Annual Highlights(2018)

Annual Highlights(2018)

Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute Founded The World's First IDM-Lite Semiconductor Research and Development Center On January 1, 2019, Taiwan's National Chip Implementation Center and National Nano Device Laboratories were officially merged to create the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute (TSRI). In following with global technological trends and with the goal of providing a device-to-system one-stop service, the world's first IDM-Lite Center was launched, integrating industrial, academic and research pursuits. This center focuses on innovative technology of the future and service application by conducting the following four strategic functions: personnel training, industry-academia services, international integration, and innovative research and development. We hope to be a driving force for the diversified development of Taiwan's semiconductor industry, completing the vision of a worldclass semiconductor design and manufacturing research center. Establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) System Development Laboratory to Accelerate the Development of AI Chip Technology in Taiwan The National Chip Implementation Center (CIC) cooperated with the Minis try of Science and Technology in 2018 to execute the Semiconductor MoonShot Project by introducing silicon IPs (Intellectual Properties), such as AI accelerator IP, high-efficiency processor IP, and peripheral IPs from major IC/EDA companies. Accordingly, the CIC established an AI SoC (Systemon-Chip) platform and an AI system development laboratory named the AI Lab as well as developed various other applications and platforms. These included Cadence Palladium and Synopsys ZeBu Server 3, which can greatly reduce the time required for system-on-chip design verification; the prototype verification platform Synopsys HAPS-80; the deep-learning computer NVIDIA DGX Station; and the automobile simulation package NVIDIA Drive PX2 and software system IPG CarMaker/HIL. These application platforms assist and encourage academia in developing AI chip systems, laying a solid foundation for Taiwan to promote the research and development of innovative AI applications.