This is a market that grows exponentially across the world and Canada is no exception. Such expansion has raised balancing regulations to a matter of great importance at this time, with more international operators setting their eyes on the Canadian market. So far, regulatory development has been led by the province of Ontario, which is moving forward with a model that delicately weighs market competition against player protection. An overview by iGaming Business underlines how there is a need for a smart regulatory approach that protects the player, allows for keeping the market competitive, and reduces risks.iGaming's exponential growth in CanadaOnline gaming in Canada has exploded over the last couple of years. Due to rising technologies and increasing demand for online entertainment, digital gaming platforms-from online casinos to sports betting-have never been more readily available. In April 2022, Ontario opened up its market to private operators. That indeed marked a landmark decision, showing that the province was ready to begin regulating the industry while encouraging healthy competition.The free spins in Canada incentive, for example, is on the rise and has made these platforms more attractive, especially to new casino players who just want to test the waters. Such offers allow players to play a variety of games while putting themselves at minimal financial risk, as they will still be operating in a regulated environment. The ease of access, upper, and promotions combined have been among the leading drivers of growth in the Canadian iGaming scene.However, such rapid expansion also brings a host of player safety concerns and fears of domination by unregulated offshore operators. These challenges call for a balanced regulatory framework that seeks protection for its users and integrity in the market.Tech transformations driving iGaming growthTechnology is now one of the key factors that have contributed to the growth and development of iGaming in Canada. Better software development, better RNG mechanisms, and further improvements in game mechanics have created more immersive and fair gaming experiences. The new innovations build trust among gamers, which is key in a competitive, regulated market.One of the most prominent changes taken over by iGaming is blockchain technology. This added more transparency and security to the gaming platforms since it allowed players to check and verify the transparency of any transaction. Similarly, cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, also found their place within the industry, allowing users who value anonymity to have faster and a bit more secure transactions.Another sphere of interest in the chain of technology transformation is cybersecurity. Online gaming is getting more popular; correspondingly, cases of data leakage become more current. In turn, modern gaming platforms are trying to implement encryption technologies, multi-factor authentication, and AI-driven fraud detection systems as grounds for player data protection. This makes the platform both safer and in compliance with the strict regulatory requirements defined by a province like Ontario.Challenges facing the iGaming industry in CanadaContrasting with the growth that is happening in the sector, certain challenges lie ahead for the iGaming industry in Canada. The trend of offshore operators going forward and gaining players motivates some government efforts to bring license conditions closer to those of land-based casinos. In turn, this has major implications for responsible gambling initiatives and player protection policies. Another threat to regulated operations is that unregulated operators often bypass Canadian tax laws, leading to revenue loss that should go to the country.Another critical issue with the easy accessibility of online platforms is problem gambling. With more players accessing iGaming, it will increase the addictive habit of gambling; hence, the a need to develop tighter safeguards and player protection.A regulatory model to beatOntario has been quite literally leading the charge in regulating iGaming in Canada. The decision of this province to open its market to private operators in April 2022 set a model that could balance competition with strict regulatory oversight. After that, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and iGaming Ontario oversee private licensing to make certain that standards related to data protection, responsible gambling, and game fairness are followed to the letter.The Ontario framework allows for a host of player protections, such as self-exclusion programs, deposit limits, and easy access to support regarding problem gambling. This kind of regulatory approach has already attracted a wide range of international operators, enhancing competition and offering Canadians more choices in the iGaming market.Battling offshore operators: A growing concernUnregulated offshore operators are one of the biggest challenges for regulators in Canada. Operating outside of any available Canadian authority, compliance with local regulations could hardly be achieved. Hence, a large number of those seldom execute measures on responsible gaming, protection of personal data and even taxation.Canadian regulators may be considering even more severe action to loosen such operators' stranglehold. For example, drawing in internet service providers and financial institutions could block access to unlicensed platforms, thus ultimately draining their capacity to operate in the country.ConclusionThe more popular iGaming becomes throughout Canada, the more important thoughtful regulation will be. It will take a balanced approach: one which puts player protection first, cracks down on unregulated operators, and makes sure there is technological innovation if the industry is to keep growing in full safety and fairness for its players.
With the rapid development of 5G and IoT applications, real-time data processing has become crucial. Edge computing plays a key role in data analysis and storage, reducing bandwidth consumption and shortening response times. Additionally, the introduction of AI inference and machine learning provides real-time insights and actions on the accumulating data, driving the growth of Edge AI. To meet the market demand for "AI + Edge," Chenbro, a leading server chassis brand, has launched the RM252 MIO (Multiple I/O) short-depth edge computing chassis solutions, designed to support diverse applications such as smart surveillance, smart factories, and smart cities.Chenbro launches RM252 MIO edge computing chassis solutions. Credit: ChenbroWith its short-depth chassis design, the RM252 MIO series is ideal for edge computing in high-density rack environments with limited space. Its installation and maintenance are straightforward, facilitating easy hardware upgrades and servicing. The series includes two models: the front I/O RM25206 MIO FIO and the rear I/O RM25204 MIO RIO, offering flexible cabling options. These models support a variety of I/O interfaces, expansion slots, and multiple drive backplanes, with the capability to install two full-height GPGPU cards, meeting the needs of Edge AI applications that require high performance and flexible deployment.Designed to support two full-height GPGPU cardsThe RM252 MIO series supports the installation of two full-height GPGPU cards. While normal 2U servers may encounter space limitations in accommodating two full-height cards, the RM252 MIO series employs an innovative riser card design, optimizing the space on the right side of the full-height card, allowing for a second full-height card to be installed horizontally. As a result, users can upgrade to two full-height GPGPU cards in a compact 2U server with a short 450mm chassis, significantly enhancing machine learning and deep learning computing efficiency.In addition to the two full-height card configurations, the RM252 MIO series can also flexibly replace one single full-height card slot with six low-profile card slots, allowing for a configuration of one full-height card with six low-profile cards. Furthermore, the riser card used in the RM252 MIO series supports PCIe Gen5, offering data transfer rates of up to 32 GT/s. The newly launched RM25204 MIO RIO is suitable for both GPGPU and GPU installations, allowing users to opt for consumer-grade GPUs for image processing, catering to different application needs.Featuring an innovative modular design and diverse hard drive supportIn addition to the upgrade for two full-height GPGPU configurations, diverse drive backplane support is a key feature of the RM252 MIO series. The RM25206 MIO FIO can accommodate six 2.5-inch SAS/SATA drives, or be configured to install two NVMe with four SAS/SATA drives on the front. The RM25204 MIO RIO can install two NVMe and two SAS/SATA drives on the front, with an additional two SAS/SATA drives on the rear. The entire RM252 MIO series also supports PCIe Gen4 NVMe drives, with data transfer rates of up to 16 GT/s, making it ideal for applications requiring high-performance storage.The modular design of the RM252 MIO series is evident in several aspects, including the FIO and RIO product design and drive installation configurations. The fan and motherboard configurations also demonstrate flexibility. The series supports various hot-swap fan modules, including 8025, 8038, and 8056, allowing users to easily replace and maintain them based on their needs. In terms of motherboards, the RM252 MIO series is compatible with E-ATX, CEB, and ATX form factors. Moreover, with patented mechanical innovations, it accommodates both 6.5-slot and mainstream 7-slot motherboards, offering a wide range of choices for the market. This modular design allows the RM252 MIO series to meet diverse application requirements, enhancing the overall user experience.Unleashing edge AI potential for meeting diverse applicationsFor example, in a large retail store's visual detection application, the RM252 MIO equipped with two full-height GPGPU cards can help camera sensors identify basic customer information, such as gender and age, while also supporting further analysis on consumer preferences. These advanced computations provide more commercially valuable insights, meeting the demands of Edge AI applications.Chenbro's RM252 MIO series offers an Edge AI server chassis solution with flexible support for two full-height GPGPU cards and an innovative modular design. With its exceptional flexibility and performance, whether for video surveillance, smart cities, or diverse data center deployments, the RM252 MIO series is the ideal choice for boosting computing performance and optimizing space utilization.Chenbro's comprehensive Reference Motherboard Program ensures broad motherboard compatibility. Please get in touch with Chenbro's regional sales team or your local channel partner for business inquiries. For more information, please visit http://www.chenbro.com.
The upcoming 21st TAITA-SV Annual Conference, scheduled for Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Santa Clara, California, will focus on the theme "Taiwan's Strategic Layout in the AI Era." The conference will explore how Taiwan leverages its leading semiconductor technology advantages to sustain its core position in the global supply chain while addressing the challenges and opportunities brought by the AI revolution.Colley Hwang, Founder and President of DIGITIMES, will deliver a keynote speech, providing a detailed analysis of the latest advancements in AI technology and their impact on Taiwan's role in the global technology landscape. With the rapid expansion of AI and the rising demand for high-performance computing (HPC), the global technology industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. According to the latest DIGITIMES Research report, global server shipments are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2023 to 2028. Colley Hwang highlighted that Taiwan's share in the high-end AI server market is expected to increase from 74.4% last year to 83.6% this year and exceed 90.2% by 2025, demonstrating Taiwan's strong capabilities and growth potential in AI server technology.Industry leaders share insights: In-depth exploration of technology and future developmentThe afternoon forum will bring together multiple industry leaders and experts to delve into the latest AI advancements and their profound impact on Taiwan's semiconductor supply chain. Colley Hwang, Founder and President of DIGITIMES, will share his insights into the development of AI technology and how it is reshaping the global tech supply chain. Dr. Y.K. Chen, Deputy Chief Technology Officer at Coherent, will explore the prospects of silicon photonics in next-generation semiconductors, while Dr. Kevin Yasumura, Director at Google, will present on the development of optical switches for data centers in the AI era, revealing how AI is driving infrastructure transformation.In addition to insights from technology experts, the forum will feature four leading venture capitalists discussing the future of hard-tech (Hard-Tech), including Dr. Wen Hsieh, Founding Managing Partner at Matter Venture Partners, Dr. Alex Fang, Managing Partner at Entrada Ventures, Tong Chao, Partner at Tyche Partners, and Dr. Huang Lee, Managing Partner at Taiwania Capital. These experts will analyze how Taiwan can leverage its semiconductor strengths to tackle the challenges brought by the rapid adoption of AI, and ensure supply chain security and stability from multiple perspectives, including technology innovation, policy development, and geopolitics.Dinner Keynote: Exploring the Future of Biotechnology and HealthcareThe dinner keynote will be delivered by Professor Chi-Huey Wong, with a focus on "Research Toward Healthcare and Biotech Development." As a pioneer in the biotechnology field, Professor Wong's research spans several key areas, including chemical synthesis, protein engineering, cancer treatment, vaccine development, and immunotherapy. He will emphasize the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for cultivating future innovators and inspiring the next generation to actively engage in scientific research and lead future technological revolutions.Register Now to Secure Your Spot!Key topics such as photonics, advanced semiconductor technologies, and the integration of AI with the semiconductor supply chain. Use the promo code "ILOVETAIWAN" to register for the afternoon panel discussions for free. Don't miss the opportunity to attend the dinner keynote (a paid event) and connect with industry leaders. Spaces are limited, so register now to secure your spot!Registration link: qr.codes/fh7Vb2
STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) is introducing its fourth generation STPOWER silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET technology. The Generation 4 technology brings new benchmarks in power efficiency, power density, and robustness.While serving the needs of both the automotive and industrial markets, the new technology is particularly optimized for traction inverters, the key component of electric vehicle (EV) powertrains. The company plans to introduce further advanced SiC technology innovations through 2027 as a commitment to innovation.This latest generation of SiC devices is conceived to benefit future EV traction inverter platforms, with further advances in size and energy-saving potential. While the EV market continues to grow, challenges remain to achieve widespread adoption, and car makers are looking to deliver more affordable electric cars. 800V EV bus drive systems based on SiC have enabled faster charging and reduced EV weight, allowing car makers to produce vehicles with longer driving ranges for premium models. ST's new SiC MOSFET devices, which will be made available in 750V and 1200V classes, will improve the energy efficiency and performance of both 400V and 800V EV bus traction inverters, bringing the advantages of SiC to mid-size and compact EVs — key segments to help achieve mass market adoption. The new generation SiC technology is also suitable for a variety of high-power industrial applications, including solar inverters, energy storage solutions, and data centers, significantly improving energy efficiency for these growing applications.AvailabilityST has completed qualification of the 750V class of the fourth generation SiC technology platform and expects to complete qualification of the 1200V class in the first quarter of 2025. Commercial availability of devices with nominal voltage ratings of 750V and 1200V will follow, allowing designers to address applications operating from standard AC-line voltages up to high-voltage EV batteries and chargers.Use casesST's Generation 4 SiC MOSFETs provide higher efficiency, smaller components, reduced weight, and extended driving range compared to silicon-based solutions. While the primary application is EV traction inverters, ST's Generation 4 SiC MOSFETs are also suitable for use in high-power industrial motor drives, benefiting from the devices' improved switching performance and robustness. This results in more efficient and reliable motor control, reducing energy consumption and operational costs in industrial settings. In renewable energy applications, the Generation 4 SiC MOSFETs enhance the efficiency of solar inverters and energy storage systems, contributing to more sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions. Additionally, these SiC MOSFETs can be utilized in power supply units for server data centers for AI, where their high efficiency and compact size are crucial for the significant power demands and thermal management challenges.
Moderna. Grifols. Jubilant Pharma. Novartis. Roche. That is just a sample of the many life sciences and health technologies (LSHT) companies that have invested in Greater Montreal over the past five years. The region's local ecosystem has flourished to become a pilar, showcasing some 1,300 companies and more than 45,000 jobs.Meanwhile, Asian investors have significantly upped their contribution to Montreal's economy with projects worth $341 million in 2023 - a 20% increase compared to the previous year.What's driving the recent surge of investments in Greater Montreal?"Generally speaking, Montreal's highly qualified talent pool and world-class universities along with a competitive cost advantage constitute the main reasons cited by investors," explains Yun Li, Director of Business Development for Asia at Montreal International. "But when it comes to the life sciences industry and Asian investors, there's a common ingredient: artificial intelligence."Home to world-renowned AI expertise First, LHST companies have been increasingly turning to AI to accelerate development of breakthroughs in medicine and health technologies. And Montreal, home to world-renowned researchers such as Yoshua Bengio and Joelle Pineau, has attracted major investments from pharma and biotech companies that seek to leverage technology in their R&D.An example of that is InSilico Medicine, a biotech company with offices in Hong Kong, New York, and elsewhere in the world. In 2023, the company inaugurated its R&D center in Montreal, focused on deep learning for drug discovery. "Montreal's world-class university research programs in AI, its thriving ecosystem of start-ups and the public sector support led the company to choose the region for this new R&D centre," explained the company during the inauguration.Accelerating drug discovery with AI is also what convinced Salt Lake City-based Recursion Pharmaceuticals to set up its own R&D centre in Montreal. More specifically, Recursion seeks to develop machine learning methods and models and, ultimately, create one of the most complete, technology-enabled drug discovery solutions in the industry.Yun Li, Director of Business Development for Asia at Montreal International"Not every city has the assets that we have in Montreal," added Li. "Plus, recent data shows that Montréal offers an impressive 31% cost advantage for businesses in AI and other high-value sectors like IT, fintech, and aerospace compared to the average across the 20 largest metropolitan areas in Canada and the U.S."Home to the world's largest academic centre for deep learningRecursion is among the more than 140 companies that partnered with Mila, the world's largest academic centre for deep learning, and a cornerstone of the city's thriving AI hub. Mila brings together a community of +1,300 researchers - including Turing Award Laureate Yoshua Bengio - and students committed to advancing AI.Beyond life sciences, Mila is very active in AI research related to various subjects, including robotics, language and image, environment and energy, and ethical AI. Since 2019, the centre has hosted one of Samsung's Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT), where the company conducts advanced research on voice recognition, machine translation, and natural language understanding.Samsung is among a growing number of Asia-based tech companies present in Greater Montreal. Other examples include Panasonic, Sony, Fujitsu, Hitachi Global, and FTP Corporation – all of whom have partnered with Mila to tap into its team of experts.A group of seven entrepreneurs from Seoul AI Hub attend a summer residency program at Mila to advance their startup in various industries, including health sciences and fashionPhoto: Mila, June 2024This Fall, Li will attend BioJapan 2024 to meet with investors and discuss the city's assets for the life science industry and Asian companies. She can be reached on LinkedIn or visit Montréal International online (www.montrealinternational.com).
Raspberry Pi is a widely used computing platform that has gained immense popularity among technology enthusiasts, hobbyists, educators, and professionals. Its small size, affordability, and versatility make it an ideal tool for programming, developing various projects, and building numerous applications and systems. Recently, the TME catalog has expanded to include a variety of new Raspberry Pi products, including the Compute Module 4S (CM4S).Compute Module boards are compact versions of Raspberry Pi single-board computers, specifically based on the Generation 4, Model B. These modules omit standard connectors and instead feature a versatile port, allowing designers and developers to create miniaturized device circuits while benefiting from Raspberry Pi's flexibility and functionality. The CM4S comes in a SODIMM format, meaning it can be easily integrated into a target circuit using a standard RAM socket.Raspberry Pi CM4SAt the core of the CM4S is the Broadcom BCM2711 chip, which houses a quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor running at up to 1.5 GHz, delivering considerable computing power in a compact size. The CM4S is available with different RAM configurations: 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, or 8 GB. Unlike the full-size Raspberry Pi models, these boards can also include eMMC storage options of 8 GB, 16 GB, or 32 GB, allowing users to customize the module to fit the needs of their projects.One key difference from the Compute Module 4 (CM4) is that the CM4S lacks built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. However, it does support HDMI, I2C, MIPI (CSI for cameras and DSI for displays), PCM, PWM, SPI, UART, and USB (2.0) interfaces. These ports enable the connection of a wide range of peripherals, including external communication modules if needed.Text prepared by Transfer Multisort Elektronik Sp. z o.o.
Darveen Co., Ltd., a global provider specializing in rugged industrial computer solutions, today announced the RTC-I116, featuring the 12th generation Intel Core processor. Following the success of previous models including the Windows OS-based RTC-I81 and RTC-I101, as well as the Android OS-based RTC-M81 and RTC-M101, which have garnered significant attention from customers worldwide, the newly launched RTC-I116 aims to offer an even more user-friendly, secure, and durable rugged tablet solution.Sleek, slim design with high performanceThe RTC-I116 is a rugged tablet with a sleek, modern design, measuring just 20 mm (0.79") in thickness. Its slim and elegant appearance perfectly combines with powerful features to ensure enhanced efficiency for professional field workers in various environments. The RTC-I116 is powered by a 12th gen Intel Core i7/i5 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics, providing high-performance processing of large amounts of data, images, and videos. It features an 11.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) multi-touch screen, delivering excellent performance and visual effects. With a brightness of up to 1,000 nits, it offers an outstanding viewing experience even under direct sunlight.Stunning Visual PerformanceStay connected anytime, anywhereThe RTC-I116 offers advanced 24/7 wireless connectivity options, including LTE or 5G cellular, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth V5.3, and GNSS. It also features up to eight I/O interfaces, seamlessly integrating various peripheral devices, industrial equipment, and more without the need for adapters. The RTC-I116 provides numerous customizable expansion options, such as NFC readers, smart card readers, and UHF RFID readers, facilitating data collection and authentication processes.Sustained productivityFor field workers who require long battery life on the go, the RTC-I116 is equipped with high-capacity 58.5Wh dual hot-swappable batteries. This allows field personnel to swap batteries on-site without needing to recharge, thereby extending operational time.Sustained Productivity. Dual Hot-Swappable BatteriesRugged and durable designField personnel often work in extreme environments, which is why the RTC-I116 is MIL-STD-810H certified and features an IP66 protection rating. It is resistant to water and dust, capable of withstanding dust, mud, rain, and extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F). Even when dropped from a height of 1.2 meters, it continues to operate reliably.Rugged and Durable Design"The RTC-I116 is ideal for deployment in the manufacturing, field mobility, public safety, utilities, and energy sectors. Its comprehensive and meticulous design makes it an excellent choice for field personnel working in challenging environments," said Kevin Liang, General Manager of Darveen.For more information about the Darveen RTC-I116, please visit: https://www.darveen.com/product/11-6-rtc-i116-windows-rugged-tablet-with-intel-core-i-processor/For the Darveen RTC-I116 video, please visit: https://youtu.be/AdOXBV9Ed30?si=Nd34Oi7Iq3uFuc22
The Internet Data Center (IDC) is crucial to the operations of many businesses. The efficiency, cybersecurity, and performance in green energy and carbon reduction of an IDC are crucial to the sustainable development of businesses. Epson, known for leveraging core technologies that are "efficient, compact, and precise" to create globally successful products, has partnered with Chunghwa Telecom IDC to advance its sustainability goals.Based at Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, Epson made a pledge to "never pollute Lake Suwa" at its inception and has honored this commitment ever since. Today, Epson continues to work with industry partners to deliver innovative technology solutions in five key areas: office and home printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual technology, and quality-of-life enhancements.Amid these innovations, Epson's commitment to sustainability remains steadfast. In Taiwan, many are unaware that the partnership between Epson Taiwan and Chunghwa Telecom IDC actually began 11 years ago. The primary reason for this collaboration was the need to achieve sustainable transformation goals.Cutting costs and boosting resilience: How Chunghwa Telecom IDC provides worry-free solutions for Epson"Ensuring business resilience and uninterrupted operations is a fundamental requirement," says Sydney Wang, Corporate Governance & Management Unitat Epson Taiwan. Initially, Epson Taiwan operated its own data center, managed by its internal IT team. However, the costs of self-management were too high, and keeping up with rapidly evolving information technology trends was also a significant challenge.This situation prompted Epson to consider the feasibility of outsourcing its IDC services. After a thorough evaluation of service quality and technical capabilities, Epson chose Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan's leading data center brand, as its exclusive IDC outsourcing partner in 2013. This decision also involved collaboration with Epson Taiwan Service Net, its subsidiary."We realized that what our company needed was efficient network services, not the extensive resources required to manage network equipment internally. Chunghwa Telecom IDC's services have indeed eased our concerns!" Sydney Wang notes that since partnering with Chunghwa Telecom, Epson's network operation efficiency has significantly improved. Chunghwa Telecom's extensive professional team offers superior network operation costs, quality, and cybersecurity management compared to the earlier self-managed approach.Customer-centric "build first, dismantle later" approach facilitates seamless migration During the data center migration, Chunghwa Telecom's customer-oriented service philosophy left a strong impression on Sydney Wang. She recalls that when they first moved into Chunghwa Telecom IDC, there was a substantial volume of IP and dedicated line services that needed to be transferred. At that time, Chunghwa Telecom prioritized smooth operation and minimal risk for their customers by adopting a "build first, dismantle later" approach, which helped Epson complete the migration swiftly.Although this method was costlier for Chunghwa Telecom, it allowed for a seamless transition without disrupting operations for the customer. This approach underscores Chunghwa Telecom IDC's commitment to putting customer needs first.Nationwide IDC network meets remote backup requirementsIn the global trend towards sustainability and resilience, Chunghwa Telecom IDC's robust resources have become a vital asset for businesses. Sydney Wang noted that based on the "Business Continuity Plan" disaster prevention needs from their headquarters in Japan, it was recommended that the Taiwan subsidiary's IDC backup location be geographically farther.With nearly 20 IDC locations across Taiwan, Chunghwa Telecom swiftly responded to the request by relocating the backup data center from Zhubei to the Wenxin IDC in Taichung City, thereby meeting the requirement for longer-distance backup. Chunghwa Telecom IDC's ample resources to meet customer needs clearly demonstrate its strengths.Emergency bandwidth upgrade ensures normal and remote operations during pandemicDuring the pandemic, Chunghwa Telecom IDC's rapid response proved invaluable to Epson. "After the outbreak, most employees had to switch to working from home within a few days, causing an immediate surge in bandwidth demand!" Sydney Wang recalled that when Chunghwa Telecom received the request, they promptly dispatched personnel to urgently increase bandwidth and enhance capacity, allowing Epson to maintain normal remote operations and proving to be a reliable partner during the upheaval of the pandemic.Proactive alerts and threat mitigation showcase "customer-centric" valuesChunghwa Telecom not only prioritizes customer needs but also excels in technical capabilities and crisis management, helping Epson turn crises into opportunities.Sydney Wang mentioned that in 2021, Epson received an urgent notification from Chunghwa Telecom's billing department about unusual dialing behavior from Epson Taiwan's representative number, with numerous international calls made to a Southeast Asian country outside of working hours. Chunghwa Telecom immediately took action by temporarily blocking international dialing for the number.They also conducted an investigation to rule out the possibility of external line theft and determined that the issue was likely due to a problem with the switching equipment vendor's system. They advised Epson to contact the vendor for further inspection. Epson greatly appreciated Chunghwa Telecom's technical expertise, alert system, and proactive problem-solving approach, and decided to entrust the telephone switch upgrade and maintenance to Chunghwa Telecom. This incident has become a classic example of Chunghwa Telecom's "customer-centric" corporate values.Green energy transformation: partnering for sustainabilitySydney Wang shares during an interview that Chunghwa Telecom will be an important partner for Epson in its journey toward sustainable transformationChunghwa Telecom not only excels with its customer-first approach and robust resources, providing strong support for its clients, but its commitment to energy transformation amidst the global sustainability trend has also been a key factor in Epson's ongoing efforts to strengthen its partnership with Chunghwa Telecom.Sydney Wang pointed out that since its establishment 80 years ago, Epson has actively pursued environmental actions and publicly committed to becoming carbon-negative and underground resource-free (Note 1) in its Environmental Vision 2050." Under this vision, the Epson Group achieved 100% use of renewable energy at its global sites (Note 2) in 2023, becoming the first Japanese manufacturer to fully transition to renewable energy.In Taiwan, Epson is also committed to energy transformation, actively using renewable energy in its leased office locations and purchasing green electricity certificates to achieve a 100% renewable energy goal. Similarly, Chunghwa Telecom announced in 2020 that its IDC would use 100% renewable energy by 2030. This commitment to sustainable transformation makes Chunghwa Telecom a valuable ally for Epson in pursuing environmental sustainability and opens up more opportunities for future collaboration.The partnership extends beyond this. As early as 2011, Epson introduced the "Nagano Energy-Saving Patrol" experience from Japan and collaborated with BCSD Taiwan to establish the "Energy-Saving Patrol" in Taiwan. This initiative involves professional volunteers providing comprehensive energy audits for air conditioning, lighting, mechanical and electrical equipment, and office equipment, offering free energy-saving diagnostics to help Taiwanese businesses create low-carbon work environments and implement comprehensive energy-saving plans. By 2023, the Energy-Saving Patrol in Taiwan had audited 365 companies, estimating annual energy savings of 143,087,025 kWh and a reduction of 128,241 metric tons (Note 3) of carbon emissions. Chunghwa Telecom is one of the key partners in this initiative.With its innovative spirit, service beliefs, and commitment to sustainability, Chunghwa Telecom IDC has become Epson's best support partner. Looking ahead, Chunghwa Telecom's cybersecurity, public cloud services, and equipment subscription options—offering leasing instead of outright purchases—will further bolster corporate digital resilience. We look forward to seeing more innovative services from Chunghwa Telecom, becoming an important partner in our journey toward sustainable transformation! Sydney Wang said.*Note 1: Free of non-renewable resources such as oil and metals.*Note 2: Excludes some sales sites and leased properties where the amount of electricity consumed cannot be determined.*Note 3: According to the official data from the Taiwan Energy-Saving Patrol website (as of July 2024): https://www.energy-patrol.com.tw/front/
With automotive electronics becoming a key application area where the global ICT and semiconductor industries are exerting efforts, DIGITIMES hosted the Next-generation Smart Car Innovations and Developments seminar during Semicon Taiwan 2024 with an aim to facilitate communication between Taiwan's chip industry and automotive electronics sector. The event gathered Taiwan-based IC design firms and their system suppliers that have performed brilliantly in telematics and cockpit systems for an exchange of their views on autonomous driving and cockpit solutions through a panel discussion. They also gave advice on foreign market expansion by sharing their real-world experiences.Integrating various automotive AI technologies is key to Level 5 fully autonomous driving In talking about the future development of autonomous driving, Alex Dee, General Manager, Future Innovative Department, First International Computer, noted that as self-driving vehicles advance into Level 5, meaning they are in a fully automated state, how to enhance passenger experience is something to think about, for example, how to make passengers more comfortable, refreshed and avoid feeling car sick. As Dee described it, the car is like the passengers' second home where they may be watching a movie or taking a nap. However, self-driving vehicles must integrate a multitude of AI technologies before they can achieve Level 5.Dee emphasized that when a vehicle is in motion, its surroundings change in an instant. The process from an automotive camera captures an image and instantaneously sends it to the domain controller which then makes an analysis and decides whether to stop or turn the vehicle in a snap of a finger. More importantly, nothing can possibly go wrong during the process. Thus, Dee admittedly pointed out that automotive AI is indeed ahead of AI development in any other field.In consonance with Dee, George Hsueh, Chairman and CEO of SteadyBeat, said the noise cancellation IC that SteadyBeat develops is also aimed at shaping the future riding experience. Hsueh noted that his company's noise cancellation technology helps eliminate the use of heavy automotive soundproofing materials, thereby enabling automakers to design lighter and more energy-efficient vehicles. Specifically, the technology neutralizes the frequency of outside noise. Sound travels at a high speed so the noise cancellation chip must be able to respond relatively quickly in order to reduce outside noise in real-time and allow passengers to enjoy music or video without headphones.Hsueh added that air temperature and humidity affect the way sound travels. Through the collaborations with automakers, his team found that apart from acoustic sensors, vehicles need to include a variety of other sensors. The design requires comprehensive planning and even the integration of various algorithms. It is quite different from traditional noise reduction methods based on digital signal processing (DSP).First meeting automaker requirements, then adding AI and supporting various service application scenarios iCatch Technology and JET OPTO are upstream and downstream supply chain partners. Their representatives shared views on road safety and image recognition at the event. Commenting from the perspective of road safety, iCatch Technology director Chang-Long Lee said that the development of smart cars will need to consider safety both inside and outside the car. That is, the safety of drivers and passengers inside the car and the safety of pedestrians outside the car should both be ensured. Furthermore, with AI and big data analytics increasingly being adopted in automotive electronics, protecting the confidentiality of user information and cybersecurity become increasingly important. Taking display technologies for example, Lee also noted that mini LED and micro LED are being incorporated in vehicles as ambient lights to create a cozy atmosphere or warning lights to catch driver attention. These are already included in international automakers' basic requirements.Glen Tsai, Director of Marketing, JET OPTO, spoke candidly that whether products can meet market demand is what really matters. Taking audio and video equipment upgrades as an example, he said after the pandemic lockdowns ended, airplane passengers care about how old the aircraft is and how fancy the onboard audio and video equipment is. The same applies to automobiles. Manufacturers should first think about how to satisfy such market demand before adding other services. Taking it a step further, manufacturers can combine sensor and cloud technologies to make predictions and thereby provide tailored experiences for drivers and passengers. This is the thing to think about when expanding into automotive AI.Joining forces, iCatch Technology and JET OPTO secured an important order from a foreign customeriCatch Technology and JET OPTO share the same objective, which is to meet the demand from foreign systems and component makers. Lee specifically said that with JET OPTO's good understanding and conveyance of customer needs, iCatch Technology was able to recalibrate its product. He described the process of their collaboration as "being whipped into shape." As a matter of fact, foreign customers have stringent requirements on suppliers. Their recent partner project was required to have no security loophole in the program code and no copyright issue. The back-and-forth communication and recalibration between the two partners and their customers allowed them to win an order of 300,000 units from Panasonic. Such a brilliant performance was the fruit of their long-term collaboration since 2017.Amid rapid development in the global automotive electronics market, Taiwan-based manufacturers have shown the world their technological strength and ability to innovate. Leveraging all kinds of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, image recognition, noise cancellation and cybersecurity management, they are securing a presence in the global automotive supply chain while continuing to strengthen their partnerships with international conglomerates.The seminar conducted in the form of a panel discussion not only shed light on Taiwan-based manufacturers' enormous potential in the automotive electronics sector but also set a solid foundation for smart car development going forward. As the global market imposes growingly stringent requirements on products for automotive applications, manufacturers need to keep strengthening their R&D as well as innovative capabilities so as to stand out in the fiercely competitive market.Panelists of the Next-generation Smart Car Innovations and Developments seminar from left to right: Alex Dee, General Manager, Future Innovative Department, First International Computer; George Hsueh, Chairman and CEO, SteadyBeat; Glen Tsai, Director of Marketing, JET OPTO; Chang-Long Lee, iCatch Technology Director; Ahsley Chu, show host, IC Broadcasting.
SK Hynix Inc. announced today that it has begun mass production of the world's first 12-layer HBM3E product with 36GB[i], the largest capacity of existing HBM[ii] to date.1Previously, the maximum capacity of HBM3E was 24GB from eight vertically stacked 3GB DRAM chips.2HBM (High Bandwidth Memory): This high-value, high-performance memory vertically interconnects multiple DRAM chips and dramatically increases data processing speed in comparison to traditional DRAM products. HBM3E is the extended version of HBM3, the fourth generation product that succeeds the previous generations of HBM, HBM2 and HBM2E.The company plans to supply mass-produced products to customers within the year, proving its overwhelming technology once again six months after delivering the HBM3E 8-layer product to customers for the first time in the industry in March this year.SK Hynix is the only company in the world that has developed and supplied the entire HBM lineup from the first generation (HBM1) to the fifth generation (HBM3E), since releasing the world's first HBM in 2013. The company plans to continue its leadership in the AI memory market, addressing the growing needs of AI companies by being the first in the industry to mass-produce the 12-layer HBM3E.According to the company, the 12-layer HBM3E product meets the world's highest standards in all areas that are essential for AI memory including speed, capacity and stability. SK Hynix has increased the speed of memory operations to 9.6 Gbps, the highest memory speed available today. If 'Llama 3 70B3', a Large Language Model (LLM) is driven by a single GPU equipped with four HBM3E products, it can read 70 billion total parameters 35 times within a second.3Llama 3: Open-source LLM released by Meta in April 2024, with 3 sizes in total: 8B (Billion), 70B, and 400B.SK Hynix has increased the capacity by 50% by stacking 12 layers of 3GB DRAM chips at the same thickness as the previous eight-layer product. To achieve this, the company made each DRAM chip 40% thinner than before and stacked vertically using TSV4 technology.The company also solved structural issues that arise from stacking thinner chips higher by applying its core technology, the Advanced MR-MUF5 process. This allows to provide 10% higher heat dissipation performance compared to the previous generation, and secure the stability and reliability of the product through enhanced warpage controlling.4TSV (Through Silicon Via): This advanced packaging technology links upper and lower chips with an electrode that vertically passes through thousands of fine holes on DRAM chips.5MR-MUF (Mass Reflow Molded Underfill): The process of stacking semiconductor chips, injecting liquid protective materials between them to protect the circuit between chips, and hardening them. The process has proved to be more efficient and effective for heat dissipation, compared with the method of laying film-type materials for each chip stack. SK Hynix's advanced MR-MUF technology is critical to securing a stable HBM mass production as it provides good warpage control and reduces the pressure on the chips being stacked."SK Hynix has once again broken through technological limits demonstrating our industry leadership in AI memory," said Justin Kim, President (Head of AI Infra) at SK Hynix. "We will continue our position as the No.1 global AI memory provider as we steadily prepare next-generation memory products to overcome the challenges of the AI era."About SK Hynix Inc.SK Hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is the world's top-tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips ("DRAM"), flash memory chips ("NAND flash"), and CMOS Image Sensors ("CIS") for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company's shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxemburg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK Hynix is available at www.skHynix.com, news.skHynix.com.