Abstract

The ConFab 2018 will take a close look at the new applications driving the semiconductor industry, the technology that will be required at the device and process level to meet new demands, and – perhaps most importantly – the kind of strategic collaboration that will be required. Here are six key trends we’ll address in the conference that will have a huge impact in the near future: The semiconductor industry is on the cusp of a new era of growth, driven by a diverse array of applications. Much of the growth will come from the need for better connectivity and more intelligent data analysis. In the IoT, data is captured by sensors and transferred via the appropriate networks, stored in data centers and analyzed. This creates demand for high performance computing, including artificial intelligence and “deep learning.” New computational methods are emerging, such as neuromorphic methods that mimic how the brain works. Faster communication with higher bandwidth will be required. 5G wireless communication is coming, as is improved WiFi, near-field communication, Bluetooth and satellite communication. Enormous opportunities exist in automotive electronics, as autonomous driving moves closer to reality. Virtual reality will be combined with artificial intelligence to create a truly immersive experience that mankind has never experienced. Semiconductors will play an increasingly important role in the healthcare industry, i.e. diagnostic tools and patient monitoring, and more.