Cover Story
Innovation Chinese Style
Don’t Knock Copycatting
Part 1: Examining the Essence
A Close Look Behind Copycatting - Entrepreneurial Spirit Paves the Way
Things can be manufactured extremely quickly in China. Designing can be completed in as little as 1.5 months for a cellphone and 2 years for a car. This article examines the industrial foundation and culture that make such fast turnaround times possible.
Part 2: Case Study of BYD
Accurately selecting the copy target under powerful leadership
In the last several years, BYD has entered several new markets, including those for secondary batteries, EMS, and gasoline-powered vehicles, showing solid results in them all. Behind this success is an extremely skillful copying capability supported by company management. We analyze this capability and the company's future business plan.
Special Feature
New Era for Digital Cameras
New Axis Created by Internet and Wireless Capability
Japanese camera manufacturers are once again working on providing wireless LAN support for their digital cameras.Creating the impetus for this move is a wireless transmission-capable SD memory card called “Eye-Fi” launched by a U.S. company. Helped by the popularity of Internet-based photo-sharing services, the integration of digital cameras with Internet services will now likely proceed in earnest. Work toward this goal, however, has only just begun. Camera manufacturers will have to bring out all of their innovativeness to create a new business model that can link digital cameras with Internet services.
U.S. Pinning Hopes of Regaining Leadership in Automobile Industry on Electric Vehicles
Europe Focuses on Standardization while Japan Keeps Plugging Away at Developing Technologies
U.S. carmakers are frantically trying to develop plug-in hybrid vehicles. They are pouring massive amounts of money into establishing a linkage with the so-called “Smart Grid.”Japanese carmakers are maintaining some distance from this frenzy, while European carmakers are trying to band together to counter the U.S. move. Meanwhile, India and China are beginning full-force promotion of electric vehicles.From the EVS24, an electric vehicle symposium, we report on the actions various countries are taking.
Invited Paper
Completely Safe High-VoltageDC Supply System
NTT DATA EX TECHNO Corporation Executive Vice President Minoru Okada, Senior Vice President Koji Yoshioka and Senior Manager of First Development Group Masaji Haneda
NTT DATA EX TECHNO has developed a high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) distribution system that supplies a high DC voltage of 380 volts to data centers and the like. The company has solved issues such as the arcing that occurs when the current is shut off, previously a major issue, and the risk of electric shock, and is moving forward with the goal of commercialization in 2009. Those involved in the project explain the DC distribution system the company has developed.
NE Academy
Intensive Analog Seminar: Session 6—High-Speed Hysteresis Control
Non-linear control modes such as hysteresis control have traditionally played a minor role compared to linear control modes such as voltage mode control and current mode control. Now, however, hysteresis control is beginning to gain attention because of the high level of load responsiveness it provides using only a simple circuit configuration. Some digital home appliances, home game machines, and personal computer peripherals have already begun to use hysteresis control. With the disadvantages that once plagued hysteresis control now being overcome, the number of electronic devices adopting it may surge in the near future.
Embedding Tutorial: Software Development Model: Period II, Session 7—Efficient Testing Methodology
Setting Up Verified and Comprehensive Test Items is Key
Interview
NXP Semiconductors Executive Vice President Alexander Everke: MCUs Also Moving to ARM
Documentary
Hugely Successful, but Unable to Raise Capital - Recession Kills a Successful Company
Why Did Key Stream Have to Dissolve?
In the wireless LAN IC market where U.S. and European manufacturers hold an overwhelmingly high share, there had been one Japanese manufacturer fighting a good battle. This was Key Stream Corporation, founded in 2000. The company got a lot of attention when its proprietary IC, noted for low standby power consumption, was adopted by Microsoft’s Zune portable music player.Key Stream, however, disappeared from the market in the spring of 2009 before realizing its full potential. What happened to this spirited wireless LAN venture company?
Keyword
Specifications Created by Digital TV Information Research Group
From acTVila to Door Phones, and even to FeliCa
World Report
From Singapore: Government Top-Down Policy for Creating World-Class R&D Headquarters Works
Closeup
Mobile Phones: “Relay” Technology Preceding LTE Transition Now Clear; KDDI Adopts Multicarrier Rev. A
Displays: Shinoda Plasma’s Curved 145-Inch Display to Enter Mass Production for September 2009 Shipment
Medical Electronics: Ultrasound Diagnostic Device Based on New Concept Introduced
NE Reports
- Game Console Manufacturers Look to New User Experiences at E3
- Human Body Communication May Achieve High Speed, Low Power Consumption, and Low Cost
- Sharp Adopts LCD Panel with Embedded Memory Circuit for Cellphone Front Display
- Kansai University Develops New Coating Method for Hard Disk Media
