UK: A new UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) report, ‘Business Opportunities in India for Technology Partnerships', maps the deep mine of business for Britain's technology sector in India generated by its increasingly sophisticated and growing middle class.
Launched to coincide with two Indian delegations visiting the UK, the report is aimed at British firms working with semiconductors, mobile communications and healthcare. It provides valuable information about the opportunities to combine the UK's frontier expertise with India's huge ICT industry to provide technological solutions for India and the world.
Minister for Trade, Investment and Business Lord Davies recently visited India, which increased investment into the UK by 44% in 2008, becoming the second largest source of investment after the US. Two-thirds of the Indians firms investing in the UK are in the software and technology fields.
Lord Davies said: "It's been over a decade since outsourcing was the buzzword. Now, innovative Indian and UK firms are working together at the top end of the industrial spectrum. India's talent, confidence, energy and entrepreneurial spirit must be seen to be believed."
‘Business Opportunities in India for Technology Partnerships' is part of UKTI's ICT strategy to help SMEs tap into partnership programmes and business opportunities through missions, networking and face-to-face meetings. Combining UK technology expertise with the scale of India's ICT industry should lead to powerful solutions for India and globally.
The first delegation to the UK is the Indian Semiconductor Association, from 29 September to 2 October, following a recent MoU signing in New Delhi to work with UKTI on developing India-UK technology partnerships. A major part of the programme will be UK-India seminars and networking events organised with Silicon South West, South West Regional Development Agency and East of England International.
NASSCOM is the second delegation, bringing 14 of its members covering a variety of areas, including e-learning and healthcare. Events organised in London with Intellect and Think London will help UK companies explore how to work with Indian firms and meet one-to-one with the NASSCOM delegates.
UKTI Chief Executive Sir Andrew Cahn said: "Despite the global difficulties India remains a vital growth economy with opportunities to match. With potential partnerships across technology sub-sectors, coupled with a severe skills shortage, now is the time for UK companies to take advantage of the technology boom."
To help British business enter the Indian market, UKTI's presence is stronger than ever with 90 staff on the ground in India alone. UKTI can help UK businesses looking to explore options in India, find business partners and provide grants to help firms attend tradeshows.
UK-India bilateral trade is worth £12.6 billion with double-digit growth in the last year. The UK's exports to India rose in 2008 to £5.9 billion while imports in 2008 to £6.2 billion.
To request a copy ‘Business Opportunities in India for Technology Partnerships' email ict@ukti.gsi.gov.uk
Showing posts with label indian semiconductor industry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label indian semiconductor industry. Show all posts
Monday, 28 September 2009
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
ISA delegation to visit UK to further ties in semicon industry
BANGALORE, INDIA: The India Semiconductor Association (ISA) is organizing a business delegation visit to the UK from September 28 to October 2, 2009.
Led by Dr. Omkar Rai, Senior Director, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) Department of Information and Technology, Ministry of Communication & IT, Government of India, the delegation includes hardware design and embedded software companies such as Wipro, TCS, Circuitsutra, CMC, KPITCummins, Smartplay Technologies, SiWays Microelectronics, United Telecom and Vayavya Labs.
The highlight of the delegation is the visit to the Cambridge Cluster and the conference on ‘Semiconductor SIG: Entrance Strategies: Resourcing Early Stage Innovation’.
The primary objective of this initiative is to create a common platform for chip design and embedded software companies in India, and to collaborate with the product and services segments in the UK market.
Recently, the ISA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK Trade & investment to promote and develop the semiconductor industries in their respective domains through Global Value Chain GVC Partnerships. The UKTI’s GVC program is a unique initiative, which matches Indian businesses with the best UK technology firms to seize new business opportunities together.
The potential collaboration between the design companies in the two countries was gauged following a May 2008 study “Scope for collaboration between India and the UK in semiconductor driven industry 2008″. Released by the ISA, UKTI and Science & Innovation Network (SIN) established that UK and Indian semiconductor firms can collaborate to boost India’s IP creation and build next-generation products.
Led by Dr. Omkar Rai, Senior Director, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) Department of Information and Technology, Ministry of Communication & IT, Government of India, the delegation includes hardware design and embedded software companies such as Wipro, TCS, Circuitsutra, CMC, KPITCummins, Smartplay Technologies, SiWays Microelectronics, United Telecom and Vayavya Labs.
The highlight of the delegation is the visit to the Cambridge Cluster and the conference on ‘Semiconductor SIG: Entrance Strategies: Resourcing Early Stage Innovation’.
The primary objective of this initiative is to create a common platform for chip design and embedded software companies in India, and to collaborate with the product and services segments in the UK market.
Recently, the ISA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK Trade & investment to promote and develop the semiconductor industries in their respective domains through Global Value Chain GVC Partnerships. The UKTI’s GVC program is a unique initiative, which matches Indian businesses with the best UK technology firms to seize new business opportunities together.
The potential collaboration between the design companies in the two countries was gauged following a May 2008 study “Scope for collaboration between India and the UK in semiconductor driven industry 2008″. Released by the ISA, UKTI and Science & Innovation Network (SIN) established that UK and Indian semiconductor firms can collaborate to boost India’s IP creation and build next-generation products.
Friday, 4 September 2009
Freescale's Rich Beyer on semicon and industry trends
Here's the synopsis of the keynote address by Rich Beyer, chairman and CEO, Freescale Semiconductor at FTF India 2009, at the Hotel Leela Palace Bangalore, on September 02, 2009.
Rich Beyer, chairman and CEO, Freescale Semiconductor
This year, we have 64 hours of technical training classes apart from extensive selection of Freescale and third-party demos in our Technology Lab. Since we met last year, the industry has experienced the greatest economic challenges in generations that had an unprecedented global impact, and no region has been immune from its effects.
India, Asia’s third largest economy, seems to have been less affected by the global economic slowdown, primarily because India’s economy is driven largely by domestic demand and is not as dependent on exports. Interest rate cuts and a fiscal stimulus equivalent to 7 percent of India’s GDP helped the economy grow by almost 6 percent in the first quarter of this year, making it the world’s fastest growing economy after China.
From a global perspective, the markets are stabilizing, and we hope that the worst is over. However, in order to compete effectively, businesses will need to become more efficient and more agile, at least for the next few years.
One of the core purposes of this FTF is to demonstrate our efforts and progress in providing you with the best possible solutions to help develop products and systems that enable your companies to win.
On networking
In networking, multicore processors are essential to delivering the industry-leading levels of integration, performance and energy-efficiency required for next-generation communications systems. However, testing and optimizing application software for systems based on embedded multicore processors can be a time-consuming task. To help solve this challenge, Freescale has introduced our VortiQa software, a production-ready, application-level software specifically for our multicore solutions to dramatically reduce the time needed by you, our customers, for your development tasks.
To enable rapid prototyping for our microcontrollers, we have introduced the Freescale Tower System, a modular development platform with reconfigurable hardware that enables developers to mix and match MCU and peripheral boards to save both money and months of development time through rapid prototyping and tool re-use.
Sensor toolbox
To streamline embedded designs with our acceleration, pressure or proximity sensors, Freescale has introduced the Sensor Toolbox. This is a unified set of development software, customizable plug-and-play boards and complimentary sensor algorithms to help you get the most out of your sensor-related designs.
For the past several years, we have concentrated on three major trends that we feel represent the engines of our future growth i.e. Net Effect, Health and Safety and Going Green.
India is the world’s fastest growing mobile market, and 3G high-speed transmissions of voice, video and data is seen as the next growth driver for telecom firms in India. In Health and Safety, Freescale is helping enable monitoring solutions like glucometers and insulin pumps.
Our embedded processing technologies deliver best-in-class performance with low-power consumption and integrated RF connectivity that help diabetes patients avoid acute complications like hypoglycemia and kidney failure. Real-time cardiac monitoring solutions are allowing patients with heart disease to live a life without constant fear.
Our high-performance 32-bit embedded processors, digital signal processors and digital signal controllers help provide accurate and secure portable heart monitoring solutions for those suffering from hypertension, arrhythmias and cardiac failure.
On wellness and fitness, safety
In wellness and fitness applications from pedometers to treadmills and digital bicycles are beginning to incorporate functions like calorie counters and heart rate monitors. Freescale’s microcontroller portfolio delivers one of the best price-performance ratios available for these applications.
Safety is also an extremely important trend in the world today and is the utmost requirement in the automotive market. Safety features introduced years ago like anti-lock braking, air bags and tire pressure monitoring systems are being integrated with completely new capabilities like active safety equipment that can actually help prevent accidents before they happen.
Advanced safety systems like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and radar for object detection will add embedded intelligence to the vehicle for a higher level of safety, efficiency and convenience. We will begin to see vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure wireless communications.
Embedded intelligence in the vehicle will be able to recognize traffic signs –- to maintain the proper speed limit or alert the driver about approaching stop signs. And sensors will be able to detect pedestrians around the vehicle and monitor that the driver is alert and aware.
Going Green!
Our third growth trend is Going Green. Energy is embedded in virtually every aspect of our lives energy efficient devise will make an enormous difference. The prospect of rising oil prices and global warming has intensified the demand for more fuel efficient vehicles while at the same time meeting ever-tightening standards on emissions.
In the consumer market, many countries around the world are instituting new standards to eliminate “vampire electronics”, those devices that consume a huge amount of energy even as they spend time in standby mode. The industrial sector accounts for about 37-percent of the global energy consumption. Through the use of high-efficiency motors, improved process control, automation, information processing, and robotics, we can help save the energy output equal to hundreds of coal-fired power plants.
On Indian industry
So, those are the global trends that we feel will drive our markets today and for the foreseeable future. Now I would like to talk about the growth opportunities we see here in India and provide some insights into what Freescale is doing to address these.
Automotive industry
Let’s start with the automotive industry.
India’s automotive industry has reached a pivotal moment. The rise of ultra-low cost four-wheel vehicles is expected to grow the domestic market by more than one million units by 2013.
By 2012, India is expected to account for 20 percent of the increase in global car sales, surpassing the markets in Italy and Spain. At that point, India could become the leader in small-car growth. For India to become a major player in the global automotive market, a key challenge will be to engineer cars that meet stringent international emissions and safety standards.
Freescale is uniquely positioned and strongly committed to helping develop the capabilities of the India automotive industry. We have partnered with the industry’s leading manufacturers and suppliers to help drive standards for component software and interconnectivity.
As emerging automotive markets like India continue to gain momentum, vehicles will need cost-optimized solutions that incorporate more advanced chassis and safety systems, like airbags, tire pressure monitoring systems, and electronic stability control. Freescale offers a full range of system solutions that can scale to higher performance as needed.
India’s networking infrastructure
Next, I want to talk about the growth of India’s networking infrastructure. Over the last few years, India’s telecommunications landscape has seen rapid growth. The 3G wireless spectrum will allow the transmission of voice, data and video at high speeds to mobile devices. Freescale is playing a key role in delivering the performance improvements and the cost reductions required to bring these next-generation networks to life.
We are the global leader in embedded communications processors. The ever-increasing amounts of digital data are continuing to push the need for high-speed data processing. And along with this need for speed are the increasing expectations of reliability, security and the overall quality of service.
As an industry, we have been talking about 3G technology, but 3G is just now coming into widespread adoption, and with the latest innovations in Long-Term-Evolution, or LTE, we are seeing even more broadband capability becoming available.
Freescale has played a leadership role in this infrastructure growth with our RF, communications processor and DSP technology.
Our QorIQ multicore communications platforms are providing new levels of performance and low-power consumption. These products are all based on our e500 Power Architecture cores and are designed for 45-nanometer technology.
Earlier this year, we began sampling our first dual-core QorIQ communications processor. Given the positive feedback, we are accelerating the introduction of our eight-core QorIQ processor. This device is being combined with our new six-core DSP to provide a comprehensive solution for wireless infrastructure equipment for advanced 3G and 4G systems.
Together our Starcore DSPs and QorIQ-based microprocessors in 45 nanometer technology can help reduce the bill-of-material costs in a 10 MHz LTE base station by as much as 60 percent, while simultaneously reducing power consumption by 50 percent.
On energy
More than a century after the invention of the light bulb, today’s energy grid is little different from the one envisioned by Thomas Edison 127 years ago. The smart grid will play a critical role in the development of India’s economy in the future.
India is home to more than one-point-one billion people, making it the world’s second largest population. And by 2025, India’s urban population is expected to increase by 50 percent.
The Indian government is investing heavily in new power plants, and this includes renewable sources such as wind and solar energy. However to take advantage of these new sources, there will need to be a new delivery system, or smart grid, that can handle a generation mix with a high percentage of renewable energy sources.
Smart electric meters will be one of the first steps toward establishing two-way communication between the home and the utility companies. Freescale is an industry leader in smart meter technology. We offer low-power and low-cost solutions for single-phase and three-phase meter measurement.
Our product portfolio includes microcontrollers with LCD drivers, and digital signal controllers for power modem functions, integrated ZigBee solutions for wireless communication, and accelerometers for antitamper security.
Once smart meters are deployed, building automation networks will help create an energy gateway to connect to home thermostats, smart appliances and other energy-intensive devices. Countries around the world are beginning to implement smart grid technologies to increase energy efficiency and incorporate renewable energy sources that will reduce our global carbon footprint.
New category of handheld devices
There is a new category of handheld devices that deliver connectivity and convenience for an integrated multimedia experience. These include e-book digital readers that are transforming paper-bound media into connected infotainment devices, and they include the new smartbook Internet devices that are filling the gap between traditional notebook computing and smartphone communications.
These devices are driven by the common market characteristics of affordability, portability, Internet connectivity and all-day battery life. Freescale is delivering a common solution based on our i.MX multimedia application processors.
I am excited about the opportunities for growth in India, and I am constantly impressed by the innovation and ingenuity demonstrated by India’s talented engineers.
We are grateful to have the opportunity to share our product directions and tell you about the new and innovative solutions that we are bringing to the marketplace.
Let’s go make the world a smarter place.
Rich Beyer, chairman and CEO, Freescale SemiconductorThis year, we have 64 hours of technical training classes apart from extensive selection of Freescale and third-party demos in our Technology Lab. Since we met last year, the industry has experienced the greatest economic challenges in generations that had an unprecedented global impact, and no region has been immune from its effects.
India, Asia’s third largest economy, seems to have been less affected by the global economic slowdown, primarily because India’s economy is driven largely by domestic demand and is not as dependent on exports. Interest rate cuts and a fiscal stimulus equivalent to 7 percent of India’s GDP helped the economy grow by almost 6 percent in the first quarter of this year, making it the world’s fastest growing economy after China.
From a global perspective, the markets are stabilizing, and we hope that the worst is over. However, in order to compete effectively, businesses will need to become more efficient and more agile, at least for the next few years.
One of the core purposes of this FTF is to demonstrate our efforts and progress in providing you with the best possible solutions to help develop products and systems that enable your companies to win.
On networking
In networking, multicore processors are essential to delivering the industry-leading levels of integration, performance and energy-efficiency required for next-generation communications systems. However, testing and optimizing application software for systems based on embedded multicore processors can be a time-consuming task. To help solve this challenge, Freescale has introduced our VortiQa software, a production-ready, application-level software specifically for our multicore solutions to dramatically reduce the time needed by you, our customers, for your development tasks.
To enable rapid prototyping for our microcontrollers, we have introduced the Freescale Tower System, a modular development platform with reconfigurable hardware that enables developers to mix and match MCU and peripheral boards to save both money and months of development time through rapid prototyping and tool re-use.
Sensor toolbox
To streamline embedded designs with our acceleration, pressure or proximity sensors, Freescale has introduced the Sensor Toolbox. This is a unified set of development software, customizable plug-and-play boards and complimentary sensor algorithms to help you get the most out of your sensor-related designs.
For the past several years, we have concentrated on three major trends that we feel represent the engines of our future growth i.e. Net Effect, Health and Safety and Going Green.
India is the world’s fastest growing mobile market, and 3G high-speed transmissions of voice, video and data is seen as the next growth driver for telecom firms in India. In Health and Safety, Freescale is helping enable monitoring solutions like glucometers and insulin pumps.
Our embedded processing technologies deliver best-in-class performance with low-power consumption and integrated RF connectivity that help diabetes patients avoid acute complications like hypoglycemia and kidney failure. Real-time cardiac monitoring solutions are allowing patients with heart disease to live a life without constant fear.
Our high-performance 32-bit embedded processors, digital signal processors and digital signal controllers help provide accurate and secure portable heart monitoring solutions for those suffering from hypertension, arrhythmias and cardiac failure.
On wellness and fitness, safety
In wellness and fitness applications from pedometers to treadmills and digital bicycles are beginning to incorporate functions like calorie counters and heart rate monitors. Freescale’s microcontroller portfolio delivers one of the best price-performance ratios available for these applications.
Safety is also an extremely important trend in the world today and is the utmost requirement in the automotive market. Safety features introduced years ago like anti-lock braking, air bags and tire pressure monitoring systems are being integrated with completely new capabilities like active safety equipment that can actually help prevent accidents before they happen.
Advanced safety systems like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and radar for object detection will add embedded intelligence to the vehicle for a higher level of safety, efficiency and convenience. We will begin to see vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure wireless communications.
Embedded intelligence in the vehicle will be able to recognize traffic signs –- to maintain the proper speed limit or alert the driver about approaching stop signs. And sensors will be able to detect pedestrians around the vehicle and monitor that the driver is alert and aware.
Going Green!
Our third growth trend is Going Green. Energy is embedded in virtually every aspect of our lives energy efficient devise will make an enormous difference. The prospect of rising oil prices and global warming has intensified the demand for more fuel efficient vehicles while at the same time meeting ever-tightening standards on emissions.
In the consumer market, many countries around the world are instituting new standards to eliminate “vampire electronics”, those devices that consume a huge amount of energy even as they spend time in standby mode. The industrial sector accounts for about 37-percent of the global energy consumption. Through the use of high-efficiency motors, improved process control, automation, information processing, and robotics, we can help save the energy output equal to hundreds of coal-fired power plants.
On Indian industry
So, those are the global trends that we feel will drive our markets today and for the foreseeable future. Now I would like to talk about the growth opportunities we see here in India and provide some insights into what Freescale is doing to address these.
Automotive industry
Let’s start with the automotive industry.
India’s automotive industry has reached a pivotal moment. The rise of ultra-low cost four-wheel vehicles is expected to grow the domestic market by more than one million units by 2013.
By 2012, India is expected to account for 20 percent of the increase in global car sales, surpassing the markets in Italy and Spain. At that point, India could become the leader in small-car growth. For India to become a major player in the global automotive market, a key challenge will be to engineer cars that meet stringent international emissions and safety standards.
Freescale is uniquely positioned and strongly committed to helping develop the capabilities of the India automotive industry. We have partnered with the industry’s leading manufacturers and suppliers to help drive standards for component software and interconnectivity.
As emerging automotive markets like India continue to gain momentum, vehicles will need cost-optimized solutions that incorporate more advanced chassis and safety systems, like airbags, tire pressure monitoring systems, and electronic stability control. Freescale offers a full range of system solutions that can scale to higher performance as needed.
India’s networking infrastructure
Next, I want to talk about the growth of India’s networking infrastructure. Over the last few years, India’s telecommunications landscape has seen rapid growth. The 3G wireless spectrum will allow the transmission of voice, data and video at high speeds to mobile devices. Freescale is playing a key role in delivering the performance improvements and the cost reductions required to bring these next-generation networks to life.
We are the global leader in embedded communications processors. The ever-increasing amounts of digital data are continuing to push the need for high-speed data processing. And along with this need for speed are the increasing expectations of reliability, security and the overall quality of service.
As an industry, we have been talking about 3G technology, but 3G is just now coming into widespread adoption, and with the latest innovations in Long-Term-Evolution, or LTE, we are seeing even more broadband capability becoming available.
Freescale has played a leadership role in this infrastructure growth with our RF, communications processor and DSP technology.
Our QorIQ multicore communications platforms are providing new levels of performance and low-power consumption. These products are all based on our e500 Power Architecture cores and are designed for 45-nanometer technology.
Earlier this year, we began sampling our first dual-core QorIQ communications processor. Given the positive feedback, we are accelerating the introduction of our eight-core QorIQ processor. This device is being combined with our new six-core DSP to provide a comprehensive solution for wireless infrastructure equipment for advanced 3G and 4G systems.
Together our Starcore DSPs and QorIQ-based microprocessors in 45 nanometer technology can help reduce the bill-of-material costs in a 10 MHz LTE base station by as much as 60 percent, while simultaneously reducing power consumption by 50 percent.
On energy
More than a century after the invention of the light bulb, today’s energy grid is little different from the one envisioned by Thomas Edison 127 years ago. The smart grid will play a critical role in the development of India’s economy in the future.
India is home to more than one-point-one billion people, making it the world’s second largest population. And by 2025, India’s urban population is expected to increase by 50 percent.
The Indian government is investing heavily in new power plants, and this includes renewable sources such as wind and solar energy. However to take advantage of these new sources, there will need to be a new delivery system, or smart grid, that can handle a generation mix with a high percentage of renewable energy sources.
Smart electric meters will be one of the first steps toward establishing two-way communication between the home and the utility companies. Freescale is an industry leader in smart meter technology. We offer low-power and low-cost solutions for single-phase and three-phase meter measurement.
Our product portfolio includes microcontrollers with LCD drivers, and digital signal controllers for power modem functions, integrated ZigBee solutions for wireless communication, and accelerometers for antitamper security.
Once smart meters are deployed, building automation networks will help create an energy gateway to connect to home thermostats, smart appliances and other energy-intensive devices. Countries around the world are beginning to implement smart grid technologies to increase energy efficiency and incorporate renewable energy sources that will reduce our global carbon footprint.
New category of handheld devices
There is a new category of handheld devices that deliver connectivity and convenience for an integrated multimedia experience. These include e-book digital readers that are transforming paper-bound media into connected infotainment devices, and they include the new smartbook Internet devices that are filling the gap between traditional notebook computing and smartphone communications.
These devices are driven by the common market characteristics of affordability, portability, Internet connectivity and all-day battery life. Freescale is delivering a common solution based on our i.MX multimedia application processors.
I am excited about the opportunities for growth in India, and I am constantly impressed by the innovation and ingenuity demonstrated by India’s talented engineers.
We are grateful to have the opportunity to share our product directions and tell you about the new and innovative solutions that we are bringing to the marketplace.
Let’s go make the world a smarter place.
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
ISA inks MoU with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI)
BANGALORE, INDIA: The India Semiconductor Association (ISA), the premier trade body representing the Indian semiconductor, systems and solar photovoltaic industry, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) on Monday evening. The MoU was signed by BV Naidu, Chairman, ISA and Ms. Jane Owen, Director, UKTI in New Delhi.
The MoU focuses on developing and encouraging business ties and technology exchange between Indian and UK semiconductor industries through ‘Global Value Chain Partnerships’.
This significant agreement will mean that Indian and UK firms will be working together on agreed business opportunity areas, combining complementary know-how, technology, IP and other capabilities. This is also a concerted effort to jointly access, develop and deliver business solutions more effectively in this segment.
Jane Owen, Director, UK Trade and Investment, India said: "India and the UK play a significant part in the semiconductor industry, but together, I believe our two industries can do much more. The UK is a world leader in innovation and India has a massive electronic manufacturing sector, which drives the semiconductor industry. We look forward to a committed, fair and dependable partnership.”
Poornima Shenoy President said: “There is a tremendous synergy between chip design companies in the UK and India. An increasing high degree of complexity and innovation in chip design is taking place in both geographies. We are seeking the multiplier effect of companies that can focus on developing products for the domestic market.
In continuation of this association, a business delegation of embedded software and chip design companies from India would be going to the UK in September to discuss business opportunities.
The MoU focuses on developing and encouraging business ties and technology exchange between Indian and UK semiconductor industries through ‘Global Value Chain Partnerships’.
This significant agreement will mean that Indian and UK firms will be working together on agreed business opportunity areas, combining complementary know-how, technology, IP and other capabilities. This is also a concerted effort to jointly access, develop and deliver business solutions more effectively in this segment.
Jane Owen, Director, UK Trade and Investment, India said: "India and the UK play a significant part in the semiconductor industry, but together, I believe our two industries can do much more. The UK is a world leader in innovation and India has a massive electronic manufacturing sector, which drives the semiconductor industry. We look forward to a committed, fair and dependable partnership.”
Poornima Shenoy President said: “There is a tremendous synergy between chip design companies in the UK and India. An increasing high degree of complexity and innovation in chip design is taking place in both geographies. We are seeking the multiplier effect of companies that can focus on developing products for the domestic market.
In continuation of this association, a business delegation of embedded software and chip design companies from India would be going to the UK in September to discuss business opportunities.
Monday, 31 August 2009
ISA, UKTI sign MoU – to build complementary semicon capabilities
The India Semiconductor Association (ISA) and the UKTI today signed a historic memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the residence of Sir Richard Stagg, British High Commissioner in New Delhi, India
The MoU was signed between B.V. Naidu, chairman, ISA and Jane Owen, director UKTI.
In attendance were the board members of the ISA, senior executives from the Indian semiconductor industry and officials from the UKTI ICT sector.
Source: ISA
Sir Richard Stagg touched upon the long history and tradition of India-UK trade with rich social and cultural bonds, which has continued strongly with new generations of industries as the global economy has reshaped, in so small part through technology.
He said: “IT, and semiconductors, in particular, has played a key role in determining how international trade happens. It has already done much, and has the potential to do much more.
“The next phase as far as India and the UK are concerned will undoubtedly be about more collaborative efforts, building on deep strengths of each country’s semiconductor industry.”
Sir Stagg expressed his happiness that the ISA had chosen the UK as one of its three key country partners. He was especially pleased to see such enthusiastic commitment to the UKTI’s India ICT GVC (Global Value Chain) program.
The UKTI’s GVC program is a unique initiative, which matches Indian businesses with the best UK technology firms to seize new business opportunities together.
Jane Owen added, “Through the GVC program, we want to build on the complementary capabilities of our two industries to develop and implement new solutions around the big issues today and tomorrow.”
Poornima Shenoy, president, ISA, highlighted the fact that there can be areas, as well as geographic areas that can be of interest to India. The data being provided by the UKTI has also helped the Association to do enhance this aspect. “You (UKTI), have the opportunity to be the first mover,” she said.
She added: “The focus on the three verticals -- healthcare, energy and automotive from both sides is of relevance. This will bring about focus to interactions and help drive business by the respective verticals.”
B.V. Naidu, chairman, ISA, said that the UKTI is top priority for the ISA. He added: “We are really on a growth path. This year, the government of India has also set up a task force – for the India Semiconductor Vision 2020 Document. A lot of innovation and co-operation is being driven by the government of India. Companies in the UK and India can tap this opportunity in a major way.”
Full report follows later.
The MoU was signed between B.V. Naidu, chairman, ISA and Jane Owen, director UKTI.
In attendance were the board members of the ISA, senior executives from the Indian semiconductor industry and officials from the UKTI ICT sector.
Source: ISASir Richard Stagg touched upon the long history and tradition of India-UK trade with rich social and cultural bonds, which has continued strongly with new generations of industries as the global economy has reshaped, in so small part through technology.
He said: “IT, and semiconductors, in particular, has played a key role in determining how international trade happens. It has already done much, and has the potential to do much more.
“The next phase as far as India and the UK are concerned will undoubtedly be about more collaborative efforts, building on deep strengths of each country’s semiconductor industry.”
Sir Stagg expressed his happiness that the ISA had chosen the UK as one of its three key country partners. He was especially pleased to see such enthusiastic commitment to the UKTI’s India ICT GVC (Global Value Chain) program.
The UKTI’s GVC program is a unique initiative, which matches Indian businesses with the best UK technology firms to seize new business opportunities together.
Jane Owen added, “Through the GVC program, we want to build on the complementary capabilities of our two industries to develop and implement new solutions around the big issues today and tomorrow.”
Poornima Shenoy, president, ISA, highlighted the fact that there can be areas, as well as geographic areas that can be of interest to India. The data being provided by the UKTI has also helped the Association to do enhance this aspect. “You (UKTI), have the opportunity to be the first mover,” she said.
She added: “The focus on the three verticals -- healthcare, energy and automotive from both sides is of relevance. This will bring about focus to interactions and help drive business by the respective verticals.”
B.V. Naidu, chairman, ISA, said that the UKTI is top priority for the ISA. He added: “We are really on a growth path. This year, the government of India has also set up a task force – for the India Semiconductor Vision 2020 Document. A lot of innovation and co-operation is being driven by the government of India. Companies in the UK and India can tap this opportunity in a major way.”
Full report follows later.
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
What needs to be done to boost chip designing activities in India?
Anil Gupta, Technovation 2010 and UK CIG Convener, India Semiconductor Association (ISA), also needs no introduction. As former managing director, ARM Embedded Technologies Pvt. Ltd, he has been a prominent figure in several industry events. Here, he presents his views on what needs to be done for the Indian semiconductor industry.An interesting fact being brought up time and again within the industry is the requirement of a robust entrepreneurial spirit and the need for much more sources of funding for semiconductor product companies. Also, renewable energy, healthcare and security are some of the verticals where the Indian industry believes there is a lot of value to be added from the Indian market/need perspective.
Further, local products/systems design and development activity needs to be encouraged and kick-started in a big way in India, for the industry to really succeed big time!
What does Indian semicon need?
We have discussed several times in the past regarding what needs to be done with the Indian semicon industry. So, what really needs to be done, given the current slowdown? What can be done boost chip designing activities in India.
According to Anil Gupta: "The Indian story has always been a story of a lot of potential, but most often this potential is never realized.
"The software industry has done well and has gone far, perhaps, somewhat farther than the hardware or chip-design industry in India. However, you still don’t see a software product conceptualized, designed and developed in India that is worth mentioning.
"The Infosys’es and the I-Flex’es can do a phenomenal job of executing software projects for their customers, but they are all a far cry from the league of the top consulting firms that define the problem to be solved and the software solutions to be built.
"The Indian software industry is still plagued with the “revenue per head” model and is unable to grow beyond it. The Indian software companies clearly bring a significant value to their customers but this is NOT strategic value, it is merely an execution value.
"Compared with the software industry, the embedded systems industry in India is puny today. However, the opportunities are phenomenal because there is so much automation potential in so many verticals. However, once again, the lack of significant products/solutions development in India is a very big hindrance."
From a technical expertise perspective, there is a lot of engineering talent available, but the expertise is in general quite shallow. Even in the open source space like Linux, there aren’t many noteworthy contributions to date from the Indian engineering community.
Is the Indian fab story truly dead and buried?
In the past, we have extensively discussed whether the Indian fab story was dead and buried. Do you see any change in the current situation?
Well, it is dead for now! Gupta added: "Its day will come ONLY when the economics works out in its favour. Today, it doesn’t!"
He said: "It is interesting that many point out to the success of the solar fab investments. However, it should be noted that there is no solar wafer manufacturing activity worth mentioning. Only modules are being assembled in India as there seems to be a global glut in wafer production. Thus, wafer fabs in India is a pipe dream for now since the economics doesn’t work out."
Does India have entrepreneurs committed to product development and willing to take that risk? How can they be encouraged?
Gupta said that there are not that many who are willing to come out and take the risk, and the lack of funding is a very big handicap. The lack of prior successes that could be emulated is probably the biggest handicap.
In that case, what needs to be done in India to move up a higher level, beyond design and verification?
He said: "Clearly, a willingness to take risk, strong stomach to face failure, and strong will to learn from that failure to rise again from the ashes!"
Monday, 3 August 2009
Freescale to host fifth annual Technology Forum in India
BANGALORE, INDIA: Freescale announced that it will host the annual Freescale Technology Forum (FTF) India at Hotel Leela Palace, Bangalore, on September 2-3, 2009. Registration is now open at www.freescale.com/ftf.
Freescale Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rich Beyer will present the opening keynote address at FTF India. Anil Menon, President, Globalization and Intelligent Urbanization at Cisco, and Sanjay Nayak, Chief Executive Officer at Tejas Networks, will deliver guest keynote addresses.
Henri Richard, Senior Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Freescale and Vivek Mohindra, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Transformation at Freescale, will also speak.
FTF India 2009 will include more than 50 hours of technical training sessions organized into six tracks: Automotive, Consumer, Industrial, Networking and Enabling Technologies. The event will also feature approximately 22 demonstrations on new technologies from Freescale and its partners.
In its fifth consecutive year, FTF India will bring together professionals and developers focused on embedded solutions for the automotive, networking, consumer, industrial, and medical electronics sectors, across the semiconductor ecosystem, under one roof, to create a unique, energizing and inspiring environment of innovation and collaboration.
“Innovation is the need of the hour as companies across the globe brave the challenges presented by the current economic scenario,” said Ganesh Guruswamy, Vice President and Country Manager, Freescale Semiconductor India Pvt. Ltd.
“India is a strategically important region for Freescale and organizing Freescale Technology Forum during these times demonstrates our continued commitment to the Indian ecosystem. FTF focuses on providing developers with insights into future embedded technologies for various sectors. Through this illustrious forum, it has been our endeavour to influence and foster innovation by showcasing ground-breaking technologies that transform our lives”
Global Sponsors of FTF 2009
* Global Platinum Sponsors: Microsoft Windows Embedded, MontaVista Software, Wind River Systems.
* Global Gold Sponsors: Arrow Electronics, Future Electronics, Green Hills Software.
Freescale Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rich Beyer will present the opening keynote address at FTF India. Anil Menon, President, Globalization and Intelligent Urbanization at Cisco, and Sanjay Nayak, Chief Executive Officer at Tejas Networks, will deliver guest keynote addresses.
Henri Richard, Senior Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Freescale and Vivek Mohindra, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Transformation at Freescale, will also speak.
FTF India 2009 will include more than 50 hours of technical training sessions organized into six tracks: Automotive, Consumer, Industrial, Networking and Enabling Technologies. The event will also feature approximately 22 demonstrations on new technologies from Freescale and its partners.
In its fifth consecutive year, FTF India will bring together professionals and developers focused on embedded solutions for the automotive, networking, consumer, industrial, and medical electronics sectors, across the semiconductor ecosystem, under one roof, to create a unique, energizing and inspiring environment of innovation and collaboration.
“Innovation is the need of the hour as companies across the globe brave the challenges presented by the current economic scenario,” said Ganesh Guruswamy, Vice President and Country Manager, Freescale Semiconductor India Pvt. Ltd.
“India is a strategically important region for Freescale and organizing Freescale Technology Forum during these times demonstrates our continued commitment to the Indian ecosystem. FTF focuses on providing developers with insights into future embedded technologies for various sectors. Through this illustrious forum, it has been our endeavour to influence and foster innovation by showcasing ground-breaking technologies that transform our lives”
Global Sponsors of FTF 2009
* Global Platinum Sponsors: Microsoft Windows Embedded, MontaVista Software, Wind River Systems.
* Global Gold Sponsors: Arrow Electronics, Future Electronics, Green Hills Software.
Monday, 6 July 2009
ISA lauds positive signals of Union Budget
BANGALORE, INDIA: The India Semiconductor Association (ISA) today applauded the government’s step in extending the STPI tax holiday for technology export firms from March 2010 to March 2011. It would be of special relevance to SMEs.
Addressing the issues of transfer pricing and removal of fringe benefit tax were the other positive steps. These steps would attract talent to the knowledge sector and improve the competitiveness of India.
Weighted deduction of 150 percent on in-house R&D expenditure available to all manufacturing businesses will provide a boost to domestic R&D efforts and is a welcome move. Upgradation of polytechnics could create employment opportunities in the manufacturing sector with a pool of qualified and trained talent.
Basic customs duty of 5 percent applicable on import of set-top boxes is an incentive for domestic manufacturing. Reduction of custom duty on LCD panels and exemption of CVD on parts for mobile manufacturing will also help the manufacturing industry.
Commenting on the budget, ISA Chairman B.V. Naidu, Group CEO Vanpic Projects said, "These are positive developments and a signal that the government is committed to the growth of the sector and addressing its issues in this tough economic environment."
Addressing the issues of transfer pricing and removal of fringe benefit tax were the other positive steps. These steps would attract talent to the knowledge sector and improve the competitiveness of India.
Weighted deduction of 150 percent on in-house R&D expenditure available to all manufacturing businesses will provide a boost to domestic R&D efforts and is a welcome move. Upgradation of polytechnics could create employment opportunities in the manufacturing sector with a pool of qualified and trained talent.
Basic customs duty of 5 percent applicable on import of set-top boxes is an incentive for domestic manufacturing. Reduction of custom duty on LCD panels and exemption of CVD on parts for mobile manufacturing will also help the manufacturing industry.
Commenting on the budget, ISA Chairman B.V. Naidu, Group CEO Vanpic Projects said, "These are positive developments and a signal that the government is committed to the growth of the sector and addressing its issues in this tough economic environment."
Union budget 2009: Nothing much to speak about on tech front, barring UIDAI!
The Union Budget 2009, detailed today by Honourable Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of Finance, Government of India, really has nothing much to speak about for the Indian technology sector, or what many would like to call as the Indian IT industry, barring the setting up of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
Some of the budget highlights include:
* Customs duty of 5 percent to be imposed on set-top boxes for TV broadcasting.
* Customs duty on LCD panels for manufacture of LCD TVs to be reduced from 10 percent to 5 percent.
* Full exemption from 4 percent special CVD on parts for manufacture of mobile phones and accessories to be reintroduced for one year.
None of these proposals will significantly boost manufacturing in the country. There is also a great need to boost home-grown companies!
Among the good points, the minister said that he will urge his colleagues in Central and State Governments to remove policy, regulatory and institutional bottlenecks for speedy implementation of infrastructure projects. The infrastructure projects include telecommunications, power generation, etc. This is some good news!
The IT industry has pointed out that it is facing difficulties in the assessment of software which involves transfer of the right to use after the levy of service tax on IT software service. To resolve the matter, the minister has proposed to exempt the value attributable to the transfer of the right to use packaged software from excise duty and CVD. Perhaps, this is some good news as well.
The minister also noted that the setting up of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is a major step in improving governance with regard to delivery of public services. The first set of unique identity numbers will be rolled out in 12 to 18 months. Rs. 120 crore has been provided for this project. This is also good news.
One other point to note is the feduction in respect of export profits available under sections 10A and 10B of the Income-tax Act. The deduction under these sections would not be available beyond the financial year 2009-2010. To tide over the slowdown in exports, the minister has proposed to extend the sun-set clauses for these tax holidays by one more year, i.e., for the financial year 2010-11.
Semicon, solar seem neglected this time!
The budget has missed out in helping develop the semiconductor and solar/PV industries. These sectors require the full backing of the government. Even local telecom manufacturing seems to have been bypassed. Nor is there any mention of how foreign direct investment (FDI), can be enhanced in these critical sectors.
Especially, solar photovoltaics holds a lot of promise. A couple of months ago, SEMI India, in its paper on solar PV in India, had highlighted the need for more action from the government of India, a more closer industry-government collaboration, as well as the need for financial institutions to pay more attention to the solar/PV segment in India.
I also didn't see any proposal in the budget that would help strengthen India's semiconductor ecosystem. How can India become an even more attractive destination for foreign investors? There are companies, especially some Indian technocrats, who would probably like to return to India and set up semiconductor product companies. Would the VC community finance semicon start-ups? What would excite these folks?
Recently, BV Naidu, chairman, India Semiconductor Association, (ISA), mentioned in a discussion, that it would be appropriate if the Government of India could provide seed and start-up capital for new ventures and set up a focused venture fund of about Rs 200 crores.
According to him, the technology development board could administer these funds and the fund may provide up to 80 percent of the approved project cost with equity balance being brought in by entrepreneur. The Government can also subsidize the acquisition of EDA tools by start-ups and other SMEs in this sector.
None of these points have been addressed in today's union budget!
Someone recently questioned me whether India will ever have a fab. Frankly, I don't know! Having a good, strong local semiconductor industry does require a huge support from the government.
This could've been a much more braver and bolder budget. Perhaps, future budgets will address points given a miss in this edition.
Some of the budget highlights include:
* Customs duty of 5 percent to be imposed on set-top boxes for TV broadcasting.
* Customs duty on LCD panels for manufacture of LCD TVs to be reduced from 10 percent to 5 percent.
* Full exemption from 4 percent special CVD on parts for manufacture of mobile phones and accessories to be reintroduced for one year.
None of these proposals will significantly boost manufacturing in the country. There is also a great need to boost home-grown companies!
Among the good points, the minister said that he will urge his colleagues in Central and State Governments to remove policy, regulatory and institutional bottlenecks for speedy implementation of infrastructure projects. The infrastructure projects include telecommunications, power generation, etc. This is some good news!
The IT industry has pointed out that it is facing difficulties in the assessment of software which involves transfer of the right to use after the levy of service tax on IT software service. To resolve the matter, the minister has proposed to exempt the value attributable to the transfer of the right to use packaged software from excise duty and CVD. Perhaps, this is some good news as well.
The minister also noted that the setting up of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is a major step in improving governance with regard to delivery of public services. The first set of unique identity numbers will be rolled out in 12 to 18 months. Rs. 120 crore has been provided for this project. This is also good news.
One other point to note is the feduction in respect of export profits available under sections 10A and 10B of the Income-tax Act. The deduction under these sections would not be available beyond the financial year 2009-2010. To tide over the slowdown in exports, the minister has proposed to extend the sun-set clauses for these tax holidays by one more year, i.e., for the financial year 2010-11.
Semicon, solar seem neglected this time!
The budget has missed out in helping develop the semiconductor and solar/PV industries. These sectors require the full backing of the government. Even local telecom manufacturing seems to have been bypassed. Nor is there any mention of how foreign direct investment (FDI), can be enhanced in these critical sectors.
Especially, solar photovoltaics holds a lot of promise. A couple of months ago, SEMI India, in its paper on solar PV in India, had highlighted the need for more action from the government of India, a more closer industry-government collaboration, as well as the need for financial institutions to pay more attention to the solar/PV segment in India.
I also didn't see any proposal in the budget that would help strengthen India's semiconductor ecosystem. How can India become an even more attractive destination for foreign investors? There are companies, especially some Indian technocrats, who would probably like to return to India and set up semiconductor product companies. Would the VC community finance semicon start-ups? What would excite these folks?
Recently, BV Naidu, chairman, India Semiconductor Association, (ISA), mentioned in a discussion, that it would be appropriate if the Government of India could provide seed and start-up capital for new ventures and set up a focused venture fund of about Rs 200 crores.
According to him, the technology development board could administer these funds and the fund may provide up to 80 percent of the approved project cost with equity balance being brought in by entrepreneur. The Government can also subsidize the acquisition of EDA tools by start-ups and other SMEs in this sector.
None of these points have been addressed in today's union budget!
Someone recently questioned me whether India will ever have a fab. Frankly, I don't know! Having a good, strong local semiconductor industry does require a huge support from the government.
This could've been a much more braver and bolder budget. Perhaps, future budgets will address points given a miss in this edition.
Sunday, 21 June 2009
VinChip announces India's first homegrown 32-bit processor
CHENNAI, INDIA: VinChip Systems has announced the immediate availability of its convergent 32-bit RISC processor, VinRZ5110. Its DSP enhanced instruction set architecture, low power design and optimized gate count makes it well suited for DSP and other embedded applications.
Products based on applications such as mass storage devices, automotive control, wireless devices, audio/video encoders and decoders can be brought to market on schedule using VinRZ5110 and its impressive array of development tools. It is also suitable for FPGA-based embedded systems, making it highly appropriate for bleeding/leading edge technology range of products.
VinRZ5110 processor core includes on-chip debug logic based on OpenOCD which also supports in-system programming via JTAG. As an optional module, VinSMDP (VinChip's System Memory Debug Probe) is capable of static and dynamic capture of debug data and in-system programming over USB 2.0 achieving speeds of 480 Mbps.
It gives 100 percent visibility and controllability to the entire system memory range and speeds up the remote debugging cycle appreciably compared to existing JTAG based debug solutions. VinSMDP can multi-task as a USB device for user tasks on the AHB as well.
VinRZ5110 has been ported to binutils 2.19, gcc 4.3.2, gdb 6.8 and Eclipse IDE. Support for virtual prototyping has been made possible by Imperas' Open Virtual platform (OVP) featuring OVPsim simulator. The Instruction Set Simulator (ISS) built using OVPsim simulates at very high speeds and enables development of embedded
software much ahead in the product cycle.
An OCP interface has been provided for easy stitching of IP blocks and makes it independent of specific bus protocols and design implementations.
"VinChip's latest offering, the VinRZ5110 RISC processor, addresses customer requirements not only with the processor architecture but also with the comprehensive set of tools available. These tools include providing the instruction set simulator using Open Virtual Platforms modeling technology, so that virtual platforms based on the VinRZ5110 can be built using both OVP and SystemC/TLM-2.0 simulators", says Simon Davidmann, OVP founder and Imperas CEO.
Products based on applications such as mass storage devices, automotive control, wireless devices, audio/video encoders and decoders can be brought to market on schedule using VinRZ5110 and its impressive array of development tools. It is also suitable for FPGA-based embedded systems, making it highly appropriate for bleeding/leading edge technology range of products.
VinRZ5110 processor core includes on-chip debug logic based on OpenOCD which also supports in-system programming via JTAG. As an optional module, VinSMDP (VinChip's System Memory Debug Probe) is capable of static and dynamic capture of debug data and in-system programming over USB 2.0 achieving speeds of 480 Mbps.
It gives 100 percent visibility and controllability to the entire system memory range and speeds up the remote debugging cycle appreciably compared to existing JTAG based debug solutions. VinSMDP can multi-task as a USB device for user tasks on the AHB as well.
VinRZ5110 has been ported to binutils 2.19, gcc 4.3.2, gdb 6.8 and Eclipse IDE. Support for virtual prototyping has been made possible by Imperas' Open Virtual platform (OVP) featuring OVPsim simulator. The Instruction Set Simulator (ISS) built using OVPsim simulates at very high speeds and enables development of embedded
software much ahead in the product cycle.
An OCP interface has been provided for easy stitching of IP blocks and makes it independent of specific bus protocols and design implementations.
"VinChip's latest offering, the VinRZ5110 RISC processor, addresses customer requirements not only with the processor architecture but also with the comprehensive set of tools available. These tools include providing the instruction set simulator using Open Virtual Platforms modeling technology, so that virtual platforms based on the VinRZ5110 can be built using both OVP and SystemC/TLM-2.0 simulators", says Simon Davidmann, OVP founder and Imperas CEO.
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
ISA's BV Naidu on India's way forward in semiconductors
B.V. Naidu, Group Chief Executive Officer, Genexx Enpower Corp. Pvt. Ltd, and currently Vice chairman Of Matrix Enport and Group CEO, VANPIC Projects, recently took over as the chairman of the India Semiconductor Association (ISA). He brings over 23 years of experience in developing the IT industry across India as part of the Department of Information Technology/Software Technology Parks of India (STPI).
Naidu's tenure at ISA's helm should turn out to be a very interesting one, given that India now has a new Union Government and Union Cabinet in place, and the latest Union Budget is likely to be announced soon. In this interview, Naidu also talks about the industry's expectations from the Central Government, on the fabs vs. fabless debate, and on the need for building a system for incubating Indian start-ups, respectively.
A very interesting development would be the ISA's proposal of the India Semiconductor Vision 2020 Document for the country. When this document is tabled, it should interest those countries, and companies, looking to invest in India -- as the document would lay out all of the clear, long term goals for the Indian semiconductor industry. Exciting times seem to be ahead for the Indian semiconductor industry. Excerpts:
Main goal for ISA
Naidu said that the ISA needs to get adopted to the changing dynamics in the industry with the increasing domestic market. It is necessary for India to enhance the product design capabilities -- which are made in India for India. In view of this, the ISA is enhancing its scope to cover the embedded software and systems companies.
"As a result of the new semiconductor policy, there has been spurt of the growth of the solar PV industry in the country. ISA has spearheaded the semicon policy, ISA is also covering the solar PV industry. Thereby, ISA is spreading its reach to cover the embedded software, electronic products as well as photovoltaic sectors," he said.
Top five points on ISA's agenda
BV Naidu: According to ISA, these should be:
i. ISA would work along with industry, academia and the Government, and formulate the strategy for the growth of fabulous design companies, product design companies, ecosystem companies and solar PV companies.
ii. ISA would also propose the India Semiconductor Vision 2020 Document for the country.
iii. ISA would enhance its activities focusing on increased product desired companies.
iv. ISA will put up a plan for working along with entrepreneurs, mentors, venture capitalists and academic institutions to enhance entrepreneurship and IP creation.
v. ISA will work with the Union Government to enhance the growth of the solar PV sector, its visibility and Government incentives to make this industry viable for growth in India.
Building semiconductor ecosystem in India
BV Naidu said that the ISA is taking several steps. These are:
ISA will strive to enhance the strategic value to its member companies -- semicon, systems and solar -- by creating balanced eco system around the its stakeholders -- industry, government and academia.
ISA should be accepted as a tier 1 industry body and think tank/advisory body for influencing policy for the Central and State governments. ISA would also encourage an entrepreneurship ecosystem focus in innovation and design. As for talent, ISA will aim for 100 PhD enrollments in research in medical and energy over the next five years.
With regard to what ISA would be doing in the coming year and in the current economic scenario, it would include the following:
For the government:
* Aim to remove anomalies in duty structure for semicon companies (Mo Fin/Com).
* Grow further fabless design companies in India (DIT).
* Roadmap for electronic manufacturing in India (NMCC).
* Take forward recommendations of SPV report (MNRE).
* Take forward the Semicon Policy implementation.
* Strengthen ties with state governments.
For SMEs/startups:
* Create platforms for mentoring & funding interaction with VCs.
* Make the ISA website a resource centre on the Indian semicon industry.
Market facing activities:
* Increase domestic market.
* Made in India for India.
* Increase competitiveness of product design, mfg & market reach.
* Position India as solar PV hub.
* Publish market sales data on a quarterly basis.
For talent:
* Aim for at least 20 PhD enrollments in research in medical and energy over the next 12 months.
Education and research perspectives
BV Naidu added that the participation of education and research would be as follows:
* Aim for 100 PhD enrollments in research in medical and energy over the next five years.
* Close working partnership between ISA and VSI to drive research agenda.
* Strong existing commitment to this agenda from VSI through corpus.
* Need each ISA member to sponsor at least one full time PhD student each year over the next five years.
* Commitment to be financial (Rs 25,000 pm), mentoring and test chips.
* Sponsorship amount will also cover international paper presentation, faculty support, kits, etc.
* ISA will work with DST to potentially match the aid from industry.
* VSI will work with universities and sponsoring companies to identify and mentor the scholars.
* All fundamental IP from the research will be available to the pool of sponsoring companies.
ISA's goal is to drive the fundamental pre-competitive semiconductor research in medical and energy in India.
Boosting semicon manufacturing
According to BV Naidu: India’s chip manufacturing has been restricted to captive centers for defense and aerospace to date. The announcement of the semiconductor policy 2007 is likely to see the opening of doors to global investors in both chip manufacturing and its ecosystem, and related hi-tech manufacturing.
The Government of India has announced a national semiconductor policy. It seeks to establish India as an attractive destination for global investors. The policy has financial subsidies and it is necessary that due diligence takes place before these benefits are sanctioned. The appointment of the Appraisal Committee and the setting up of guidelines to evaluate investments are the key for the long-term effectiveness of the policy and to build the sector.
The solar photovoltaic industry has received a real boost with the introduction of this policy and given India an opportunity to be a global player. It has also opened up opportunities for investments and employment.
Given the current economic climate, it would not be an uncommon request if the semicon policy is extended from 2010 to at least 2014/2015!
"ISA, particularly, will work along with the Government of India and various state governments to create manufacturing clusters around the country. The ISA also conducts the Excite exhibition to bring all the ecosystem players who could bring the manufacturing industry together," he added.
Fabs vs. fabless
Fabs vs. fabless has been an interesting debate. What should be the way forward for the Indian industry?
BV Naidu said: "Currently, the Indian semiconductor companies mainly focus on IC design services comprising VLSI design, board design and embedded software and are mostly in services, with a small number of product companies. There is also some amount of board level fabrication and testing activity.
"India has the potential to become a global design centre and a leader in product design, development, testing, fabrication and distribution. As a strategy, one should focus initially on product design, development, assembly and test, while leveraging wafer fabrication capability from the most competitive sources in the region."
Incubating start-ups
We haven't seen many start-ups in the recent past. How can the India industry go about trying to build a system for incubating Indian start-ups?
BV Naidu: It would be appropriate if the Government of India could provide seed and start-up capital for the new ventures and set up a focused venture fund of about Rs 200 crores. The technology development board could administer these funds and the fund may provide up to 80% of the approved project cost with equity balance being brought in by entrepreneur.
The Government can also subsidize the acquisition of EDA tools by start-ups and other SMEs in this sector.
Prototype development centers with adequate fabrication facilities can be set up as well. These centers can be managed by industry associations. Recurring costs could be met by charging user fees. ISA can be given a grant for this purpose.
The above steps will encourage entrepreneurship eco-system focus in innovation and design.
Finally, what are the industry's expectations from the new Central government?
BV Naidu said that the key areas of focus include the following:
a) Semiconductor manufacturing
i. Extension of Semicon Policy
b) Semiconductor design
i. STPI extension
ii. Transfer Pricing
c) Solar PV
i. Duty structure (point no. 3 under chapter VII on Solar PV in our pre-budget memo).
We have also made the following requests with the Government of India:
* Significance of semiconductor industry – need to accord it National Agenda status.
* Government of India Semiconductor Policy 2007 – suggested amendments.
* Domestic electronics hardware manufacturing – proposals to enhance its competitiveness.
* Fabless design companies – recommendations for growth.
* Semiconductor related research – a focus area.
* Other key proposals
* Solar PV manufacturing – Recommendations to promote domestic industry.
Naidu's tenure at ISA's helm should turn out to be a very interesting one, given that India now has a new Union Government and Union Cabinet in place, and the latest Union Budget is likely to be announced soon. In this interview, Naidu also talks about the industry's expectations from the Central Government, on the fabs vs. fabless debate, and on the need for building a system for incubating Indian start-ups, respectively.
A very interesting development would be the ISA's proposal of the India Semiconductor Vision 2020 Document for the country. When this document is tabled, it should interest those countries, and companies, looking to invest in India -- as the document would lay out all of the clear, long term goals for the Indian semiconductor industry. Exciting times seem to be ahead for the Indian semiconductor industry. Excerpts:
Main goal for ISA
Naidu said that the ISA needs to get adopted to the changing dynamics in the industry with the increasing domestic market. It is necessary for India to enhance the product design capabilities -- which are made in India for India. In view of this, the ISA is enhancing its scope to cover the embedded software and systems companies.
"As a result of the new semiconductor policy, there has been spurt of the growth of the solar PV industry in the country. ISA has spearheaded the semicon policy, ISA is also covering the solar PV industry. Thereby, ISA is spreading its reach to cover the embedded software, electronic products as well as photovoltaic sectors," he said.
Top five points on ISA's agenda
BV Naidu: According to ISA, these should be:
i. ISA would work along with industry, academia and the Government, and formulate the strategy for the growth of fabulous design companies, product design companies, ecosystem companies and solar PV companies.
ii. ISA would also propose the India Semiconductor Vision 2020 Document for the country.
iii. ISA would enhance its activities focusing on increased product desired companies.
iv. ISA will put up a plan for working along with entrepreneurs, mentors, venture capitalists and academic institutions to enhance entrepreneurship and IP creation.
v. ISA will work with the Union Government to enhance the growth of the solar PV sector, its visibility and Government incentives to make this industry viable for growth in India.
Building semiconductor ecosystem in India
BV Naidu said that the ISA is taking several steps. These are:
ISA will strive to enhance the strategic value to its member companies -- semicon, systems and solar -- by creating balanced eco system around the its stakeholders -- industry, government and academia.
ISA should be accepted as a tier 1 industry body and think tank/advisory body for influencing policy for the Central and State governments. ISA would also encourage an entrepreneurship ecosystem focus in innovation and design. As for talent, ISA will aim for 100 PhD enrollments in research in medical and energy over the next five years.
With regard to what ISA would be doing in the coming year and in the current economic scenario, it would include the following:
For the government:
* Aim to remove anomalies in duty structure for semicon companies (Mo Fin/Com).
* Grow further fabless design companies in India (DIT).
* Roadmap for electronic manufacturing in India (NMCC).
* Take forward recommendations of SPV report (MNRE).
* Take forward the Semicon Policy implementation.
* Strengthen ties with state governments.
For SMEs/startups:
* Create platforms for mentoring & funding interaction with VCs.
* Make the ISA website a resource centre on the Indian semicon industry.
Market facing activities:
* Increase domestic market.
* Made in India for India.
* Increase competitiveness of product design, mfg & market reach.
* Position India as solar PV hub.
* Publish market sales data on a quarterly basis.
For talent:
* Aim for at least 20 PhD enrollments in research in medical and energy over the next 12 months.
Education and research perspectives
BV Naidu added that the participation of education and research would be as follows:
* Aim for 100 PhD enrollments in research in medical and energy over the next five years.
* Close working partnership between ISA and VSI to drive research agenda.
* Strong existing commitment to this agenda from VSI through corpus.
* Need each ISA member to sponsor at least one full time PhD student each year over the next five years.
* Commitment to be financial (Rs 25,000 pm), mentoring and test chips.
* Sponsorship amount will also cover international paper presentation, faculty support, kits, etc.
* ISA will work with DST to potentially match the aid from industry.
* VSI will work with universities and sponsoring companies to identify and mentor the scholars.
* All fundamental IP from the research will be available to the pool of sponsoring companies.
ISA's goal is to drive the fundamental pre-competitive semiconductor research in medical and energy in India.
Boosting semicon manufacturing
According to BV Naidu: India’s chip manufacturing has been restricted to captive centers for defense and aerospace to date. The announcement of the semiconductor policy 2007 is likely to see the opening of doors to global investors in both chip manufacturing and its ecosystem, and related hi-tech manufacturing.
The Government of India has announced a national semiconductor policy. It seeks to establish India as an attractive destination for global investors. The policy has financial subsidies and it is necessary that due diligence takes place before these benefits are sanctioned. The appointment of the Appraisal Committee and the setting up of guidelines to evaluate investments are the key for the long-term effectiveness of the policy and to build the sector.
The solar photovoltaic industry has received a real boost with the introduction of this policy and given India an opportunity to be a global player. It has also opened up opportunities for investments and employment.
Given the current economic climate, it would not be an uncommon request if the semicon policy is extended from 2010 to at least 2014/2015!
"ISA, particularly, will work along with the Government of India and various state governments to create manufacturing clusters around the country. The ISA also conducts the Excite exhibition to bring all the ecosystem players who could bring the manufacturing industry together," he added.
Fabs vs. fabless
Fabs vs. fabless has been an interesting debate. What should be the way forward for the Indian industry?
BV Naidu said: "Currently, the Indian semiconductor companies mainly focus on IC design services comprising VLSI design, board design and embedded software and are mostly in services, with a small number of product companies. There is also some amount of board level fabrication and testing activity.
"India has the potential to become a global design centre and a leader in product design, development, testing, fabrication and distribution. As a strategy, one should focus initially on product design, development, assembly and test, while leveraging wafer fabrication capability from the most competitive sources in the region."
Incubating start-ups
We haven't seen many start-ups in the recent past. How can the India industry go about trying to build a system for incubating Indian start-ups?
BV Naidu: It would be appropriate if the Government of India could provide seed and start-up capital for the new ventures and set up a focused venture fund of about Rs 200 crores. The technology development board could administer these funds and the fund may provide up to 80% of the approved project cost with equity balance being brought in by entrepreneur.
The Government can also subsidize the acquisition of EDA tools by start-ups and other SMEs in this sector.
Prototype development centers with adequate fabrication facilities can be set up as well. These centers can be managed by industry associations. Recurring costs could be met by charging user fees. ISA can be given a grant for this purpose.
The above steps will encourage entrepreneurship eco-system focus in innovation and design.
Finally, what are the industry's expectations from the new Central government?
BV Naidu said that the key areas of focus include the following:
a) Semiconductor manufacturing
i. Extension of Semicon Policy
b) Semiconductor design
i. STPI extension
ii. Transfer Pricing
c) Solar PV
i. Duty structure (point no. 3 under chapter VII on Solar PV in our pre-budget memo).
We have also made the following requests with the Government of India:
* Significance of semiconductor industry – need to accord it National Agenda status.
* Government of India Semiconductor Policy 2007 – suggested amendments.
* Domestic electronics hardware manufacturing – proposals to enhance its competitiveness.
* Fabless design companies – recommendations for growth.
* Semiconductor related research – a focus area.
* Other key proposals
* Solar PV manufacturing – Recommendations to promote domestic industry.
Friday, 12 June 2009
Dr. Bobby Mitra, TI and ISA on the Indian semiconductor industry
Dr. Biswadip (Bobby) Mitra, Vice Chairman, India Semiconductor Association (ISA), and President and Managing Director, Texas Instruments India, really needs no introduction.
He has been actively involved with TI India since its inception, and is among the well known and respected stalwarts within the Indian semiconductor industry.
Dr. Mitra was recently nominated as the vice chairman, ISA.
Naturally, it was interesting to get into a conversation with him to find out more about ISA's agenda in the coming year, and the impact it could have on the Indian semiconductor industry. I also quizzed him regarding the steps ISA be likely taking for building and strengthening a semiconductor ecosystem in India. Excerpts:
Key points in agenda
Let us start by finding out the key points on his agenda for the ISA in the coming year and why?
According to Dr. Bobby Mitra: The Agenda... "I believe, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform India from an emerging economy to an emerged economy through technology innovation. A robust technology infrastructure must be the foundation of the future Indian economy.
"We can leverage technology to make healthcare and education affordable and available to the masses. Technology can also play a pivotal role in the greening of the environment through a variety of highly energy-efficient solutions. The future of our security infrastructure can also be built on the foundation of technology innovation.
"A large number of system design and manufacturing OEMs in India, and a few large and many medium/small-sized companies, are at the forefront of driving this technology innovation in India, and other emerging economies. Semiconductor solutions are the engine behind such innovations.
"As part of the ISA, our focus will be to provide an impetus to these companies by developing an electronic design and manufacturing ecosystem that is globally competitive and efficient.
"As part of ISA, we will also focus on developing a technology research agenda in India that is targeted at seeding the right solutions for the emerging economies. This will require deep insights into the intricacies and characteristics of an emerging economy -- and the technologies that can accelerate their growth. Through targeted research in healthcare, energy, education etc., we will develop future technologies that will drive the transformation of India from an emerging to an emerged economy."
By working closely with other emerging economies and global industry associations and research bodies, we will also build a roadmap in thrust areas such as energy, healthcare, education and security.
…and the Opportunity to Impact:
Dr. Mitra added that the opportunity to impact is huge. According to the ISA-Frost & Sullivan report (2006):
* The direct impact of semiconductor driven industry will be $202 billion by 2015 contributing to more than 12 percent of country’s GDP.
* The induced impact will be $226 billion by 2015 contributing to additional 15.9 percent of the country’s GDP.
* The combined impact will be more than 27.9 percent of our country’s GDP.
* No single industry will have the ability to impact the nation’s economy in a similar manner.
* In India, direct impact of hi-tech driven industry will be $202B by 2015 contributing to more than 12 percent of the country’s GDP.
"For India, to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity, we need to build a robust technology infrastructure as our foundation for the future. ISA with its member companies playing a defining role in developing and implementing this roadmap for the future.
"Most importantly, by maniacally driving this agenda, we can make a lasting difference to the lives of the millions of people in our country," he noted.
Product development in India
What can be really done to trigger off more product development in the semicon space in India?
According to Dr. Bobby Mitra, the best trigger to more product development lies in building long-term credibility. Success in building world-class products and technologies, and doing so consistently over time, will go a long way.
He said: "As much as successes, we also need to be humble in learning more from our failures and scars. We also need to increase our focus on building deep competencies in designing complex semiconductor solutions, increasingly with a systems and applications mindset.
"I believe that we also have a major opportunity ahead of us in the electronic product development space in India. By having electronic system designers, and semiconductor design and test engineers working collaboratively, we can support our OEMs in developing the right products that are competitive. By anchoring semiconductor product innovations on our customers, we can win together."
He has been actively involved with TI India since its inception, and is among the well known and respected stalwarts within the Indian semiconductor industry.
Dr. Mitra was recently nominated as the vice chairman, ISA.
Naturally, it was interesting to get into a conversation with him to find out more about ISA's agenda in the coming year, and the impact it could have on the Indian semiconductor industry. I also quizzed him regarding the steps ISA be likely taking for building and strengthening a semiconductor ecosystem in India. Excerpts:
Key points in agenda
Let us start by finding out the key points on his agenda for the ISA in the coming year and why?
According to Dr. Bobby Mitra: The Agenda... "I believe, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform India from an emerging economy to an emerged economy through technology innovation. A robust technology infrastructure must be the foundation of the future Indian economy.
"We can leverage technology to make healthcare and education affordable and available to the masses. Technology can also play a pivotal role in the greening of the environment through a variety of highly energy-efficient solutions. The future of our security infrastructure can also be built on the foundation of technology innovation.
"A large number of system design and manufacturing OEMs in India, and a few large and many medium/small-sized companies, are at the forefront of driving this technology innovation in India, and other emerging economies. Semiconductor solutions are the engine behind such innovations.
"As part of the ISA, our focus will be to provide an impetus to these companies by developing an electronic design and manufacturing ecosystem that is globally competitive and efficient.
"As part of ISA, we will also focus on developing a technology research agenda in India that is targeted at seeding the right solutions for the emerging economies. This will require deep insights into the intricacies and characteristics of an emerging economy -- and the technologies that can accelerate their growth. Through targeted research in healthcare, energy, education etc., we will develop future technologies that will drive the transformation of India from an emerging to an emerged economy."
By working closely with other emerging economies and global industry associations and research bodies, we will also build a roadmap in thrust areas such as energy, healthcare, education and security.
…and the Opportunity to Impact:
Dr. Mitra added that the opportunity to impact is huge. According to the ISA-Frost & Sullivan report (2006):
* The direct impact of semiconductor driven industry will be $202 billion by 2015 contributing to more than 12 percent of country’s GDP.
* The induced impact will be $226 billion by 2015 contributing to additional 15.9 percent of the country’s GDP.
* The combined impact will be more than 27.9 percent of our country’s GDP.
* No single industry will have the ability to impact the nation’s economy in a similar manner.
* In India, direct impact of hi-tech driven industry will be $202B by 2015 contributing to more than 12 percent of the country’s GDP.
"For India, to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity, we need to build a robust technology infrastructure as our foundation for the future. ISA with its member companies playing a defining role in developing and implementing this roadmap for the future.
"Most importantly, by maniacally driving this agenda, we can make a lasting difference to the lives of the millions of people in our country," he noted.
Product development in India
What can be really done to trigger off more product development in the semicon space in India?
According to Dr. Bobby Mitra, the best trigger to more product development lies in building long-term credibility. Success in building world-class products and technologies, and doing so consistently over time, will go a long way.
He said: "As much as successes, we also need to be humble in learning more from our failures and scars. We also need to increase our focus on building deep competencies in designing complex semiconductor solutions, increasingly with a systems and applications mindset.
"I believe that we also have a major opportunity ahead of us in the electronic product development space in India. By having electronic system designers, and semiconductor design and test engineers working collaboratively, we can support our OEMs in developing the right products that are competitive. By anchoring semiconductor product innovations on our customers, we can win together."
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
BV Naidu takes over as ISA Chairman
BANGALORE, INDIA: The India Semiconductor Association ISA, the premier trade body representing Indian semiconductor, systems and solar photovoltaicindustry, announced the appointment of its new Executive Council for the year 2009-10.
BV Naidu, Group CEO, Genexx Enpower Corp. Pvt. Ltd. would be the Chairman, and Dr. Bobby Mitra, President and Managing Director, Texas Instruments India would be the Vice–Chairman in the coming year.
Announcing the new members to the Executive Council, Poornima Shenoy, President ISA, said: "The ISA Executive Council represents the key segments of the semiconductor industry and both domestic and international design and manufacturing companies. ISA would be driving the 3 S’s representing Solar, Semicon and Systems companies, and adding significant value to members in those spaces with the support of Government and our stakeholders.
"The Indian semicon design industry is expected to reach $10.96 billion market by 2010, while the market demand for semiconductors is expected to reach $ 7.59 billion by 2010."
ISA Chairman
B V Naidu,
Group Chief Executive officer, Genexx Enpower Corp. Pvt. Ltd
ISA Vice Chairman
Dr. Biswadip (Bobby) Mitra
President & Managing Director, Texas Instruments India Pvt Ltd
Treasurer
Dr. Pradip K. Dutta
Corporate Vice President & Managing Director, Synopsys (I) Pvt Ltd
Advisor
Jaswinder S. Ahuja
Corporate Vice President & Managing Director India, Cadence Design Systems India
ISA President
Ms Poornima Shenoy
President, India Semiconductor Association
Anil Gupta
Managing Director, ARM Embedded Technologies Pvt. Ltd
Rajiv Kapur
Managing Director, Broadcom (I) Pvt. Ltd
Ganesh Guruswamy
Vice President & Country Manager, Freescale Semiconductor (I) Pvt. Ltd
S. Janakiraman
President & Group CEO – Product Engineering Services, Mindtree Ltd
Dr. Rajeewa Arya
Chief Executive Officer, Moser Baer (I) Ltd
Vivek Sharma
Vice President Asiapac-India Operation, Director India Design Centres, STMicroelectronics Pvt. Ltd
BV Naidu, Group CEO, Genexx Enpower Corp. Pvt. Ltd. would be the Chairman, and Dr. Bobby Mitra, President and Managing Director, Texas Instruments India would be the Vice–Chairman in the coming year.
Announcing the new members to the Executive Council, Poornima Shenoy, President ISA, said: "The ISA Executive Council represents the key segments of the semiconductor industry and both domestic and international design and manufacturing companies. ISA would be driving the 3 S’s representing Solar, Semicon and Systems companies, and adding significant value to members in those spaces with the support of Government and our stakeholders.
"The Indian semicon design industry is expected to reach $10.96 billion market by 2010, while the market demand for semiconductors is expected to reach $ 7.59 billion by 2010."
ISA Chairman
B V Naidu,
Group Chief Executive officer, Genexx Enpower Corp. Pvt. Ltd
ISA Vice Chairman
Dr. Biswadip (Bobby) Mitra
President & Managing Director, Texas Instruments India Pvt Ltd
Treasurer
Dr. Pradip K. Dutta
Corporate Vice President & Managing Director, Synopsys (I) Pvt Ltd
Advisor
Jaswinder S. Ahuja
Corporate Vice President & Managing Director India, Cadence Design Systems India
ISA President
Ms Poornima Shenoy
President, India Semiconductor Association
Anil Gupta
Managing Director, ARM Embedded Technologies Pvt. Ltd
Rajiv Kapur
Managing Director, Broadcom (I) Pvt. Ltd
Ganesh Guruswamy
Vice President & Country Manager, Freescale Semiconductor (I) Pvt. Ltd
S. Janakiraman
President & Group CEO – Product Engineering Services, Mindtree Ltd
Dr. Rajeewa Arya
Chief Executive Officer, Moser Baer (I) Ltd
Vivek Sharma
Vice President Asiapac-India Operation, Director India Design Centres, STMicroelectronics Pvt. Ltd
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Indian chip industry dead? You've got to be kidding me!
I was recently chatting with a friend at LSI, who asked my opinion on the Indian semiconductor industry. Interestingly, in one of my groups on LinkedIn, a member has started a discussion on 'whether it is ripe for India to get a silicon IC fab'!
Complete contrast -- an industry friend recently narrated an incident where this friend was asked by someone else -- whether the Indian chip industry was dead! Wow!! Someone's got to be kidding!
First, I can't really determine what's the expectation level among people regarding India's semiconductor industry. It seems that the interest is starting to build up, at a very slow pace.
However, folks need to understand that the semiconductor industry is extremely complex. You can't get away by making some sort of statement about this industry! There is much more to semiconductors than someone merely writing a headline -- "recovery is in sight" or "recession hits semicon" or 32nm is a great process node"!
Why aren't more headlines like "overcoming ASIC design productivity roadblocks," or "What lithography tools are doing for the photoresist market" doing the rounds? Or even: "Are designers as conscious of yield as they should be?" If you can spot the difference, you can make some comment on the semicon industry!
Two, the Indian chip industry CANNOT BE DEAD! It never was, never has been and never will be! Most people would find it tough to answer when Texas Instruments first started operations in India! Why did it choose to start so early? Simply because it backed India as a center! Naturally, the Indian semiconductor goes back that early!
Some folks perhaps relate more to the semiconductor industry with the advent of the India Semiconductor Association. The Association is an industry body, fulfilling its need. However, a lot of work has been going on in semiconductors before ISA came into being. I wonder whether folks have really cared to track this industry in India. I do remember when I first starting covering semiconductors in India, in the early 2000s, there were lot of curious glances from others! :)
Coming back to the Indian semiconductor industry, from 'Made for India', it has moved on to 'Made In India'. Isn't that a significant shift?
As for silicon IC wafer fabs in India, or for that matter, any fab in India -- yes, it is still a good time to have one! Perhaps, the last time around, patience seemed to run out! And that's a hard lesson to learn for those looking to invest in fabs -- there is NO quick turnaround time in semiconductors!
Moshe Gavrielov, Xilinx's President and CEO, recently said in EE Times that venture capital would not return to the semiconductor industry, even after this recession. If this does happen, it would be very unfair! Where would all the start-ups go?
Again, this statement brings clarity to the subject of semiconductors -- this is a very complex industry, and definitely unlike IT/ITeS. We in India are so much into services that we fail to see the wood from the trees!
People love to compare China with India. Friends, do visit China or even Taiwan! Try to find out how they went about building their semiconductor industry, and manufacturing and R&D ecosystems. There are several lessons to learn, numerous role models to follow.
I strongly believe India can very well go the same route! We need some good startups in India as well. If and when those happen, please do not expect fast turnaround times. Please believe in India, and believe in its semiconductor industry. It needs your support.
Complete contrast -- an industry friend recently narrated an incident where this friend was asked by someone else -- whether the Indian chip industry was dead! Wow!! Someone's got to be kidding!
First, I can't really determine what's the expectation level among people regarding India's semiconductor industry. It seems that the interest is starting to build up, at a very slow pace.
However, folks need to understand that the semiconductor industry is extremely complex. You can't get away by making some sort of statement about this industry! There is much more to semiconductors than someone merely writing a headline -- "recovery is in sight" or "recession hits semicon" or 32nm is a great process node"!
Why aren't more headlines like "overcoming ASIC design productivity roadblocks," or "What lithography tools are doing for the photoresist market" doing the rounds? Or even: "Are designers as conscious of yield as they should be?" If you can spot the difference, you can make some comment on the semicon industry!
Two, the Indian chip industry CANNOT BE DEAD! It never was, never has been and never will be! Most people would find it tough to answer when Texas Instruments first started operations in India! Why did it choose to start so early? Simply because it backed India as a center! Naturally, the Indian semiconductor goes back that early!
Some folks perhaps relate more to the semiconductor industry with the advent of the India Semiconductor Association. The Association is an industry body, fulfilling its need. However, a lot of work has been going on in semiconductors before ISA came into being. I wonder whether folks have really cared to track this industry in India. I do remember when I first starting covering semiconductors in India, in the early 2000s, there were lot of curious glances from others! :)
Coming back to the Indian semiconductor industry, from 'Made for India', it has moved on to 'Made In India'. Isn't that a significant shift?
As for silicon IC wafer fabs in India, or for that matter, any fab in India -- yes, it is still a good time to have one! Perhaps, the last time around, patience seemed to run out! And that's a hard lesson to learn for those looking to invest in fabs -- there is NO quick turnaround time in semiconductors!
Moshe Gavrielov, Xilinx's President and CEO, recently said in EE Times that venture capital would not return to the semiconductor industry, even after this recession. If this does happen, it would be very unfair! Where would all the start-ups go?
Again, this statement brings clarity to the subject of semiconductors -- this is a very complex industry, and definitely unlike IT/ITeS. We in India are so much into services that we fail to see the wood from the trees!
People love to compare China with India. Friends, do visit China or even Taiwan! Try to find out how they went about building their semiconductor industry, and manufacturing and R&D ecosystems. There are several lessons to learn, numerous role models to follow.
I strongly believe India can very well go the same route! We need some good startups in India as well. If and when those happen, please do not expect fast turnaround times. Please believe in India, and believe in its semiconductor industry. It needs your support.
Friday, 17 April 2009
New routing tool likely to cover upcoming MCMM challenges: Hanns Windele, Mentor
This is a continuation of the previous post based on the recent India visit of Hanns Windele, VP Europe and India, Mentor Graphics, where he met key industry figures in a session organized by the India Semiconductor Association. Windele is standing sixth from left, and Poornima Shenoy, president, ISA is standing fifth from right.Multimode, multicorner tools
Windele mentioned that in every likelihood, another new routing tool would be coming in once the industry enters the 45nm/32nm space. "There is an increasing static timing analysis signoff complexity. The explosive growth in complexity requires multimode and multicorner tools," he said.
Multicorner and multimode (MCMM) and manufacturing variability will drive the next generation place and route technology. Even in the low-growth markets, technical discontinuities create opportunities for market share changes. For instance, 65nm brings along more than 21 corners/modes scenarios; while 90nm has 10 corners, and 130nm only has four corners.
Therefore, another place and route tool will cover the upcoming MCMM problem. Even in low-growth markets, technical discontinuities create opportunities for market share changes.
Companies cannot afford the growing cost of EDA. Even the cost of design is growing exponentially, especially, verification, as well as embedded software development costs. Even the EDA revenue has been a flat 2 percent of the IC revenue. However, productivity has been growing as the number of engineers don't seem to be multiplying in a great way. For example, the transistors produced per electronic engineer has been hearly four-orders of magnitude since 1985.Showing optimism in recession
Turning to the ongoing recession, which has impacted the semiconductor industry, Windele said that 2009 will be most likely turn out to be the worst recession in the history of the global semiconductor industry.
"It seems to be heading that way. There is also a lot of reason for optimism. I feel that 2009 will be a lot milder than 1985 and 2001," he said. Even the electronics indsutry's growth rates have been slowing, decade by decade as well.
Therefore, with this ongoing global recession, why should we remain optimistic? Simple! A crisis translates into opportunities!!
Betting on India
No prizes for guessing where the most opportunities lie -- India! Significantly, the 'middle class' in urban India becoming a majority. There is likely to be $3 trillion of discretionary spending by 2010. "People who can afford electronic and consumer goods will be growing further," he added.
Windele cited ISA's figures, which says that India's electronics consumption is headed toward $300 billion by 2015. India’s electronic equipment consumption will likely grow at a CAGR of 30 percent through 2015. It was around $28 billion in 2005, and is likely to increase to $127 billion by 2010, and to $363 billion by 2015.
Yet another reason is the growing number of new cell phone subscribers in China and India, which will be 2x larger than the total US subscribers until 2011. Asia is, by far, the most attractive market for new cell phone sales. India will grow fastest, he added.
Downturns compared
Comparing the downturns of the recent years, Windele noted that 2008 and 2009 look different than the other downturns. "There is hardly any inventory left in the industry. One prediction is: as the price upswing comes, prices in the semicon industry will go up very quickly," he noted.
Seeds already being sown for recovery in 2010. Already, the industry has experiecned two years of severe price declines in memory. Further, systems will be re-designed to take advantage of lower bit prices of FLASH and DRAM.
There will be consolidation and reduced investment in semiconductor capacity in 2008 and 2009. Ramp-up of new system designs will likely happen in 2010 during the period of reduced semiconductor supply.
Concluding, he added that Mentor Graphics became the number 1 EDA company in Europe as the company managed the crisis better than some of our competitors.
Friday, 10 April 2009
Opportunities in India's solar/PV landscape: SEMI India
Solar/photovoltaics (PV) holds tremendous potential and promise for India, a fact not hidden from anyone. To further highlight its importance, SEMI India unveiled its first paper on Solar PV in India yesterday afternoon.
More action from Indian government needed
The meet called for more action from the government of India, a more closer industry-government collaboration, as well as the need for financial institutions to pay more attention to the solar/PV segment in India.
The photo here shows from left to right: Dr. Madhusudan V. Atre, President, Applied Materials India; Dr. J. Gururaja, Renewable Energy Action Forum & Executive President, SEMI India; K. Subramanya, CEO, Tata BP Solar; and Sathya Prasad, president, SEMI India.
Touching on the rationale for this SEMI paper on solar/PV's landscape in India, Dr. J. Gururaja, Renewable Energy Action Forum and Executive President, SEMI India, said it was meant to project the solar/PV industry's perspective: where we are and what needs to be done! This is a first account report and will be followed by many other such reports.
He said: "Solar in general, and PV in particular, can address the challenges that we face today. Solar/PV has a special attraction. It converts solar to electricity without involving any moving parts."
He added that although the industry has been looking at the potential, the markets have not been expanding as expected. "We need to see what can be done and achieved. This report is a stock-taking exercise," he pointed out.
Case for solar/PV in India
Sathya Prasad, president of SEMI India, touched upon the case for PV in India. These include:
* The existing power deficit situation in many parts of the country.
* India's brisk economic growth implies rising energy needs.
* Overdependence on coal for electricity generation -- limited coal reserves and CO2 emissions.
* Overdependence on oil and natural gas imports -- it accounts for 7 percent of GDP and consequent energy security concerns.
According to him, India is abundantly endowed with solar radiation. So far, so good!
Key PV opportunities for India
According to SEMI's paper, the key PV opportunities for India lie in off-grid applications and grid-connected PV. The off-grid applications include:
* Basic lighting and electrification of rural homes.
* Irrigation pump sets.
* Power back-up for cellular base station towers -- approximately, there will be 2.9 lakh base station towers by the end of 2009.
* Urban applications -- such as street lighting, etc.
The opportunities in grid-connected PV exist in:
* The current grid connected PV generation capacity is very small.
* Existing power deficit and huge projected future need.
* The cost point of PV has been declining continuously with technology improvements and scale.
Benefits of PV in India
The benefits of PV in India extend well beyond addressing energy needs. For instance, renewable energy technologies create more jobs than any fossil fuel based technologies. It also creates jobs across the value chain -- from R&D to manufacturing, installation and maintenance. Sathya Prasad highlighted MNRE's point that about 100,000 jobs could be created out of PV.
PV also has the capability of transforming lives. About 450 million Indians today manage with kerosene/other fuels for very basic lighting despite its significant health and safety risks. In this context, special mention needs to be made of the Aryavarta Grameen Bank's home electrification program.
Challenges for PV in India
Evidently, a bunch of opportunities are awaiting India in the solar/PV space. However, several challenges need to be overcome as well. These would be:
* Need for closer industry-government co-operation.
* Need for standards.
* Need for collaborative, goals driven R&D.
* Training and human resources development
* Need for financing infrastructure and models.
So, what are the recommendations of this paper on solar/PV landscape in India, and further call to action? These are:
* Need to evolve a common government-industry vision to make India a world leader in PV.
* Develop financing infrastructure and models that will motivate large-scale PV adoption and investments.
* Expand development of PV in off-grid applications.
* Accelerate grid-connected PV generation on a large scale.
Call for low carbon growth strategy
"Low carbon growth path is universal now. To make that happen, there needs to be a political will," advised K. Subramanya, CEO, Tata BP Solar, and chairman SEMI India PV Advisory Committee, while presenting his perspective on the solar/PV industry in India.
There has been little action on part of the government of India. "This needs to be implemented on the ground. We need policy and lifestyle innovation," he added. Subramanya cautioned that, "Too much of analysis will result in paralysis." According to him, separate budgets are required for a low carbon growth strategy. "Solar has tremendous potential. Even its learning curve is brilliant," Subramanya noted.
He added that if the European Union (EU) can make a low carbon journey so smoothly, then why not India? For instance, in Karnataka state alone, the demand is said to be 6700MW and a 10-11 percent peak shortage. We have 20-odd lakh Bhagya Jyoti and Kutir Jyoti units, and around 7,870-odd street lights. If a majority of these can be replaced by solar, it could lead to tremendous savings! This could be at least 57MW for a state like Karnataka. Apparently, all of this would require an investment of Rs. 52 crores and a payback time of two years.
"Why can't we develop a low-carbon growth path for every state in India? Imagine, what it can do for the other states," Subramanya highlighted. "If the power sector does not do well, it will hit the country's GDP!" Quite rightly so!!
Subramanya cited another example of solar water heaters in Karnataka. There are 32 lakh homes, of which about 5 lakh homes have solar water heaters. If more houses were to adopt these, it would result in a saving of 4,000MW of electricity! The Tata BP Solar CEO also called upon financial institutions to have a closer look at solar. Even the tariffs structure for solar/PV in India is not favorable enough.
He also touched upon US President Barack Obama's energy plan and the actions taken, since his coming to power, and drew a parallel with India's national action plan, which includes a solar mssion. This was released last June, but hardly any action has happened on the ground. So, there needs be changes on this front as well.
Four key aspects for solar/PV in India
Dr. Madhusudan V. Atre, president, Applied Materials India and vice chairman SEMI India PV Advisory Committee, highlighted four major aspects while presenting his perspective on the solar/PV industry. These are:
* See the advantage SEMI India brings to India. It can help bring costs down, due to the involvement of the PV Group.
* A point Dr. Atre had highlighted to me about a year back -- that solar/PV is a great way to trigger manufacturing in India. He said that the solar/PV ecosystem will be a very important step in setting up a semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in the country.
* What wireless did to telecom -- perhaps, solar/PV has a similar aim! It can get rid of transmission lines and actually take power to the people!
* The Indian government-academia-industry would need to work hand-in-hand.
More action from Indian government needed
The meet called for more action from the government of India, a more closer industry-government collaboration, as well as the need for financial institutions to pay more attention to the solar/PV segment in India.
The photo here shows from left to right: Dr. Madhusudan V. Atre, President, Applied Materials India; Dr. J. Gururaja, Renewable Energy Action Forum & Executive President, SEMI India; K. Subramanya, CEO, Tata BP Solar; and Sathya Prasad, president, SEMI India.Touching on the rationale for this SEMI paper on solar/PV's landscape in India, Dr. J. Gururaja, Renewable Energy Action Forum and Executive President, SEMI India, said it was meant to project the solar/PV industry's perspective: where we are and what needs to be done! This is a first account report and will be followed by many other such reports.
He said: "Solar in general, and PV in particular, can address the challenges that we face today. Solar/PV has a special attraction. It converts solar to electricity without involving any moving parts."
He added that although the industry has been looking at the potential, the markets have not been expanding as expected. "We need to see what can be done and achieved. This report is a stock-taking exercise," he pointed out.
Case for solar/PV in India
Sathya Prasad, president of SEMI India, touched upon the case for PV in India. These include:
* The existing power deficit situation in many parts of the country.
* India's brisk economic growth implies rising energy needs.
* Overdependence on coal for electricity generation -- limited coal reserves and CO2 emissions.
* Overdependence on oil and natural gas imports -- it accounts for 7 percent of GDP and consequent energy security concerns.
According to him, India is abundantly endowed with solar radiation. So far, so good!
Key PV opportunities for India
According to SEMI's paper, the key PV opportunities for India lie in off-grid applications and grid-connected PV. The off-grid applications include:
* Basic lighting and electrification of rural homes.
* Irrigation pump sets.
* Power back-up for cellular base station towers -- approximately, there will be 2.9 lakh base station towers by the end of 2009.
* Urban applications -- such as street lighting, etc.
The opportunities in grid-connected PV exist in:
* The current grid connected PV generation capacity is very small.
* Existing power deficit and huge projected future need.
* The cost point of PV has been declining continuously with technology improvements and scale.
Benefits of PV in India
The benefits of PV in India extend well beyond addressing energy needs. For instance, renewable energy technologies create more jobs than any fossil fuel based technologies. It also creates jobs across the value chain -- from R&D to manufacturing, installation and maintenance. Sathya Prasad highlighted MNRE's point that about 100,000 jobs could be created out of PV.
PV also has the capability of transforming lives. About 450 million Indians today manage with kerosene/other fuels for very basic lighting despite its significant health and safety risks. In this context, special mention needs to be made of the Aryavarta Grameen Bank's home electrification program.
Challenges for PV in India
Evidently, a bunch of opportunities are awaiting India in the solar/PV space. However, several challenges need to be overcome as well. These would be:
* Need for closer industry-government co-operation.
* Need for standards.
* Need for collaborative, goals driven R&D.
* Training and human resources development
* Need for financing infrastructure and models.
So, what are the recommendations of this paper on solar/PV landscape in India, and further call to action? These are:
* Need to evolve a common government-industry vision to make India a world leader in PV.
* Develop financing infrastructure and models that will motivate large-scale PV adoption and investments.
* Expand development of PV in off-grid applications.
* Accelerate grid-connected PV generation on a large scale.
Call for low carbon growth strategy
"Low carbon growth path is universal now. To make that happen, there needs to be a political will," advised K. Subramanya, CEO, Tata BP Solar, and chairman SEMI India PV Advisory Committee, while presenting his perspective on the solar/PV industry in India.
There has been little action on part of the government of India. "This needs to be implemented on the ground. We need policy and lifestyle innovation," he added. Subramanya cautioned that, "Too much of analysis will result in paralysis." According to him, separate budgets are required for a low carbon growth strategy. "Solar has tremendous potential. Even its learning curve is brilliant," Subramanya noted.
He added that if the European Union (EU) can make a low carbon journey so smoothly, then why not India? For instance, in Karnataka state alone, the demand is said to be 6700MW and a 10-11 percent peak shortage. We have 20-odd lakh Bhagya Jyoti and Kutir Jyoti units, and around 7,870-odd street lights. If a majority of these can be replaced by solar, it could lead to tremendous savings! This could be at least 57MW for a state like Karnataka. Apparently, all of this would require an investment of Rs. 52 crores and a payback time of two years.
"Why can't we develop a low-carbon growth path for every state in India? Imagine, what it can do for the other states," Subramanya highlighted. "If the power sector does not do well, it will hit the country's GDP!" Quite rightly so!!
Subramanya cited another example of solar water heaters in Karnataka. There are 32 lakh homes, of which about 5 lakh homes have solar water heaters. If more houses were to adopt these, it would result in a saving of 4,000MW of electricity! The Tata BP Solar CEO also called upon financial institutions to have a closer look at solar. Even the tariffs structure for solar/PV in India is not favorable enough.
He also touched upon US President Barack Obama's energy plan and the actions taken, since his coming to power, and drew a parallel with India's national action plan, which includes a solar mssion. This was released last June, but hardly any action has happened on the ground. So, there needs be changes on this front as well.
Four key aspects for solar/PV in India
Dr. Madhusudan V. Atre, president, Applied Materials India and vice chairman SEMI India PV Advisory Committee, highlighted four major aspects while presenting his perspective on the solar/PV industry. These are:
* See the advantage SEMI India brings to India. It can help bring costs down, due to the involvement of the PV Group.
* A point Dr. Atre had highlighted to me about a year back -- that solar/PV is a great way to trigger manufacturing in India. He said that the solar/PV ecosystem will be a very important step in setting up a semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in the country.
* What wireless did to telecom -- perhaps, solar/PV has a similar aim! It can get rid of transmission lines and actually take power to the people!
* The Indian government-academia-industry would need to work hand-in-hand.
Thursday, 2 April 2009
Infineon on India's e-passport and semicon industry
If you have ever been a resident of Hong Kong, you'd know what an e-passport looks like! You would have even used it! For example, if you were crossing over into Shenzhen, China, from Lo Wu, which is on the borders of Luohu district within Hong Kong and the city of Shenzhen in Guangdong province, China, [having reached there via the KCR (Kowloon-Canton Railway)] -- you can easily use your Hong Kong e-passport to get past the immigration point and enter China!
It is really easy! Simply drop your e-passport into the e-passport reader slot and place your finger on the fingerprint reader for it to scan and read. Once your e-passport comes out, move over to the other side to another e-passport reader, repeat the same exercise, and you're done! All it takes is less than a minute!
All Indians could soon have e-passports!
Well, such an e-passport can become a reality in India soon! If you haven't heard it, Infineon Technologies recently supplied contactless security microcontrollers (MCUs) for India's electronic passport (e-passport) program! The Indian e-passport rollout started with Indian diplomats and officials being issued e-passports -- around 30,000 to be issued in phase one. It is likely that by September 2009, the e-passports will be extended to the general public.
The rollout has started with the issuance of electronic passports to Indian diplomats and officials. It is expected that in this first phase, up to 30,000 electronic passports shall be issued. By September 2009, the program is likely to be expanded to include passports used by the general public. Today, around 6 million passports are being annually issued in India. I believe, the government of India has invited a new tender for interested stakeholders to bid for 20 million e-passports.
So, being a Hong Kong e-passport holder, I was interested in knowing whether the Indian version is as smart as that particular one? By the way, Hong Kong's e-passport also doubles up as your Hong Kong ID (HKID) card. If you don't have one, you simply cannot do business in Hong Kong! Your HKID number is unique and remains unchanged!
Dr. Rajiv Jain, Vice President and Managing Director, Infineon Technologies India Pvt Ltd, said that both Hong Kong and India are using the same product family from Infineon. "The security levels of both e-passports are based on the Common Criteria EAL 5+, the highest possible security certification for MCUs. In addition, both comply to ICAO requirements, the international standard for e-passports."
Infineon’s SLE 66CLX800PE security MCU provides advanced performance and high execution speeds, and was specifically designed for use in electronic passports, identity cards, e-government cards and payment cards. Sounds very interesting!
Highlights of Infineon's security MCU
The security MCU features a crypto-coprocessor and can operate at very high transaction speeds of up to 848kbits/s even if the elevated encryption and decryption operations have to be calculated.
The SLE 66CLX800PE offers all contactless proximity interfaces on a single chip: the ISO/IEC 14443 type B interface and type A interface, and both used for communication between electronics passports and the respective readers; and the ISO/IEC 18092 passive mode interface, which is used in transport and banking applications. The SLE 66CLX800PE features 80 kilobytes (kb) of EEPROM, 240kb of ROM, and 6kb of RAM.
The SLE 66PE contactless controller family, which includes the SLE 66CLX800PE, is certified according to Common Criteria EAL 5+ high (BSI-PP-0002 protection profile) security certification. Infineon’s security in MCUs used in e-passports builds on the underlying hardware-based integral security, with data encryption, memory firewall system and other security mechanisms to safeguard the privacy of data.
The SLE 66PE product family comprises a whole product portfolio designed for use in basic-security to high-security smart card systems, with the EEPROM sizes ranging from 4kb to144kb, and covering different applications including government ID, transportation and payment.
Infineon's perception of Indian semiconductor industry
So much about the e-passport! I can't wait to get my hands on one! Since I was in a discussion with Infineon, it naturally turned toward the Indian semiconductor industry and what needs to be done!
Dr. Jain said: "The Indian semiconductor industry has seen its share of successes and misses. The in-depth technical talent required for design and development is omni-present (TI, Intel, Infineon, Wipro, etc., to name a few). For example, we are doing critical R&D in the areas of automotive electronics, broadband, mobile communications and secured ID solutions at Infineon India, and the fact that it is one of the largest centres in Infineon’s global R&D network, is a testimony to India’s importance as the destination for cutting edge research. This has also led to creation of home-grown design houses offering services to the larger companies.
"We are also seeing in some small, but growing numbers, products and ideas for local markets. As the local markets evolve, so will the ability of these companies to deliver innovation for these local markets, which can then be taken globally."
He added that an area of debate has been the need for semiconductor manufacturing in India. For example, having fabs, test and packaging plants, and EMS. "There have been government initiatives with a few successes. However, financial, tax-related and custom-related investment in these areas needs to come together and be centrally driven from a long-term perspective, as these institutions, which can provide a stable manufacturing base, need larger efforts to be successful."
Hopefully, we will finally get to see some action on all of these areas post the Indian general elections due shortly.
PS: Just to let all of my friends know, I am no longer associated with either CIOL or its semiconductors web site.
It is really easy! Simply drop your e-passport into the e-passport reader slot and place your finger on the fingerprint reader for it to scan and read. Once your e-passport comes out, move over to the other side to another e-passport reader, repeat the same exercise, and you're done! All it takes is less than a minute!
All Indians could soon have e-passports!
Well, such an e-passport can become a reality in India soon! If you haven't heard it, Infineon Technologies recently supplied contactless security microcontrollers (MCUs) for India's electronic passport (e-passport) program! The Indian e-passport rollout started with Indian diplomats and officials being issued e-passports -- around 30,000 to be issued in phase one. It is likely that by September 2009, the e-passports will be extended to the general public.
The rollout has started with the issuance of electronic passports to Indian diplomats and officials. It is expected that in this first phase, up to 30,000 electronic passports shall be issued. By September 2009, the program is likely to be expanded to include passports used by the general public. Today, around 6 million passports are being annually issued in India. I believe, the government of India has invited a new tender for interested stakeholders to bid for 20 million e-passports.
So, being a Hong Kong e-passport holder, I was interested in knowing whether the Indian version is as smart as that particular one? By the way, Hong Kong's e-passport also doubles up as your Hong Kong ID (HKID) card. If you don't have one, you simply cannot do business in Hong Kong! Your HKID number is unique and remains unchanged!
Dr. Rajiv Jain, Vice President and Managing Director, Infineon Technologies India Pvt Ltd, said that both Hong Kong and India are using the same product family from Infineon. "The security levels of both e-passports are based on the Common Criteria EAL 5+, the highest possible security certification for MCUs. In addition, both comply to ICAO requirements, the international standard for e-passports."Infineon’s SLE 66CLX800PE security MCU provides advanced performance and high execution speeds, and was specifically designed for use in electronic passports, identity cards, e-government cards and payment cards. Sounds very interesting!
Highlights of Infineon's security MCU
The security MCU features a crypto-coprocessor and can operate at very high transaction speeds of up to 848kbits/s even if the elevated encryption and decryption operations have to be calculated.
The SLE 66CLX800PE offers all contactless proximity interfaces on a single chip: the ISO/IEC 14443 type B interface and type A interface, and both used for communication between electronics passports and the respective readers; and the ISO/IEC 18092 passive mode interface, which is used in transport and banking applications. The SLE 66CLX800PE features 80 kilobytes (kb) of EEPROM, 240kb of ROM, and 6kb of RAM.
The SLE 66PE contactless controller family, which includes the SLE 66CLX800PE, is certified according to Common Criteria EAL 5+ high (BSI-PP-0002 protection profile) security certification. Infineon’s security in MCUs used in e-passports builds on the underlying hardware-based integral security, with data encryption, memory firewall system and other security mechanisms to safeguard the privacy of data.
The SLE 66PE product family comprises a whole product portfolio designed for use in basic-security to high-security smart card systems, with the EEPROM sizes ranging from 4kb to144kb, and covering different applications including government ID, transportation and payment.
Infineon's perception of Indian semiconductor industry
So much about the e-passport! I can't wait to get my hands on one! Since I was in a discussion with Infineon, it naturally turned toward the Indian semiconductor industry and what needs to be done!
Dr. Jain said: "The Indian semiconductor industry has seen its share of successes and misses. The in-depth technical talent required for design and development is omni-present (TI, Intel, Infineon, Wipro, etc., to name a few). For example, we are doing critical R&D in the areas of automotive electronics, broadband, mobile communications and secured ID solutions at Infineon India, and the fact that it is one of the largest centres in Infineon’s global R&D network, is a testimony to India’s importance as the destination for cutting edge research. This has also led to creation of home-grown design houses offering services to the larger companies.
"We are also seeing in some small, but growing numbers, products and ideas for local markets. As the local markets evolve, so will the ability of these companies to deliver innovation for these local markets, which can then be taken globally."
He added that an area of debate has been the need for semiconductor manufacturing in India. For example, having fabs, test and packaging plants, and EMS. "There have been government initiatives with a few successes. However, financial, tax-related and custom-related investment in these areas needs to come together and be centrally driven from a long-term perspective, as these institutions, which can provide a stable manufacturing base, need larger efforts to be successful."
Hopefully, we will finally get to see some action on all of these areas post the Indian general elections due shortly.
PS: Just to let all of my friends know, I am no longer associated with either CIOL or its semiconductors web site.
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Time for Indian semicon to step up! Yes or No?
I was really happy to see a comment on my blog post: "What India now offers to the global semicon industry," left by Tom Morrow, author of the SEMISpice blog, and Vice President of Global Expositions and Marketing, SEMI. Thanks for visiting and commenting, Tom.
You said: Your description of India's Special Incentives Package Schemes for setting up and operating semiconductor fabrication as a "debacle" is off the mark. Is it really wise for the country to join an already crowded semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem when it can apply its scarce resources to join 30-50 year boom in solar, something the country desperately needs for both domestic and export development?"
"The move to solar is the right one. India had nine manufacturers of solar cells and about twice as many module makers. Most of these proposals have been in response to the Government’s announcement of a Special Incentives Package Scheme under the 2007 Semiconductor Policy.
"About 70 percent of India’s solar cell and PV module production has been exported. This is likely to change in the near future as government policy provides the push for PV deployment and following the recent release of guidelines for grid connected solar generation. Several states in India, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab, Rajasthan and West Bengal have also announced their own solar policies, plans and incentive packages in recent months.
"ISA and SEMI has recognized the great opportunities in solar and have taken supportive leadership positions. While both organizations would love to see a domestic semi fab industry emerge in India, given the overcapcity in the industry today, the transition to solar has been swift, thoughtful, and right on the mark."
First up, Tom, I did not formulate SIPS or the Indian semicon policy! I too thought India would soon build a wafer IC fab! Several delegations have visited India, in the past, with companies hoping to work with these so-called wafer IC fabs in India. I am merely a small time blogger, offering my opinions. And I love my country, no less than any other Indian!
Perhaps, you should see some of the press these 'so-called fabs' received! All the talk of a wafer IC fab only died down with SemIndia late last year!
If folks read my posts carefully, I've discussed how India has been doing fine before the semicon policy and post the policy, fab or no fab! Some knowledgeable experts have even said that fabless India shines brightly! It has shone before, and continues to do so!
Neither do I have anything against solar and the solar industry! It is a great way to trigger off manufacturing in India. Did I say otherwise?
I work closely with ISA, in fact, was present, when ISA was born, back in October 2004, and also know Sathya Prasad at SEMI India quite well. It's a great initiative that's going on in solar in this country. So, yes, the move to solar is a very correct one!
Still on wafer IC fabs, one expert even goes on to say that India could look at skipping the current node of technology and make an entry into the one that will be prevalent after few years.
However, my focus is essentially on semiconductor manufacturing! As many industry experts never fail to say at conferences, India needs to move up the semicon value chain! We need more semicon product start-ups!! And, that's not happening fast enough!
Perhaps, we can just discard all of these ideas and go on being a leading player in design services (which, we already are), a much easier option.
I would still go with what Malcolm Penn of Future Horizons' says, that India needs to re-think its semiconductor strategy! It cannot survive on chip design alone!
Even the recently held ISA Vision Summit had a session: "Indian design influence: Ideas to volume"! Speakers discussed how India should seize opportunities, especially in this downturn, and that, it is time for the Indian semiconductor industry to step up, put the right innovations in place and grow.
I am very interested in hosting an event in India on this topic -- Time for India to step up: Put right innovations in place and grow! However, as I said, I am merely a small time blogger, trying to make a living. I hope I can find some support to host such an event at least once in India.
I am simply delighted that my post has drawn the interest of such a senior person at SEMI. Thank you, sir!
You said: Your description of India's Special Incentives Package Schemes for setting up and operating semiconductor fabrication as a "debacle" is off the mark. Is it really wise for the country to join an already crowded semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem when it can apply its scarce resources to join 30-50 year boom in solar, something the country desperately needs for both domestic and export development?"
"The move to solar is the right one. India had nine manufacturers of solar cells and about twice as many module makers. Most of these proposals have been in response to the Government’s announcement of a Special Incentives Package Scheme under the 2007 Semiconductor Policy.
"About 70 percent of India’s solar cell and PV module production has been exported. This is likely to change in the near future as government policy provides the push for PV deployment and following the recent release of guidelines for grid connected solar generation. Several states in India, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab, Rajasthan and West Bengal have also announced their own solar policies, plans and incentive packages in recent months.
"ISA and SEMI has recognized the great opportunities in solar and have taken supportive leadership positions. While both organizations would love to see a domestic semi fab industry emerge in India, given the overcapcity in the industry today, the transition to solar has been swift, thoughtful, and right on the mark."
First up, Tom, I did not formulate SIPS or the Indian semicon policy! I too thought India would soon build a wafer IC fab! Several delegations have visited India, in the past, with companies hoping to work with these so-called wafer IC fabs in India. I am merely a small time blogger, offering my opinions. And I love my country, no less than any other Indian!
Perhaps, you should see some of the press these 'so-called fabs' received! All the talk of a wafer IC fab only died down with SemIndia late last year!
If folks read my posts carefully, I've discussed how India has been doing fine before the semicon policy and post the policy, fab or no fab! Some knowledgeable experts have even said that fabless India shines brightly! It has shone before, and continues to do so!
Neither do I have anything against solar and the solar industry! It is a great way to trigger off manufacturing in India. Did I say otherwise?
I work closely with ISA, in fact, was present, when ISA was born, back in October 2004, and also know Sathya Prasad at SEMI India quite well. It's a great initiative that's going on in solar in this country. So, yes, the move to solar is a very correct one!
Still on wafer IC fabs, one expert even goes on to say that India could look at skipping the current node of technology and make an entry into the one that will be prevalent after few years.
However, my focus is essentially on semiconductor manufacturing! As many industry experts never fail to say at conferences, India needs to move up the semicon value chain! We need more semicon product start-ups!! And, that's not happening fast enough!
Perhaps, we can just discard all of these ideas and go on being a leading player in design services (which, we already are), a much easier option.
I would still go with what Malcolm Penn of Future Horizons' says, that India needs to re-think its semiconductor strategy! It cannot survive on chip design alone!
Even the recently held ISA Vision Summit had a session: "Indian design influence: Ideas to volume"! Speakers discussed how India should seize opportunities, especially in this downturn, and that, it is time for the Indian semiconductor industry to step up, put the right innovations in place and grow.
I am very interested in hosting an event in India on this topic -- Time for India to step up: Put right innovations in place and grow! However, as I said, I am merely a small time blogger, trying to make a living. I hope I can find some support to host such an event at least once in India.
I am simply delighted that my post has drawn the interest of such a senior person at SEMI. Thank you, sir!
Sunday, 1 March 2009
Definite need for rethink on India's fab strategy!
I am intrigued to see lots of great things happening in the Indian semiconductor industry, and equally frustrated to find certain things that I feel should happen, not really going the way they should!
Yes, India is very strong in the semiconductor related chip design services. However, do keep in mind folks that design services have been impacted a bit by the recession as well! There have been calls from several quarters for India to now start thinking beyond its chip design services. Therefore, are there any areas that India can look into within the semiconductor space?
Leverage strength in software
Certainly, value add in products are heavily influenced by the embedded software in addition to features of the chips, says S. Janakiraman, former chairman, India Semiconductor Association (ISA) and President and CEO-R&D Services, MindTree. "The Google Android is a great example of that. India should leverage its strength in software to enhance its value add to semiconductor companies," he adds.
Innovation is now shifting from the development of new technologies to the creation of unique applications.
"Mobile browsers and management of remote appliances to save power at home/office are examples. We need to innovate new applications that can drive the need for more electronic gadgets, and in turn, the need for more semiconductors," notes Jani Sir.
Rethink on Indian fab strategy?
One of my earlier posts focused on whether an Indian investor could buy Qimonda's memory fab, and somehow kick-start the India fab story! I did find support from many quarters on this idea, but till date, I don't think anyone from India has made a move for Qimonda. At least, I haven't heard of any such move.
Nevertheless, some folks within the Indian semiconductor industry and elsewhere have called for India to rethink on its fab strategy.
What should it be now? Or, shall we just discard this and go on, as India has been doing fine without fabs so far? Perhaps, the last option is easier!
According to Janakiraman: "Perhaps, we should consider where semiconductor technology will be after five years from now, and prepare grounds for that through encouragement of fundamental research, as well as shuttle fabs to enable prototyping. We should skip the current node of technology and make an entry into the one that will be prevalent after few years." Now, that's sound advice! Will it be easy to achieve?
"That may not be as easy to achieve for the private enterprises considering the cost involved," adds Janakiraman. "It has to be a mission of the nation to create that infrastructure and later privatize."
According to him, it is not unique to India. "Every country, be it Taiwan or China, have done it. The only other way is to heavily subsidize and support fabs like those in Israel or Vietnam, but it will be tough to choose a partner in a democratic country like ours, wherein every investment and subsidy is seen with a colored vision," he says.
To sum up, a fab for our country will be fundamental to gain leadership and self reliance. It cannot be ignored totally, although we can take our own time to reach there. Janakiraman adds, "We don't have a choice other than paying a price to reach there, now or later!"
Yes, India is very strong in the semiconductor related chip design services. However, do keep in mind folks that design services have been impacted a bit by the recession as well! There have been calls from several quarters for India to now start thinking beyond its chip design services. Therefore, are there any areas that India can look into within the semiconductor space?
Leverage strength in software
Certainly, value add in products are heavily influenced by the embedded software in addition to features of the chips, says S. Janakiraman, former chairman, India Semiconductor Association (ISA) and President and CEO-R&D Services, MindTree. "The Google Android is a great example of that. India should leverage its strength in software to enhance its value add to semiconductor companies," he adds.
Innovation is now shifting from the development of new technologies to the creation of unique applications.
"Mobile browsers and management of remote appliances to save power at home/office are examples. We need to innovate new applications that can drive the need for more electronic gadgets, and in turn, the need for more semiconductors," notes Jani Sir.
Rethink on Indian fab strategy?
One of my earlier posts focused on whether an Indian investor could buy Qimonda's memory fab, and somehow kick-start the India fab story! I did find support from many quarters on this idea, but till date, I don't think anyone from India has made a move for Qimonda. At least, I haven't heard of any such move.
Nevertheless, some folks within the Indian semiconductor industry and elsewhere have called for India to rethink on its fab strategy.
What should it be now? Or, shall we just discard this and go on, as India has been doing fine without fabs so far? Perhaps, the last option is easier!
According to Janakiraman: "Perhaps, we should consider where semiconductor technology will be after five years from now, and prepare grounds for that through encouragement of fundamental research, as well as shuttle fabs to enable prototyping. We should skip the current node of technology and make an entry into the one that will be prevalent after few years." Now, that's sound advice! Will it be easy to achieve?
"That may not be as easy to achieve for the private enterprises considering the cost involved," adds Janakiraman. "It has to be a mission of the nation to create that infrastructure and later privatize."
According to him, it is not unique to India. "Every country, be it Taiwan or China, have done it. The only other way is to heavily subsidize and support fabs like those in Israel or Vietnam, but it will be tough to choose a partner in a democratic country like ours, wherein every investment and subsidy is seen with a colored vision," he says.
To sum up, a fab for our country will be fundamental to gain leadership and self reliance. It cannot be ignored totally, although we can take our own time to reach there. Janakiraman adds, "We don't have a choice other than paying a price to reach there, now or later!"
Saturday, 28 February 2009
ISA Vision Summit 2009: Indian design influence, ideas to volume
This post is slightly delayed given the fact that I've been travelling! Here it is: Session 2 of Day 1, ISA Vision Summit 2009!!
The still quite young, Indian semiconductor industry has come a long way! Making his opening remarks during the session: Indian Design Influence, Ideas to Volume, Jaswinder Ahuja, Corporate Vice President & MD, Cadence Design Systems India, and chairman, pointed out that earlier, it used to be 'made by the world, FOR India.' However, globalization of design has now put India on the world semiconductor map. Today, it is 'made by the world, IN India.'
The picture here shows Ahuja making a point, while Freescale's Ganesh Guruswamy, TI's Dr. Bobby Mitra and Intel's Praveen Vishakantaiah are all attention.
The electronics systems production is clearly moving eastward. Even though the chip fabs may not happen in India, systems manufacturing is certainly happening. The emerging markets today offer a $5 trillion opportunity. However, the transformative challenge is: how to marry low cost, good quality, sustainability and profitability simultaneously!
Fantastic opportunity for investing in technology
Praveen Vishakantaiah, President, Intel, added that India has a fantastic opportunity ahead for investing in technology. He cited Intel's examples, such as: products designed in India for global market -- Intel Xeon 7400 processor; designed in India for India and emerging markets -- Classmate PC, which was prototyped in India; and designed in India and customized for the local market -- PoS retail kiosk solution.
Internal factors related to volume development include: unique market needs, designing for reliability, enabling customers -- standard globally but varied in India. External factors include: access to customers -- which can be challenging in a varied market such as India, access to employable talent, predictable supply chain, robust infrastructure -- digital infrastructure should scale simultaneously with design and development, and proactive policies and regulations.
According to Vishakantaiah, there is a need for a call to action and seize opportunities. This means, capitalizing on opportunities for local and global product designs, increase the impact and build end-to-end competencies, and to continue to move up the value chain. There is a need to address the internal factors. This would enable increasing the quality of products and extend local products into global markets. There is also a need to focus on the enabling the local market for global product companies.
As far as the external factors are concerned, there is a need to be proactive to remove barriers. There is a need to also encourage research, faculty development and new curriculum. India also needs to build energy efficient power, logistics and manufacturing capabilities, and also reduce e-waste and think green for all product designs.
Downturn creates huge opportunities
Ganesh Guruswamy, Director and Country Manager, Freescale Semiconductor India, remarked that even the deepest downturns can create huge opportunities for companies and countries. "Continuing to innovate during the downturn is important," he added. It is therefore, time for India to step up, put the right innovations in place and grow.
He stressed upon several custom solutions for emerging markets, such as two-wheelers, which dominate, e-bikes, which are said to be the future, LED lamps, power inverters, irrigation pumpset powered by solar, smart energy meters, and solar/PV base station and carrier based equipment for telecom.
Medical tourism is an emerging focus area for India, as it is growing by 30 percent each year. Medical tourism is likely to bring $1-2 billion to India by 2012. In this context, Guruswamy highlighted Freescale's ECG-on-a-chip solution. According to him, the way forward would involve moving away from a design mindset to a product mindset!
Don't be dwarfed by glamorous industries!
Dr Bobby Mitra, MD, Texas Instruments India, said that India is witnessing a change in its semiconductors agenda -- from R&D to R&D + market growth. If followed properly, it can become a game changing agenda. "India has nearly 2,000 OEMs designing electronics products. That's the untapped potential," he said.
Most of the customers are smaller companies -- the proverbial long tail. They know semiconductors and electronics very well. Such companies need to be measured by the firebrand innovation going on at those places.
Dr. Mitra said: "The products have to be the right kind of products. If they are complex, it is incidental." He cited defense and aerospace as very strong spaces, while industrial is also an equally strong opportunity area. "We should not be dwarfed by glamorous industries," he cautioned.
In the near term, the Indian semiconductor industry needs to develop two new stripes. These are: a high degree of customer centricity so it can be brought into the R&D engineer's minds, and have an application mindset -- India is very good in design work; it now needs to develop applications in the current context.
Dr. Mitra also called upon having research as an agenda for the industry. This can be done in areas that would assume importance in future. "By working with customers, we can make products more intelligent, by adding electronics and semiconductors," he advised. "All of us have a key role to play in this transformation."
SMEs, in particular, have a major role to play. Intel's Vishakantaiah said that MNCs would need to mentor and coach such companies. Freescale's Guruswamy added that MNCs can either help them grow or buy them out.
Dr. Mitra advised that even if customers didn't provide business, it would pay to remain close to them. He also referred to TI's Beagle Board, an open and low-cost platform, which enables development of applications. However, he advised the industry to be realistic about mass customization.
The still quite young, Indian semiconductor industry has come a long way! Making his opening remarks during the session: Indian Design Influence, Ideas to Volume, Jaswinder Ahuja, Corporate Vice President & MD, Cadence Design Systems India, and chairman, pointed out that earlier, it used to be 'made by the world, FOR India.' However, globalization of design has now put India on the world semiconductor map. Today, it is 'made by the world, IN India.'
The picture here shows Ahuja making a point, while Freescale's Ganesh Guruswamy, TI's Dr. Bobby Mitra and Intel's Praveen Vishakantaiah are all attention.The electronics systems production is clearly moving eastward. Even though the chip fabs may not happen in India, systems manufacturing is certainly happening. The emerging markets today offer a $5 trillion opportunity. However, the transformative challenge is: how to marry low cost, good quality, sustainability and profitability simultaneously!
Fantastic opportunity for investing in technology
Praveen Vishakantaiah, President, Intel, added that India has a fantastic opportunity ahead for investing in technology. He cited Intel's examples, such as: products designed in India for global market -- Intel Xeon 7400 processor; designed in India for India and emerging markets -- Classmate PC, which was prototyped in India; and designed in India and customized for the local market -- PoS retail kiosk solution.
Internal factors related to volume development include: unique market needs, designing for reliability, enabling customers -- standard globally but varied in India. External factors include: access to customers -- which can be challenging in a varied market such as India, access to employable talent, predictable supply chain, robust infrastructure -- digital infrastructure should scale simultaneously with design and development, and proactive policies and regulations.
According to Vishakantaiah, there is a need for a call to action and seize opportunities. This means, capitalizing on opportunities for local and global product designs, increase the impact and build end-to-end competencies, and to continue to move up the value chain. There is a need to address the internal factors. This would enable increasing the quality of products and extend local products into global markets. There is also a need to focus on the enabling the local market for global product companies.
As far as the external factors are concerned, there is a need to be proactive to remove barriers. There is a need to also encourage research, faculty development and new curriculum. India also needs to build energy efficient power, logistics and manufacturing capabilities, and also reduce e-waste and think green for all product designs.
Downturn creates huge opportunities
Ganesh Guruswamy, Director and Country Manager, Freescale Semiconductor India, remarked that even the deepest downturns can create huge opportunities for companies and countries. "Continuing to innovate during the downturn is important," he added. It is therefore, time for India to step up, put the right innovations in place and grow.
He stressed upon several custom solutions for emerging markets, such as two-wheelers, which dominate, e-bikes, which are said to be the future, LED lamps, power inverters, irrigation pumpset powered by solar, smart energy meters, and solar/PV base station and carrier based equipment for telecom.
Medical tourism is an emerging focus area for India, as it is growing by 30 percent each year. Medical tourism is likely to bring $1-2 billion to India by 2012. In this context, Guruswamy highlighted Freescale's ECG-on-a-chip solution. According to him, the way forward would involve moving away from a design mindset to a product mindset!
Don't be dwarfed by glamorous industries!
Dr Bobby Mitra, MD, Texas Instruments India, said that India is witnessing a change in its semiconductors agenda -- from R&D to R&D + market growth. If followed properly, it can become a game changing agenda. "India has nearly 2,000 OEMs designing electronics products. That's the untapped potential," he said.
Most of the customers are smaller companies -- the proverbial long tail. They know semiconductors and electronics very well. Such companies need to be measured by the firebrand innovation going on at those places.
Dr. Mitra said: "The products have to be the right kind of products. If they are complex, it is incidental." He cited defense and aerospace as very strong spaces, while industrial is also an equally strong opportunity area. "We should not be dwarfed by glamorous industries," he cautioned.
In the near term, the Indian semiconductor industry needs to develop two new stripes. These are: a high degree of customer centricity so it can be brought into the R&D engineer's minds, and have an application mindset -- India is very good in design work; it now needs to develop applications in the current context.
Dr. Mitra also called upon having research as an agenda for the industry. This can be done in areas that would assume importance in future. "By working with customers, we can make products more intelligent, by adding electronics and semiconductors," he advised. "All of us have a key role to play in this transformation."
SMEs, in particular, have a major role to play. Intel's Vishakantaiah said that MNCs would need to mentor and coach such companies. Freescale's Guruswamy added that MNCs can either help them grow or buy them out.
Dr. Mitra advised that even if customers didn't provide business, it would pay to remain close to them. He also referred to TI's Beagle Board, an open and low-cost platform, which enables development of applications. However, he advised the industry to be realistic about mass customization.
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