Reading Global(2022.04.20)
With the blessing of TSMC, Japan bet on the revival of domestic semiconductors in 3D
Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported on the 20th that Japan launched a national project "Cutting-edge Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology Development" in fiscal 2021. The addition of TSMC, the world's largest semiconductor foundry, has also attracted much attention.
This project is part of the business of Japan's New Energy Industry Technology Development Organization (NEDO) starting in FY2019. Based on the Institute of Advanced Industrial Technology, which has the most advanced clean rooms, companies and universities develop manufacturing technology for logic semiconductors.
The semiconductor manufacturing process is divided into the "pre-process" of forming a circuit using an exposure device, etc. on a silicon substrate, and the "post-process" of assembling after splitting. The project also set the research topic according to these two processes, and the key word common to the two is "three-dimensional (3D)".
In terms of the previous process, the project is committed to developing the most advanced component technology known as "nanosheet", which refers to the arrangement of microstructures up and down. The basic structure of logic semiconductors, which used to be a two-dimensional "Planer" formed on the surface of the substrate, has now become a 2.5-dimensional "Fin" type with a certain thickness made by cutting the substrate. It is said that after 2025, 3D nanosheet types will become mainstream.
In terms of the post-process, the technology of longitudinal stacking circuits will be established. Playing a leading role is TSMC's "TSMC Japan 3DIC R&D Center" established in Japan. Jointly developed a three-dimensional post-process technology known as "3DIC" with the Japanese side. The "Research Group for Advanced System Technology (RaaS)" formed by companies and universities has also set a research topic to focus on the research and development of three-dimensional lamination technology for chips.
Three-dimensional integration is a powerful technology that breaks the limits of "Moore's Law". In particular, Japanese companies are considered to have advantages in the back-end process, and TSMC feels the attraction of Japan. The Japanese side wants to introduce TSMC, and the ideas of the two sides coincide.
Under a new proposal from the UK's Transport Department, self-driving car users can watch movies on the highway
The Guardian reported on the 20th that according to the planned changes to the Highway Code, users of self-driving cars will be able to watch movies on the highway, but the use of mobile phones is still prohibited.
The new proposal, put forward by the UK's Department of Transport (DfT), will allow motorists to watch movies and TV shows using the car's built-in screen.
The new rules also point out that insurers will be financially liable for accidents that occur with self-driving cars.
However, the driver must be prepared to regain control of the vehicle when prompted, for example when approaching a highway exit. These measures will be seen as temporary to support the early deployment of self-driving cars.
Although there are currently no vehicles in the UK that are allowed to drive themselves on the road, the first one may be approved later this year. The introduction of this technology is likely to start with vehicles traveling at a slow speed on highways, such as in congested traffic.
In April 2021, the UK Transport Department said it would allow hands-free driving of vehicles using lane-keeping technology on congested highways. Existing technologies, including cruise control and automatic stop/start, are classified as "assistive," meaning the user must maintain full control.
Earlier this year, the Law Commission for England and Wales and the Law Commission of Scotland published a joint report recommending the introduction of the new Automated Vehicles Act.
The bill's proposal is that when a car is licensed for "autonomous driving" and uses this feature, the user will no longer be responsible for how the car is driven, but by the company that is authorized. As a result, users will not be able to be prosecuted for violations that come directly from driving, and violations including dangerous driving will also be exempted.
The UK, Scotland and Wales governments are deciding whether to take the report's recommendations and incorporate it into legislation, with the government hoping to establish a full regulatory framework by 2025 to support the widespread adoption of driverless car technology.
Japan's new Passport Law was officially passed to allow online processing
Kyodo News Agency reported that the amendments to Japan's Passport Law, which allow online passport applications, were unanimously passed at the plenary meeting of the Senate on the 20th and officially became law. In order to reduce the economic burden on victims of large-scale disasters such as earthquakes, the Act also establishes a system whereby issuance fees can be waived or reduced. The government plans to launch it within FY2022.
The first issuance, renewal and reporting of loss of passports will be processed online. Among them, the first issuance of original documents such as household registration transcripts is required With the digitization of household registration, it is expected to achieve nationwide online application in 2024.
The system of adding pages when there are not enough visa pages such as entry and exit stamps and visas is abolished in order to avoid the risk of forgery. As an alternative measure, new passports will be issued at a lower price than usual, with the same validity period as the original passport.
Regarding the period of collection that is considered to be within 6 months after the issuance, if Japanese people overseas are unable to receive it due to the impact of the city closure caused by the spread of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, the period of redemption is allowed.
P&G raised its full-year sales forecast due to strong demand
Reuters reported that Procter & Gamble raised its full-year sales forecast on the 20th, and despite rising prices, consumer demand for cleaning and personal care products remained elastic, which made its stock price rise nearly 2% in pre-market trading.
Sales in the company's largest business unit, Fabrics and Home Care, rose 7 percent as consumers hoarded a flood of detergents and cleaning products during the Opmi kerong wave earlier this year.
Procter & Gamble's nutraceuticals business, which includes brands such as Oral-B and Pepto-Bismol, saw sales up 13 percent in the third quarter.
However, the consumer goods giant warned that higher costs could affect its annual core earnings per share, and the company currently expects its growth rate to be at the low end (3%-6%) as it was forecast in January.
Soaring commodity and freight costs and a stronger U.S. dollar are expected to reduce full-year profits by $3.2 billion, compared to $2.8 billion previously expected.
The tide detergent manufacturer said net sales rose 7 percent to $19.38 billion for the quarter ended March 31. According to Refinitiv, analysts had previously expected sales of $18.73 billion.
Although the prices of most of P&G's products have risen, total sales have risen by 3%.
The company expects sales to grow by 4 to 5 percent in fiscal year 2022, compared with the previous forecast of 3 to 4 percent.
Procter & Gamble earned $1.33 per share, beating quarterly expectations of $1.29 per share.
Today's picture
Germany faces energy shortages
On April 19, 2022, local time, Hamburg, Germany, trucks carrying oil tanks crossed the street. Affected by the situation in Russia and Ukraine, Germany is facing the dilemma of energy shortage. According to Germany's Economy Ministry, 35 percent of Germany's oil and 50 percent of its coal supply come from Russia, and 55 percent of its natural gas imports from Russia. In order to get rid of Russia's energy dependence, the German government has strengthened publicity about energy use to the public.
(This article is compiled from Nihon Keizai Shimbun, The Guardian, Kyodo News Agency, Reuters)
Economic Observation Network intern reporter Zhou Yuqing sorted out