Forum Talk Recap: Foxconn — Compound Semiconductor Driving Next Wave of Technological Advancement

Oct 5

2 min read

Speaker: Hao-Chung Kuo

Director, Semiconductor Research Center, Hon Hai Research Institute

Professor, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

Topic: Compound Semiconductor Driving Next Wave of Technological Advancement

Event: International Semiconductor Forum & Matchmaking — Semiconductor Future 50+: Leading the Pulse of Global Technology

Date: 2024-06-19

Recently, Hao-Chung Kuo, Director of the Semiconductor Research Center at Hon Hai Research Institute, gave an excellent talk at a technology session titled "Complex Semiconductor Driving Next Wave of Technological Advancement." The talk not only showed Foxconn's forward-looking vision in semiconductor technology, but also examined in depth the important role compound semiconductors and silicon photonics will play in future technological development.

Foxconn's Semiconductor Technology

Kuo first introduced Foxconn's latest progress in semiconductor technology, stressing the importance of compound semiconductors coexisting with silicon. He pointed out that compound semiconductors won't replace silicon; instead, the two will increasingly work together, driving progress through interface integration. For example, future optical-electrical integration (PIC, EIC) and glass substrate technology will be key development directions.

Foxconn's Main Business Areas

Next, Kuo outlined Foxconn's main businesses, including electronics manufacturing (such as the iPad and iPhone), electric vehicles, robotics and smart healthcare. He specifically mentioned Foxconn's "3+3" strategy, focusing on three industries — EVs, robotics and smart healthcare — and using the CDFS concept to drive development in these areas.

Partners and Technology Development

On technology partnerships, Kuo mentioned Foxconn's close collaboration with companies such as Infineon and NEO, especially in EVs and smart cockpits. Foxconn's chassis modules developed with ZF, and its technical innovations in smart cockpits, demonstrate its leadership in these areas.

AI and Semiconductor Applications

Kuo also emphasized applications of AI technology in semiconductors and other fields, particularly smart cockpits and data centers. NVIDIA's GPU technology progress was a focal point; he noted that GPU-to-GPU interconnect technologies (such as NVLink) will become even more important, and optical interconnect will play a key role in data centers.

Future Directions

At the end of the talk, Kuo looked ahead to future directions. He highlighted the prospects of compound semiconductors in EVs and data centers, and Hon Hai Research Institute's ongoing research and innovation in compound semiconductors, silicon photonics and AI. These technologies will not only drive Foxconn's own growth but also have a profound impact on the entire technology industry.

Conclusion

Kuo's talk showed Foxconn's ambition and strength in semiconductor technology. From compound semiconductors to silicon photonics, from EVs to smart cockpits, Foxconn is continuously driving technological progress with leading technology and a spirit of innovation. We look forward to more technical breakthroughs from Foxconn and to watching this tech giant perform on the global stage.