The Hitachi Cable Group's continuing fundamental principle is to develop unique technologies. We conduct aggressive research and development (R&D) activities that range from the development of new materials and new products to the development of production techniques.
We created the post of CTO (Chief Technology Officer) and reorganized the R&D sections into the Corporate Advanced Technology Group and the Research & Development Group. The Corporate Advanced Technology Group is responsible for compiling and monitoring R&D strategies, while the Research & Development Group is responsible for R&D activities. The new organization will allow the Hitachi Cable Group to promote the development of new products and technologies ahead of other companies and will allow the Hitachi Cable Group to bring them to the market faster.
Specific research and development activities are promoted mainly by the Research & Development Group, consisting of the Materials Technology Research & Development Center, the Photonics Research & Development Center, and the Cross Technology Development Center; the ITS (intelligent transport system) Development Office; and the design and development sections of each business group.
We also seek to advance the research and development of cutting-edge technologies by maintaining close collaboration and cooperation with R&D sections throughout the Hitachi Group, including Hitachi Ltd., as well as promoting joint research with our customers and government R&D institutions where necessary and appropriate.
Listed below are R&D items and achievements for each business segment of the Hitachi Cable Group in this consolidated fiscal year. Here, research and development expenditures during this interim consolidated fiscal period are 4,849 million yen.
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Wires and Cables Business |
This segment is active in research and development on industrial wires and cables, as well as transmission and connection technologies for electronic devices. Major achievements during this interim consolidated fiscal period are listed below. Research and development expenditures for this segment totaled 897 million yen.
| (1) |
Commercialization of optical methane gas sensor |
| (2) |
Development of environment-friendly Eco-Rubber cab-tire cable |
| (3) |
Development of Eco wire for solar cell modules |
| (4) |
Development of antenna optimization design method based on PC cluster and genetic algorithm |
| (5) |
Commercialization of fiber optic intrusion detection sensor |
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Information and Telecommunications Networking Business |
This segment pursues research and development on fiber optics cables, and sensors for information communication; on the various devices and components required to build and expand the Internet and mobile phone systems; and on networks equipment, antennas for mobile phone base stations, and products for the next-generation Intelligent Transport Systems. Major achievements during this interim consolidated fiscal period are listed below. Research and development expenditure for this segment totaled 1,759 million yen.
| (1) |
Development of mass-production techniques for multiplexer/demultiplexer with photodiode for optical power monitoring |
| (2) |
Development of box-type Layer 2/3 switching hub (10 Gbit/s x 2 ports + 1 Gbit/s x 48 ports) |
| (3) |
Development of Layer 2 switching hub for next-generation networks (5 slots; up to 10 Gbit/s x 10 port switching) |
| (4) |
Development of antenna optimization design method based on PC cluster and genetic algorithm |
| (5) |
Development of mass-production techniques for optical transceivers for 10-Gbit
Ethernet*1and 4-Gbit fiber channel |
| *1 |
Ethernet is a product name of Xerox Corporation. |
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Sophisticated Materials Business |
The research and development activities in this segment are classified into the three following fields. Research and development expenditure in this segment totaled 2,191 million yen.
A. Semiconductor Package Materials & Electronic Components Field
In this field, in response to miniaturization and advances in information equipment like mobile phones and the higher difinition resolution of LCDs (liquid crystal displays), we focus on research and development of superfine processing and bonding technologies and plating technologies for TAB tapes and circuit boards. This area also encompasses research and development on the growth of single crystals of compound semiconductors like gallium arsenide, epitaxial substrate semiconductor elements and applied products, and related products. Major achievements during this interim consolidated fiscal period include the following:
| (1) |
Development of epitaxial wafer for 2-wavelength write laser diodes |
| (2) |
Commercialization of epitaxial wafer for high-voltage-resistance, high-efficiency GaN-HEMT for mobile phone base stations |
| (3) |
Development of stacked µBGA*2 package |
| (4) |
Development of fine-pitch 2-metal tape production techniques |
| *2 |
µBGA is a resistered trademark of Tessera Inc. |
B. Copper Products Field
In this field, we pursue research and development on the copper strips used in electronic components and on heat transfer tubes for heat exchange devices; system products based on these components; metal-based superconducting wire rods; and oxide-based high-temperature superconducting materials. Major achievements during this interim consolidated fiscal period include the following:
| (1) |
Development of heat-exchanger material for Ecocute |
| (2) |
Development of light-weight thermofin |
| (3) |
Expansion of value-added alloy strip product line |
| (4) |
Development of rolled foil resisting electrolytic foil |
| (5) |
Development of dual-gauge copper strip for new uses |
C. Automotive Parts Field
In this field, we pursue research and development on automotive hoses, including brake hoses and power steering hoses; automotive electronics; and components for IT devices. Major achievements during this interim consolidated fiscal period include the following:
| (1) |
Development of magnetic strain torque sensor |
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