The Present and Future of the Turbulent Analog Semiconductor Industry

A meeting place with world-renowned experts. Vice President David Robertson, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Analog Devices, a leading global analog semiconductor company based in the United States, along with Ron Edgerton, CEO of iWatt, a U.S.-based IC solution specialist, Shoichi Matsumoto, Technical Executive of NJRC, a major Japanese semiconductor design company, Joe McPherson, who served as Chief Technology Fellow at TI, the world's largest analog semiconductor company based in the United States, Shin Bo-ik, Executive Vice President of LG Electronics' System IC Division, and Shena Black, Vice President and Felicia James, Executive Vice President of Dongbu HiTek participated as speakers at this forum. David Robertson, who delivered the keynote address, is scheduled to present on the topic of "Layers of Innovation in SoC Chip Design." In recent years, semiconductors have integrated various domains including digital, analog, and processor technologies on a single chip, and for this chip to remain competitive, an innovative Signal Chain that connects and integrates each domain is necessary. The key point is that semiconductor design that takes this into account is critical. Dr. Joe McPherson discussed the need for Safe Operating Area (SOA) that specifies the performance driving conditions to ensure stability in increasingly challenging analog design and process development, as well as methods for its application. Shoichi Matsumoto spoke on recent technology trends in which power supply units (SMPS) have begun applying digital technology to reduce energy consumption. Shena Black presented on the requirements and importance of analog-specialized fabs tailored to production trends of analog semiconductors with high variety and low volume production.