in efficiently scaling businesses while reducing operational costs.Comparing the adoption of Digital Transformation in Asia and Pacific nations, Taiwan is lower ranked than the other advanced countries. The survey reports also indicate Taiwan's small businesses were slow to transform digitally, giving a lower ranking in the "digital observer" category conducted by Cisco and International Data Corp (IDC). It is an important strategy for government agencies and private businesses to team up with global partners to accelerate the progress.FPT Software is a globally leading technology solutions provider, regarded as the largest IT service provider in Southeast Asia, specializing in smart IT solutions, consulting, customized software, and software outsourcing services. The company's overseas software service over US$1 billion in 2023, with more than 30,000 employees globally in 30 countries worldwide.Vietnam boasts a young population and number 2 software exporting nation in the world, with the median age estimated at 32.8 years by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations. This demographic dividend provides FPT Software with a significant advantage in cultivating young technical and business talents. FPT Corporation has established its own No1 IT private university in Vietnam with over 170,000 students, offering a comprehensive IT education system tailored to meet enterprise needs and nurture young professionals to bridge the gap in engineering human resources. This system is helping FPT Software to deliver world-class technology solutions for complex business opportunities and challenges.In this interview with Mr. Levi Nguyen, the CEO of FPT Software Greater Bay Indochina, he has taken FPT Software's Taiwan office since 2023. As an experienced executive with a proven track record in delivering financial returns and IT expertise, including professional tech certifications such as PMP, ITIL, Agile, CCDP, and MCSE, he actively participates in events hosted by Taiwanese government organizations and associations. He also delivers speeches at events like the World Telecom Smart City Conference (WTSCC) and conducts product demonstrations at the booth of the 2024 Smart City Summit & Expo.Expanding operations in Taiwan: scaling teams to seize 2024 business opportunitiesWith the Taipei branch established in 2019, FPT Software is optimistic about the development of the Taiwan market. The company's focus in Taiwan targets key sectors such as smart manufacturing, telecommunications, financial services, and solutions. FPT Software's core technologies include Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), low-code development, and robotics, enabling the delivery of services in smart factories, digital platforms, robotic process automation (RPA), cloud computing, augmented reality/virtual reality, software outsourcing, and other business applications.Amidst the escalating US-China Tech War and global supply chain decoupling and the trend of shifting manufacturing bases away from China has prompted Taiwanese vendors to accelerate investments in Vietnam in recent years, FPT Software sees this as a significant opportunity to serve Taiwanese customers locally in Taiwan. To provide rapid services, FPT Software has increased its investment in local services in Taiwan to deliver significant value to customers. Recently, the Taiwanese government was more open to cloud technologies, which FPT Software can seize the opportunity to provide solutions for Taiwanese companies to optimize their operation cost and launch the services to market faster.Furthermore, as the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the global surge in the use of digital payments and virtual banking services, FPT Software introduced solutions to Taiwan financial customers such as the Digital Bank, the Paperless Insurance platform, Financial Services Analytical Applications, Fraud system and advanced services of Core Banking/Insurance Upgrade Migration to boost digital innovations. Another mainstream in smart factory sectors, FPT Software has rolled out solutions in Japan, Germany, and the United States. These are FPT Software's key focuses of business development in Taiwan to contribute to Taiwanese customers in the near future.Capitalizing on these opportunities, FPT Software has outlined a robust expansion plan in Taiwan for 2024 and initiated software projects to explore further potential. Levi Nguyen emphasizes the recruitment of operational teams, aiming to increase the existing team of 30 to 100 people as the first step. In addition to this growth within Taiwan, FPT Software has also planned to establish several new offices in different cities across Taiwan to meet customer requirements.FPT Software's AI innovations illuminate Taiwan's smart manufacturing landscapeAs emerging technologies continue to evolve, AI and machine learning will play an increasingly vital role. In Levi Nguyen's speech at the World Telecom Smart City Conference, he highlighted FPT Software's advantages in artificial intelligence technology demonstrated through business opportunities in smart manufacturing. Leveraging this strength, Levi Nguyen showcased one fascinating use case: automated visual inspection projects in a major Taiwanese 5G equipment manufacturer in Hsinchu. With the demand for smart manufacturing on the rise, FPT Software will continue to expand automation and AI-enabled smart manufacturing solutions, leveraging its long-term accumulated credibility to capture the market.Meanwhile, as Generative AI has become a global phenomenon, it has ignited a global race among tech companies. Whether it's automated chatbots, AI-assisted coding tools for analyzing source code, or testing and optimization, these AI-enabled solutions have generated practical examples, fostering a transformative approach to enhancing software development through increased efficiency and productivity. FPT Software will continue to drive AI development to serve Taiwanese customers. Other significant developments include software-defined vehicle technology and outsourcing services. These ongoing trends are boosting the collaborative development of automotive systems in the future, representing key opportunities to maintain strong and lasting business relationships with Taiwanese partners.Deepening Taiwan Mobile partnership for future growth Discussing prominent clients and ongoing projects, Levi Nguyen highlights the collaboration with Taiwan Mobile Co. as a prime example. In a subsequent video conference interview with Rock Tsai, Chief Information Officer of Taiwan Mobile, he portrays Taiwan Mobile as a leading telecom operator specializing in mobile, fixed-line, cable TV, and broadband services, which has established key criteria to select an international IT and software partner. Among these criteria is the value of internationalization through partnerships. With this strategy aiding the company in seizing growth opportunities in the Southeast Asian market, Taiwan Mobile opts for FPT Software due to its global presence and position as Vietnam's leading tech firm in global IT services. With multiple offices and local operational capabilities in Southeast Asia, FPT Software possesses the capacity to assist Taiwan Mobile in seizing growth opportunities in the Southeast Asian market. Both companies have the potential to become strategic partners in the near future.Additionally, Tsai emphasizes the current plan focusing on international talent development. Taiwan Mobile aims to offer university-level overseas internships and talent exchange programs to FPT University. With a strong emphasis on talent development, FPT Software can aid Taiwan Mobile in recruiting young talents from Southeast Asia to address workforce demands amidst the backdrop of existing labor shortages. Taiwan is grappling with the world's lowest fertility rate and an aging population, which will diminish its overall talent pool.Furthermore, Taiwan Mobile continues to offer software outsourcing projects to FPT Software. Both engineering teams can initiate cooperation and mutual learning. Acknowledging the expansion plans of FPT Software's Taiwan branch, Tsai commends the growth and welcomes the expansion of the Taiwan office.Tsai identifies internationalization as FPT Software's greatest strength. Through the concerted efforts of FPT Software and further collaboration, Taiwanese customers can benefit from strengthened competitiveness compared to other competitors. For swift access to recruitment information from FPT Taiwan, please visit FPT Taiwan LinkedIn.FPT Software Greater Bay Indochina CEO Levi Nguyen emphasizes scaling operational teams from 30 to 100 as the initial step and establishing new offices across Taiwan to meet customer needsFPT Software highlights Taiwan's smart manufacturing potential at the 2024 WTSCC, expanding partnerships with industry leaders while leveraging its localized presenceWith local operational capabilities across Southeast Asia, FPT Software supports Taiwan Mobile's regional growth, fostering potential strategic partnership