1. New applications to promote substantial growth of semiconductors, high-end foundry, ASIC, NRE is the focus of growth
With the birth of new applications, the demand for semiconductors has risen sharply. There were 62 new fabs built in the world last year, up 42 this year, many of them in mainland China, with strong demand for equipment. Artificial intelligence and automation High-end semiconductor manufacturers like driving cars and ASICs and NREs are the focus of growth. For the majority of IC design Fabless plants in the world, high-end semiconductors are almost equivalent to TSMC's foundry business. TSMC By foreign capital as the world's highest AI CP AI stocks.
Guotai Investment Advisory pointed out that every year, the share price of Pinggu shares fluctuates up and down. Most Taiwanese shareholdings in Apple's supply chain have low profit margins, accounting for a low share of Apple's product cost. However, after the concept shares are bullish, share prices have risen sharply. For example, 3D Sensing the steady rise last year, shares rose 2.87 times.
Since the end of January this year, the market is expected to turn to focus on this year's launch of the 3 iPhone (both OLED and LCD) rumors specifications, Apple shares are also leading the stock price reaction is actually introduced new machine actually introduced 3-6 months or more, such as iPhone X The supply chain is launched 6 months before the launch of the iPhone X, and so on.
The key components reached the peak of Face ID for iPhone X at the end of last year. The 'Bangs' area includes infrared lens, floodlight, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, speaker, microphone, lens and plotter. 3D sensing may Used in non-Apple high-end mobile phones, airport clearance, unattended shops, office attendance, and even the Olympic Games vigilance, the future world is to have the network environment to sense the collection of data and big data.
Other key components include OLEDs that work to reduce costs and expand production capacity, as well as Micro LEDs and future applications in AppleWatch, head-mounted displays, and automotive displays.
2. Photon chips turned out, 28-year-old MIT Chinese young scientists straight out AI computing tyrants domineering
University of Oxford published a research report on photonic chips for computing in 2017. Researchers used special phase change materials and integrated optical pathways to simulate the synaptic effects of the human brain to design 'photonic synapses.' Its theory Running speed is a thousand times the human brain.
In fact, MIT's research team and co-researchers have also made similar discoveries in their earlier 2016 proposed computational chip architecture that uses photons instead of electrons as the theoretical interaction of the light and the lens itself A Complicated Computation: Fourier Transform - Using this principle, and using multiple beam-steering techniques, the correlations can be used to find the desired result of a search, and the chip architecture is referred to by the research team as Programmable Nano Photonic processor.
In June 2017, a MIT research team presented a paper on programmable nanophotonic processors and published in Nature - Photonics, the first author and correspondent for the paper, born in Hangzhou Shen is currently co-founder and CEO of Lightelligence and one of 35 Chinese technology-innovation youth under 35 selected by the MIT Review in 2017.
Photon computing has unique advantages when dealing with some AI algorithms
Figure 丨 2017 MIT Review China's 35-year-old 35-year-old scientific and technological innovation selected, Lightelligence co-founder and CEO Shen also Morning
Under the leadership of Shen Yichen, Lightelligence is trying its best to develop optical chip technology, including chip design, core algorithm, transmission, periphery, etc., to create a complete optical computing ecology. Because the technology developed by Lightelligence will likely completely change the computing ecology And are therefore receiving high attention, including Baidu, which sees cloud computing as a core development project, as well as several executives in the US semiconductor industry, all of whom became early investors in Lightelligence because of their optimism about the future of photonic chips.
Shen Yichen told DT Jun that due to its nano-photon-based research program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Ph.D. program, AI applications take off rapidly just in 2015. It is well known that in addition to data, the use of hardware for AI is also very important , So the idea of using photons in computing environments began.
But why no one ever thought before 2015 should use photon effect to carry on the calculation of the nerve network Shen Shen Chen said that this is because the neural network calculation is not popular in the past, and the traditional logic calculation is not the best place that the photon calculates.
In fact, a photonic chip may be the most suitable future hardware architecture for AI calculations because the nature of light is inherently linear (the most important part of AI calculations), which involves high-dimensional parallel computing. In contrast, although quantum computing has drawn much attention recently because of AI, quantum computing is still a field that is better at decoding or searching. In addition, it is not yet mature in mass production, but its potential is not to be underestimated.
From transmission to calculation, photon chips will become the ultimate computing solution?
Two completely different physical phenomena, electrical and optical, finally succeeded in getting together after Intel introduced the first standard CMOS-process hybrid silicon laser from 2006. Over the years, ultra-high-bandwidth optical transmission based on this technology Architecture has become a favorite of high-performance data centers, thereby effectively reducing the system bottlenecks caused by large amounts of data transmission.
In 2015, IBM researchers published a new experimental technique for photon computing by integrating an array of silicon photons into the same package size as the CPU, but the problem with silicon photonics has always been the chip's optical interface, but IBM's photonics solution The solution can be applied to system-on-chips (SoCs), transferring light between chips with inexpensive edge connectors, or chip-to-chip communication by simply joining together CMOS chip edges.
These photonic chips are mainly developed to solve the traditional chip-to-chip, or chip-to-memory system interconnection problems.With the integrated photonic chip invention, the replacement of the past huge complex optical transmission architecture, and Faster, lower latency.
However, the real concept of bringing photons into the field of computing and even forming a 'photonic chip' has only been gradually discovered in recent two years.
Although semiconductor chip technology relies on the integration of new applications and algorithms, more and more things can be done. In fact, the chip architecture itself is based on the same logic and is limited by semiconductor technology, computing power, size, and Power consumption, cost formation is difficult to balance the four corners of the relationship.
At this time, the industry is also actively looking for new computing technologies that can break the status quo. GPGPU, neural network chips, DSPs and FPGAs are all put forward at different times and are good at solving application-specific computing. However, these chips do not solve the fundamental problem The problem, that is, its physical limitations based on the semiconductor structure.
Figure 丨 photon synapses principle
The growing computing needs of AI bring the processing architecture up and running. Intel, for example, will combine CPU and FPGA computing power in the future to cope with more complex application scenarios. NVIDIA is significantly strengthening its latest generation of GPU solutions In addition, many are hoping to introduce more appropriate new architectures for specific computations, such as NPUs, Quantum computing, and the latest computing concepts: photonic circuits based on photonic circuits (Photonic Circuits) computing architecture.
In fact, 'light' has been used in the computing environment for more than a decade and was mainly used to transfer data between different chips or storage devices. However, because the related transmission technologies are too costly and must be collocated Expensive perimeter can show its benefits, and therefore, the transmission of 'light' has never been spread to the consumer market, leading us not to have a clear understanding of this fact.
However, calculation is another level of problem.
Figure 丨 SMART Photonics photonic chip
With a very simple concept to explain the photon computing chip, is the use of the chip countless optical switches, the role is similar to the logic gate in semiconductor chips, the use of different wavelengths, phase and intensity of light combinations, complex mirror, filter And prism structure of the array of information processing.
Silicon photonics, like microelectronics, are based on silicon-based semiconductor architectures, and silicon has gained popularity as an optical communications transmission that can be used to instantaneously transmit large amounts of data due to the fast response and parallel nature of light and is therefore commonly used in data Center of the server.Because the photon transfer process is stable, parallel ability, and the error correction design is relatively simple, the transmission and conversion of energy required is very small, so the use of photonic computing architecture can theoretically be relatively low power performance Second, photonic chips can theoretically be used on very small scale applications, such as mobile devices.
Photonic chips can use the currently mature semiconductor technology, and the photonic chip is still in the experimental stage only need the old micron-scale technology can significantly exceed the existing semiconductor chip computing power, and therefore the future of micro-space tremendous. With the increase in chip density, performance can be substantial growth, and even have the opportunity to completely rewrite the limits of Moore's Law.
The CMOS process followed is the biggest advantage of photonics, but the goal is not to replace traditional semiconductors
Figure 丨 CMOS
Shen Yichen also said that since the photonic chip is basically still based on the current CMOS manufacturing process, it is more advantageous in terms of cost or mass production technology than the special process used in quantum computing. Although photonic chips are currently in the laboratory in density It's better than a traditional semiconductor chip but much better than a quantum chip.
The performance of photonic chips depends on the architecture and algorithm, such as how many different wavelengths of light to use at the same time to combine, or the bandwidth of the optical signal used in the chip, and the bottleneck of photoelectric conversion, but only from the physical Feature point of view, in the appropriate algorithm to achieve a hundred times the speed of traditional semiconductor chips is not much of a problem.
Of course, in theory, photonic chips can be large-scale, but also can be very small, but because the light is not suitable for non-linear computing, the other light chip integration and size there will be some norms to completely replace the semiconductor chip Still have great difficulty.
From the chip, the algorithm to the surrounding ecology is developing
Shen Yichen also stressed that at present, the development of Lightelligence photonics chip has completed the laboratory stage. Corresponding designs are underway in terms of algorithms, buses and storage. Of course, the most important issue in computing chips is ecology, which requires more research Institutions and companies to join the expansion of optical computing in the field to jointly establish.
Because the main product is a chip, so the core part is the combination of algorithm and hardware, and the corresponding chip instructions and compiler, and Lightelligence's job is to make the developed chip can be applied to the currently popular framework, for example TensorFlow, Caffe and so on.
In addition, Lightelligence is developing corresponding peripheral designs due to the particularity of photon counting in transmission or storage, although the current storage systems may accelerate the speed of landing operations, but may limit the performance of photon computing, Therefore, this part of the future, or with photon computing optimized design as the goal, will be able to highlight the overall advantages of photon computing.
Today, the Lightelligence team is working hard to improve the ecology of photon computing, of course, not yet mature, but the industry for high-performance computing, and even better neural network computing architecture has very high expectations, I believe its photonic computing architecture landed can be greatly accelerated The overall AI calculates ecological change.
Shen Yichen said that whether for a specific purpose, or for general computing power, this will be the choice of different processes for the development of the chip architecture.Lightelligence first still technology or application scenarios more mature photonic chip applications to start, and then gradually expand to The range of applications, but also efforts to develop the front and back of the photon chip technology, for different future computing scenarios better fit.
Shen also emphasized that there are still many major engineering improvements to be made on the road to photon computing in general, but it is probably the best time and the closest thing to achieve, in comparison with the past attempts at photon computing.
3 Qualcomm began to develop 6G Qualcomm R & D executives said: 'There may be 6G'
Qualcomm's Durga Malladi discussed the possibility of 6G at a Qualcomm conference.
As operators in the United States, from Verizon to Sprint, have turned to launching the nation's first 5G service, some executives are already discussing what may happen next in the mobile space.
In response to a question on the subject, QUALCOMM's Durga Malladi said: "There may be a 6G." Considering that he is a Qualcomm executive in charge of research and development, Malladi's remarks mean that Qualcomm may have started some in-house Research, QUALCOMM is recognized as one of the world's leading wireless innovators and a key contributor to the recently completed 5G NR standard.
However, Malladi also pointed out that there is currently no specific plan around the 6G network standard; and Malladi explained that those companies developing the 5G standard in the design of the 5G standard are also based on supporting the evolving needs of the future in order to ensure that it will be flexible enough to Supporting major changes and upgrades in the future; this may also be a negation of the need to move to 6G.
'We might do another G,' Malladi explained in an event funded by Qualcomm.
Qualcomm executives are not the only ones with a vision beyond 5G.
'Our 5G wireless tests are also going well and our 6G test is the same as our pre-defined integration of small cell base station architectures that use unlicensed and licensed spectrum to interoperate with our advanced DOCSIS roadmap to create and Providing high-capacity, low-latency products, "said Tom Rutledge, chief executive officer of Charter, at his firm's recent quarterly earnings conference call.
Rutledge goes on to say: 'When it comes to 5G, fixed, ... you have to remember that the 5G is providing data in a certain format at a certain rate, but there are many ways to get the speed, so of course there's a 5G alternative That's why we're talking about 6G now, 5G is not the only way to provide a high capacity low latency network.So what is a 5G fixed network? To me, this sounds like a cost of wireless down over cable down What do you need, for example you have to connect it to the network, just like any wired line.
Asked about Rutledge's comments on the 6G, T-Mobile executives laughed at the concept of their quarterly conference calls and laughed at games like Charter and other cable companies being late for wireless technology. They put forward the concept of '6G'.
In addition, Qualcomm's Serge Willenegger said at a press conference: 'It's too early for the 6G.'
Willenegger, Qualcomm's senior vice president and general manager of 4G / 5G and Industrial IoT, added that 'the economics of the network' needs to change and needs to move to the 6G standard for the future, 'he said:' At this point it is more philosophical However, we will definitely consider how to support the development of this industry in the next 6, 7 and 10 years. '
4. Sony released the first pixel parallel ADC high-density back-illuminated CMOS image sensor
According to the company's report, Sony (Sony) recently announced the development of a 1.46 million effective pixel-backlit CMOS image sensor with global shutter function. Its newly developed pixel-parallel (below the pixel) analog-to-digital converter Analog-to-Digital Converter, hereinafter referred to as the ADC) to instantly convert analog signals simultaneously exposed by all pixels into digital signals.The new technology was released on ISSCC (International Solid State Circuits, ISSCC), February 11, 2018 in San Francisco, Annual Meeting) .
CMOS image sensors using conventional column-level ADC schemes typically read photoelectrically converted analog signals from pixels on a row-by-row basis, often causing image distortion (focal plane distortion) due to time drift due to progressive readout.
Sony's new CMOS image sensor includes a newly developed low-current, compact ADC under each pixel that instantly transforms all analog signals simultaneously exposed to digital signals into digital signals and temporarily stored in digital memory In. The architecture eliminates image distortion due to time drift and enables global shutter capability, making it the industry's first megapixel high-density back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with a pixel-parallel ADC.
This new CMOS image sensor contains nearly 1000 times the number of ADCs compared to a traditional column-level ADC solution, which means a substantial increase in current demand.Sony solved the problem with a newly developed compact 14-bit ADC, This new ADC delivers the best in the industry at low current operation.
The ADC and digital memories in the new CMOS image sensor are both stacked on the bottom chip with a Cu-Cu (copper-copper) interconnect between each pixel on the top chip and in January 2016, Sony first introduced the technology Achieve mass production.
In addition, Sony has developed a new data transfer architecture for this CMOS image sensor to enable high-speed, large-scale readout of data required for ADC processing.
5. Intel completed Skylake platform ghost bug fixes: urged users to update as soon as possible
Long after Specter and Meltdown loopholes, Intel released the latest work.
Earlier this week, Intel released new microcode for some Skylake processors (U-, Y-, H-, -S series) for OEMs, this time in official release, while other platforms are still in Beta Testing phase, the need for further verification.
Expected soon, one after another BIOS update will be distributed, no exception, you should be able to solve Specter V2 perfect attack.
Previously, Intel caused the system to reset the high-frequency system, Intel withdrew the second generation Core Duo SNB to eight generations of Core CFL fixes.
Of course, since it is a systematic project and the earliest products that can be traced back to the 45nm old Core i7 in 2009, it will take quite some time to achieve a 100% zero vulnerability.
In addition, Intel also warned that variants based on the above vulnerabilities are also evolving, they will continue to monitor security progress.At present, most of the music software in Android phones can be auditioned or downloaded, but due to fewer resources, many users Still like to download third-party music software February 7, Meizu Flyme official announcement in the forum, said it would stop Flyme's online music service.
It is understood that due to business adjustments, Flyme music client system will stop providing online play and download service, but does not affect the local music playback, stop time for March 5, 2018.
Officials also said that if the 'membership' has not yet expired users, then the remaining valid member time will be converted back to Charm currency and returned to the Flyme account, it is more conscience.
6. Optoelectronics will use its own VCSEL to develop 3D sensing solutions
According to the firm's consulting firm, Landmark Optoelectronics, a GaAs (GaAs) epitaxial wafer manufacturer in Taiwan, is currently working with handset manufacturers to develop 3D transmissions using its VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) devices Sensitive solutions, related products are expected to be shipped in May 2018 5 ~ June.
UMC expects its sales of VCSEL products will account for 5-10% of its 2018 total revenue.
In the meantime, Unisplendor announced that its consolidated revenue in January reached US $ 7.43 million due to a rebound in demand for 10G PON (Passive Optical Network) epitaxial wafer devices from customers in Mainland China, achieving a YoY increase of 0.95% %, Up 80.34% over the previous year.
It is revealed that the shipment of 10G PON products will continue to be optimistic in the first half of 2018 and plans to start mass production of new silicon photonics devices in the third quarter, which will further help the company achieve its revenue growth in 2018.
Founded in June 1997, Union Optoelectronics is principally engaged in the production of epitaxial wafers of Group III-V materials based on Gallium arsenide and Indium phosphide. The company is comprised of OMVPE ) Technology manufacturing a variety of epitaxial wafer products, after the post-chip manufacturing and packaging, can be widely used in optical fiber communications, consumer products and industrial fields.