Weekly Asia IT Brief (October 19 - November 1, 2018)


Toshiba Launches 4-Channel IC for Car Audio with Up to 45W Output
On October 31, Toshiba launched the 'TCB702FNG', a 4-channel high-efficiency linear power amplifier IC that meets the high-efficiency requirements demanded by the market.

Toshiba will begin shipping samples on the 31st and plans to begin mass production in the first quarter of 2019.

Toshiba has refined its technology with the TCB702FNG to achieve efficiency comparable to that of digital high-efficiency Class D amplifiers across the practical operating range (0.5 to 4 W). Power consumption is reduced by up to 80% compared to conventional Class AB amplifiers. The new IC has a maximum output of 45W and is pin-compatible with Toshiba's 'TCB701FNG', a high-efficiency power amplifier IC with a maximum output of 50W.

The TCB702FNG includes a self-diagnostic function that can diagnose errors and contribute to proper set design by changing the detection settings for gain or time constants via I2C bus control. It also includes a continuous error detection function for the output DC offset voltage, which quickly detects abnormal output offset voltage and prevents speaker damage, improving set reliability.


NTT-Furuno Develops GPS Time Synchronization Receiver Using Multiple Satellites
On October 30, Japan's NTT, together with Furuno Electric, developed a receiver for GPS and other GNSS that significantly improves time synchronization accuracy in areas with extremely poor reception conditions, such as between buildings or in mountainous areas.

By integrating NTT's developed satellite signal selection algorithm with Furuno's time-synchronized GNSS receiver and adding it to the signals from line-of-sight satellites, it is now possible to use multipath signals that were previously difficult to use due to poor time synchronization accuracy. In a real multipath reception test environment, the timing error was reduced to one-fifth of the past value.

This result demonstrates that time synchronization similar to reception in an open space without obstructions is possible even in environments where precise time synchronization was previously considered difficult or inappropriate, such as between multiple buildings or in mountainous areas.

Furuno will begin selling the GF-88 series of time-synchronized GNSS receivers that employ this new technology in April 2019, and plans to deploy them widely in 4G/5G mobile base stations, financial transactions, power grids, and data centers.


NEC Partners with Samsung Electronics to Strengthen 5G Strategy
On October 24, Japan's NEC Corporation announced a partnership with Samsung Electronics to strengthen its next-generation business portfolio, including 5G.

This partnership will bring together the best-in-class 5G technology and expertise, merging NEC and Samsung Electronics' leadership in 5G and IT solutions. Furthermore, it will provide mobile carriers with flexible 5G solutions tailored to their local needs, through customized services that efficiently meet their specific needs.

Samsung Electronics was also selected as one of the 5G vendors in the United States. By combining NEC's expertise in the IT solutions business, which utilizes communication technologies including 5G, the two companies will pioneer new business opportunities in the global market.

“5G development based on standardization will help accelerate business transformation across global markets,” said Atsuo Kawamura, Executive Vice President and President of the Network Services Business Unit at NEC Corporation. “As 5G commercialization approaches, we are confident that our partnership with Samsung will further solidify our position as a 5G leader.”


Infineon Creates Space for Startups in Singapore
On October 24, Infineon Technologies announced the opening of its first global 'Co-Innovation Space' to help startups develop prototypes or viable semiconductor solutions and get them to market faster.

The Infineon Co-Innovation Space is located at Infineon's Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore and aims to accelerate the product development process for startups. More than just a workspace, this space will provide access to technology and expertise from Infineon in Singapore and around the world for one year.

Infineon experts will provide startups with training in design and business innovation, access to Infineon's research and development (R&D) and manufacturing facilities, and connections with Infineon's key partners and customers.

“IoT and big data are attracting new players to the electronics market and requiring strong collaboration between companies with diverse know-how,” said Helmut Gasel, CMO of Infineon. “Co-innovation is key to business success in this dynamic environment. “The Co-Innovation Space will be a living research lab for Infineon and its promising startup partners, where together we will develop new applications that connect the real and digital worlds,” he said.


Anritsu and Samsung Electronics Achieve 5G NR Full-Stack IODT with the MT8000A
On October 22, Japan's Anritsu announced that it has successfully completed 5G NR full stack IODT (Interoperability Development Testing) using the Exynos Modem 5100 announced by Samsung Electronics' System LSI Business Group with its MT8000A and protocol test/RF measurement software.

Anritsu's MT8000A platform enables protocol testing and RF measurements of 5G NR equipment more flexibly and quickly than other solutions. Anritsu's Rapid Test Designer (RTD) solution for GUI-based protocol testing simulates a wide range of protocol variables and scenarios for 5G NR and LTE-A, as well as existing legacy technologies.

“Anritsu provides ideal test solutions for advanced 5G technologies,” said Woon-Haeng Huh, Vice President of System LSI Protocol Development at Samsung Electronics. “Anritsu’s solutions have helped us rapidly advance our 5G implementations and have contributed significantly to the advancement of 5G as well as the LTE-A device market.”

“We are pleased that Anritsu has been instrumental in helping Samsung verify the functionality of its equipment,” said Yoshiyuki Amano, Anritsu Vice President. “This joint collaboration demonstrates once again how Anritsu provides leading technologies to help 5G mobile device manufacturers shorten product launch times – a critical factor for success in this highly competitive market.”