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Today, SEMI announced an exceptional lineup of keynotes at SEMICON Japan’s “SuperTHEATER” focusing on innovation and insights into the future of the electronics supply chain. SEMICON Japan 2016, the largest exhibition in Japan for electronics manufacturing, will take place at Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo on December 14-16. Registration for the exhibition and programs is now open.

Japan’s semiconductor fab equipment capital expenditure (front-end facilities, both new and used including discretes and LED) is forecast to increase 12 percent (to US$5.0 billion) in 2017, according to the August SEMI World Fab Forecast report.

On December 14, keynotes will focus on the future:

  • Semiconductor Executive Forum – “The Creation of New Business Opportunities” keynotes:
    • Toshiba: Yasuo Naruke, corporate senior executive VP, on “Toshiba Storage Business Strategy; Utilizing Big Data to Win Productivity”
    • TSMC: Jack Sun, VP of R&D and CTO, on “New Frontiers of Semiconductor Innovation”
    • Murata Manufacturing: Hiroshi Iwatsubo, executive VP, on “Business Strategy and Technology Trends”
  • Opening Keynotes – “Into the Future” keynotes:
    • IBM Research:  Dario Gil, VP, Science and Solutions, on “The Cognitive Era and the New Frontiers of Information Technology”
    • University of Tsukuba: Yoichi Ochiai, media artist and assistant professor, Digital Nature Group, on “The Age of Enchantment”

The SEMI Market Forum, also on December 14, with the theme “Outlook and Growth Opportunities in the Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain” will offer presentations from IHS Markit, VLSI Research Inc., and SEMI.

Highlights on December 15 include Industrial IoT Forum, Autonomous & Connected Car Forum, and U.S. Commercial Service IT Forum. The Technology Trend Forum on December 16 focuses on “The Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Innovation for All.” In addition, SEMICON Japan features forums on Manufacturing Innovation and IoT Innovation.

Attendees at SEMICON Japan will explore the key technologies and business models necessary to grow in the coming years. The SuperTHEATER offers nine keynote forums, all with simultaneous English-Japanese translation, with global top executives.

Platinum sponsors of SEMICON Japan include Disco Corporation, Screen Semiconductor Solutions Co., Ltd. and Tokyo Electron Limited. Gold sponsors include: Advantest Corporation, Applied Materials, Inc., ASE Group, Daihen Corporation, Ebara Corporation, Fasford Technology Co., Ltd., Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, JSR Corporation, Lam Research Corporation, Nikon Corporation, Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd. and VAT Ltd.

For more information and to register for SEMICON Japan, visit www.semiconjapan.org/en/

Silvaco, Inc., a provider of electronic design automation software and semiconductor IP, today announced that Dr. Jin Jang of Kyung Hee University in Seoul, Korea, has joined the Technical Advisory Board (TAB). Formed in early 2016, the TAB is chartered with providing guidance to Silvaco management and engineering teams on the direction of the company’s technology roadmap, and additional early insight into future technology challenges and breakthroughs. Dr. Jang, an accomplished researcher in information display development, will help the company expand its technology leadership in advanced TFT and OLED displays.

Dr. Jang serves as the Director of the Advanced Display Research Center at Kyung Hee University in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Korea. He actively pursues display research, publishing 20 to 30 SCI-level papers each year and conducting joint research projects with researchers in the US and UK as well as sharing his research findings via international conferences and special lectures. He is credited with establishing the world’s first Department of Information Display at a major university, and is the recipient of numerous academic and industry awards including the Academic Award from the Korean Vacuum Society, the IEEE George E. Smith award, and the Sottow Owaki Prize from the Society for Information Display (SID) for outstanding contributions to the education and training of students and professionals in the field of information display. Dr. Jang was named an SID Fellow in 2006. Dr. Jang received a BS in Physics at Seoul National University and his PhD in Physics from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

“I’m pleased to join Silvaco’s technical advisory board at an exciting time of growth and technical development for the company,” said Dr Jang.  “Creating solutions to the important growing challenges in advanced display development requires close collaboration between industry and academic researchers, and I believe working with Silvaco and the advisory board will accelerate this cooperation.”

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Jang to our technology advisory board,” said David L. Dutton, CEO of Silvaco.  “He is a well-known and highly regarded leader in the information display industry. We appreciate him joining our team and look forward to working closely with him to help us continue our technical leadership in the display segment. His immense knowledge will guide us to align our technology direction to meet the future requirements in TFT and OLED display development.”

STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) and WiTricity, an industry pioneer in wireless power transfer over distance, today announced their design collaboration to develop semiconductor solutions for magnetic-resonance-based wireless power transfer. The goal is to “cut the last cord,” bringing convenience to the powering and charging of consumer electronics, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, as well as medical, industrial, and automotive applications.

WiTricity and ST are developing semiconductor solutions that combine WiTricity’s foundational intellectual property and wireless power-transfer mixed-signal IC-design expertise, with ST’s leadership in power-semiconductor design, fabrication, and packaging capabilities and resources. For the consumer electronics and IoT markets, power transmit and receive systems built with these new semiconductors aim to deliver spatial freedom, as well as wireless fast charging of one or more devices at the same time. Dubbed “Wireless Charging 2.0,” the semiconductor solutions built with the magnetic resonance technology will also have unique advantages over current technology, including being able to efficiently charge metal-body smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.

The contemplated semiconductor offerings include designs that comply with the AirFuel magnetic resonance specification as well as multi-mode solutions that incorporate both resonant and inductive charging. The AirFuel Alliance, a global organization dedicated to delivering the best wireless-charging experience for consumer electronics, is driving an interoperable ecosystem of wireless-charging Power Transfer Transmit Units (PTUs) and Power Receive Units (PRUs) that enable users to charge their devices everywhere; in their homes and offices to public spaces and even in their vehicles.

Beyond the consumer market, WiTricity is the global technology leader in wireless power for automotive, industrial and medical applications. ST and WiTricity demonstrated high-power wireless-transfer technology for electric vehicle charging at APEC 2016 in Long Beach California. For the automotive industry, WiTricity recently announced wireless “park-and-charge” development kits using their industry-leading 11kW solution for electric- and hybrid-vehicle charging. The solution has successfully been tested by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) for inclusion in a new global standard.

“Combining the expertise of WiTricity, the innovator in wireless power-transfer and magnetic resonance technology with ST’s resources and key IP, including Smart Power technologies and RF Bluetooth low energy, allows us to deliver complete, efficient wireless-charging solutions that increase convenience and ease of use while delighting consumers and exceeding their expectations,” said Matteo Lo Presti, Vice President and General Manager, Analog, in the Analog and MEMS Group, STMicroelectronics. “Game-changing technology from this ST and WiTricity collaboration will enable product designers across the globe to rid the world of cumbersome wires and charging cables and allow us to promote a broader set of our own semiconductor offerings into these emerging markets.”

“STMicroelectronics is a global leader in semiconductor solutions for power electronics and a compelling choice to rapidly commercialize fast and efficient wireless-charging chipsets based on WiTricity’s silicon designs and magnetic-resonance technology,” said Alex Gruzen, CEO of WiTricity. “With ST’s vast experience in semiconductor design and fabrication, as well as its access to leaders in the consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial markets, this collaboration puts us in a strong position to accelerate the adoption of resonance-enabled wireless charging.

Leti, an institute of CEA Tech, and the Institute for Information Industry of Taiwan (III), a non-profit non-governmental technology development organization, today announced an agreement for mutual exploration of a wide range of information and communications technology (ICT) related to the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G wireless connectivity.

The five-year collaboration will include, but is not limited to, joint development and implementation of IoT and 5G based Smart ICT solutions for the EU and Taiwan, and scientific information exchanges.  Also envisioned are cross-invitations to scientific events, joint implementation of international collaborative projects and partnerships, and work on experimental platforms and test beds that can be used to provide real-world validation of solutions.

Leti’s background in IoT and 5G systems, including spectrum management, radio access technologies and protocols, as well as IoT open platforms for large-scale systems, will be a primary contribution, along with its technological roadmaps. In addition to its expertise in IoT systems, III will provide access to Taiwanese technology platforms, as well as industry-driven requirements and use cases.

“Our two organizations have very complementary skills and ecosystems, and it’s a pleasure to launch our collaboration. Together we have an excellent opportunity to pilot and demonstrate innovative 5G and IoT-related solutions that will be useful for industries and individuals in Taiwan and the EU,” said Leti CEO Marie Semeria at the official signing ceremony in Taipei, held during a Leti workshop event there.

“Taiwan is currently supporting and promoting IoT and smart city. The service and platform that based on IoT technology will be the key factor for industrial development. III and Leti’s collaboration will significantly enhance our ability to pursue our mission of promoting industrial applications, R&D technologies, and IoT infrastructures,” commented III Executive Vice President Pao-Chung Ho. “We look forward to our information exchange and collaboration, and to building a creative and effective long-term research partnership between our teams.”

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:KLIC), announced today that it has named Fusen Chen as President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) effective October 31, 2016. He was also elected to the Board of Directors of K&S, effective October 3, 2016. Jonathan Chou, Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and interim CEO, will continue to serve as the CFO of the Company.

“Fusen is the ideal person to lead K&S at this exciting and critical time for the Company,” said Garrett E. Pierce, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “The semiconductor equipment industry is experiencing rapid change. The need for form-factor reductions, performance improvements and energy efficiency result in greater semiconductor complexity requiring comprehensive Advanced Packaging solutions. While K&S continues to be the market leader in wire bonding, by leveraging its strong technological platform and strategically investing in R&D, the Company is now well positioned to take advantage of these new Advanced Packaging growth opportunities. With his deep familiarity of the semiconductor equipment industry, strong understanding of the enabling technologies, proven track record in developing new products and driving revenue and profitability growth, Fusen has the experience, intellect and determination essential to further drive K&S growth and expansion. I would also like to thank Jonathan for his strong stewardship of the Company over the last year.”

“I’m incredibly excited and honored to join K&S,” said Fusen Chen. “K&S has a proud history as a market and technology leader in the semiconductor equipment industry. I look forward to working with the highly talented employees of the Company as we focus on executing new business growth and accelerating innovation of both new and core products to continue delivering maximum value to our customers, partners, employees and shareholders.”

Fusen joins K&S from Mattson Technology, Inc. where he was the President and CEO. Under his leadership the company turned around years of losses to generate significant revenue growth and achieved sustained profitability.

Fusen previously served as an executive vice president at Novellus Systems, with the responsibility for all semiconductor business units. Prior to this position, he was the chief technology officer (“CTO”) at Novellus, with the responsibility for defining the company’s technology strategy and direction. As the CTO, Fusen was Novellus’s primary executive interface with customers in Asia.

Prior to Novellus, Fusen spent 10 years at Applied Materials, most recently as the group vice president and general manager for the company’s copper physical vapor deposition and interconnect product business group. Before joining Applied Materials, he worked at LSI Logic and SGS-Thomson Microelectronics.

Fusen earned his Ph.D. degree in materials science and engineering from the State University of New York and a B.S. degree in material science and engineering from the Tsing Hua University (Hsinchu, Taiwan).

Mentor Graphics Corporation (NASDAQ:  MENT) today announced that it has joined the Wide Band Gap integration (WBGi) power electronics consortium to participate in thermal management and power cycling initiatives. The WBGi Consortium, established in 2013 by Professors Katsuaki Suganuma and Tsuyoshi Fuaki of OsakaUniversity in Japan, assembles academics and industrialists worldwide to leverage the possibilities of wide-bandgap technology and its challenges. Wideband-gap semiconductors are comprised of materials such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium arsenide (GaN), enabling devices to operate at much higher voltages, frequencies and temperatures than conventional silicon materials.

Mentor Graphics is already an active member of the US-based Center for Power Electronics Systems (CPES) and European Centre for Power Electronics Consortium (ECPE). This is the third power electronics consortium that Mentor Graphics has joined, offering its expertise in the field and proven technologies to advance the power and performance of semiconductors, IGBTs, MOSFETS, and other devices.

“We are glad that Mentor Graphics is joining WBGi. One of the key issues for SiC- and Ga- based power electronics is thermal dissipation,” said Katsuaki Suganuma, professor at the Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research at Osaka University. “Mentor’s T3Ster® transient thermal tester hardware is the most advanced technology in its field and can contribute to understanding what is going on in WBG semiconductors. There are standards for power LEDs already and we believe that MicReD® technology in the Mentor Graphics Power Tester can help in developing power cycling standards for WBG power electronics.”

The WBGi Consortium is addressing all aspects of packaging and reliability in the next generation of power electronics with 34 industrial company members, and several work groups, workshops, and meetings in place. The WBGi is also involved with the ECPE in Europe, U.S. and Asian partner organizations to establish itself as a global consortium.

“Being a member of the WBGi Consortium in Japan is extremely valuable and important to us and the semiconductor industry,” stated Roland Feldhinkel, general manager of Mentor Graphics Mechanical Analysis Division. “Our proven technologies and our team of researchers, educators and scientists are eager to contribute to WBGi’s initiatives and working groups. Our collaboration with the WGBi and its members can help result in tremendous advancements for the power electronics systems industry worldwide.”

Leti, an institute of CEA Tech, announced today it has joined the Stanford SystemX Alliance, a network of 100 renowned Stanford University professors and 27 world-class companies, joining forces in a pre-competitive environment to define tomorrow’s research strategies. Leti’s participation bridges the gap between two worlds – academia and industry. 

The alliance is a collaboration between Stanford researchers and over two-dozen leading global technology companies – such as Google, Huawei, Xilinx, Intel, Qualcomm, Toshiba, Infineon, and many more – that focuses on hardware and software at all levels of the system stack. Topics range from materials and devices to systems and applications in electronics, networks, energy, mobility, bio-interfaces, sensors and other technological domains.

Together, the SystemX partners are working on research strategies that should lead to a wide range of next generation applications, including the highly anticipated self-driving car and future artificial-intelligence systems that will improve performance and operation of our mobile, medical, smart-home solutions and devices.

Following his recent visit to Leti, Stanford System X Director Rick Bahr said, “Leti’s extensive, advanced clean room facilities and expertise are truly impressive, and I can see now that Stanford and Leti are very complementary. It makes real sense for us to find more ways to work together on developing new technologies and their demonstrators.”

“The alliance provides an avenue for worldwide strategic discussions and, more importantly, allows both research partners and industry leaders to stay ahead of the game,” said Barbara De Salvo, Leti’s scientific director.

“Leti brings its scientific excellence and expertise on technology transfer, and will have access to Stanford’s top-notch upstream research and network,” she added. “Stanford’s dynamic culture will inspire Leti on the road to new scientific territories and lead to strong programs with the Silicon Valley ecosystem.”

Leti will share its innovative research results during several SystemX events and explore ambitious, innovative and collaborative projects together with other partners of the Alliance.

Brewer Science was honored by the Missouri Association of Manufacturers with a Made in Missouri Leadership Award (MMLA) for Sustainability Leadership. The award honors innovative Missouri manufacturers and leaders that are shaping the future of global manufacturing.

Brewer Science received recognition for the development and implementation of a robust and strategic environmental program, which led to a program that was certified Zero Waste to Landfill The impact of this certification reinforces Brewer Science’s commitment to the environment, both internally and externally.

“Environmental responsibility does not require an ROI – it is a simple truth and it adds value to our company, but more importantly to the global community,” said Tom Brown, Executive Director, Corporate Production and Sustainability. “Reducing the environmental footprint at Brewer Science has also had a positive impact on the region and in our approach to business by allowing us to contain costs through improved efficiencies.”

“In addition to monitoring and managing our waste, Brewer Science has continued a partnership with the community by helping stakeholders properly dispose of their waste,” said Matt Beard, Director of Integrated Management Systems. “By working with the City of Rolla, the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Meramec Regional Planning Commission, and the Phelps County Commission, Brewer Science provides area residents with community collections that have enabled them to properly dispose of almost 811,000 pounds of waste over the past 11 years.”

Brewer Science is a developer and manufacturer of materials, processes, and equipment for the fabrication of semiconductors and microelectronic devices. With its headquarters in Rolla, Missouri, Brewer Science supports customers throughout the world with a service and distribution network in North America, Europe, and Asia. Brewer Science has earned the Zero Waste to Landfill certification from GreenCircle Certification LLC.

Brewer Science is celebrating 35 years of innovation. Founded in 1981 by Dr. Terry Brewer, the company is known as an innovator and manufacturer of leading-edge materials and processes used in the semiconductor and microelectronics industry. The company’s in-depth knowledge and expertise in materials science, chemistry, physics, optics, modeling, and process integration distinguish Brewer Science from all other material suppliers worldwide. Dr. Terry Brewer is recognized as the inventor of anti-reflective coatings (ARC materials) and is widely regarded as a prominent global industry expert in semiconductor manufacturing.

Dr. Brewer has created an environment where employees are inspired to not just create a product, but have the freedom to be completely innovative. Under his leadership, Brewer Science has grown to be respected internationally and have a global network of highly trained people providing superior products, support, and service.

The technologies invented and manufactured at Brewer Science have been critical in the development of smaller, faster, and more powerful electronic devices. This year continues to be one of celebration as Brewer Science commemorates its 35th anniversary while highlighting its many technological breakthroughs in the microelectronics and related industries worldwide.

Dialog Semiconductor plc (XETRA:DLG), a provider of highly integrated power management, AC/DC power conversion, solid state lighting (SSL) and Bluetooth(R) low energy technology, today announced the appointment of Mary Chan to the company’s Board of Directors, effective December 1, 2016.

“Mary’s significant international experience in the wireless communications sector will perfectly complement the existing rich mix of skills and perspectives on our Board,” said Rich Beyer, Chairman of the Board, Dialog Semiconductor. “Her particular insight into the ways connectivity and the Internet of Things (IoT) are driving change across multiple industries by enabling the delivery of cloud-based services on connected mobile platforms will be especially valuable.”

Ms. Chan’s career has spanned executive leadership roles at some of the world’s most successful international firms, including AT&T, Alcatel Lucent, Dell Inc. and General Motors Corporation (GM). Most recently at GM, Ms. Chan served between 2012 and 2015 as President, Global Connected Consumers & OnStar Service USA. In this role, Ms. Chan headed the organization responsible for the development of GM’s Global infotainment product and launching 4G LTE connectivity across GM’s global vehicle brands, successfully implementing new business models to improve the connected car and infotainment experience. At Dell, between 2009 and 2012, Ms. Chan led the company’s Enterprise Mobility Solutions and Services business in the USA. Prior to this, at Alcatel-Lucent, Ms. Chan served as Executive Vice President of the company’s US 4G LTE Wireless Networks business.

Ms. Chan currently serves as an Independent Director on the Board of SBA Communications Corporation, a leading operator and owner of wireless communications infrastructure across North, Central and South America. In addition, Ms. Chan is also currently the Managing Partner at VectoIQ which serves a number of companies in the area of smart transportation. Previously she also served on the Boards of the Mobile Marketing Association and CTIA – The Wireless Association. She holds both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University.