I can extract side effects.

Chapter 440 Training CMOS Suppliers

Wang Dali asked a crucial question.

Optical imaging technology is crucial to image brightness and clarity, and is the most basic entry barrier for endoscope products.

CCD is used in mainstream endoscopes, and CMOS is not used much, and it is rarely used in high-end equipment.

Everyone knows that CCD is easy to use, but the problem is that if you want a high-end CCD image chip, there is no place to buy it.

The most suitable components are naturally from Olympus. They are used in large quantities, and they have customized CCD chips dedicated to medical endoscopes. Not to mention low power consumption, they are still very powerful and have very high pixels.

However, such components, people will certainly not sell.

Second, there are those camera companies.

The cameras in Sakura Country are world-famous, and the CCD chips are almost controlled by several giants.

Especially in the field of medical and scientific research, Nikon's electron microscopes, Hamamatsu's digital slice scanning equipment, and Fuji and Pentax's endoscopes rely on the high-end CCD technology to have a monopoly position.

Under such a situation, it is extremely difficult for domestic endoscopes to win the competition.

However, CCD is not the only option for image sensors.

The rise of CMOS has made the image sensing technology switch to another route, which brings opportunities to break the Japanese monopoly and overtake on detours.

Both CCD and CMOS are semiconductor image chips, and their main function is to convert optical image signals into digital electrical signals through photosensitive elements.

Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. CCD has high pixels, low noise, and high sensitivity, but it is bulky, expensive, complex in process, consumes power, generates heat, and is slow.

In addition to low pixel and high noise, CMOS has all advantages, not only small size, high integration, low cost, low energy consumption, and fast speed.

This has great advantages in the non-demanding civilian field, so the civilian field has been completely occupied by CMOS chips, such as mobile phones and digital cameras, all use CMOS.

However, endoscopes have extremely high requirements on image quality, and also have high standards for image fineness and color reproduction.

Usually, endoscope manufacturers use a combination of hardware and software, not only using high-end CCD chips, but also unique software technology to process sensor data to provide 4K high-definition images.

Just like the lens of a mobile phone needs software debugging, and the filter depends entirely on algorithms, the same is true for endoscopes.

When the doctor operates the endoscope, moving the endoscope will produce a blurred image, and the noise reduction algorithm can keep the image clean and clear.

In addition, there are filtering techniques, edge enhancement techniques, etc., which can process images to obtain special images of diseased tissues, and then realize quantitative analysis and quantitative diagnosis of lesions.

Lu Tingfeng pondered for a moment, and had to admit that it might not be easy to find a camera company to buy chips.

"Dali, what do you think? Can CMOS chips make high-end endoscopes?"

Wang Dali said confidently: "The capsule endoscope uses a CMOS image chip, which adopts a unique algorithm and image processing technology, so the image is relatively clear. However, due to volume limitations, we did not use high-end chips. Can we achieve 4K imaging? , but also to try first.”

"Actually, I recommend using CMOS chips, because there are more than a dozen mainstream manufacturers around the world, with many choices and a wide range of applications, so you won't be stuck."

"The most important thing is that the domestic industrial supply chain is very complete, and there are ready-made CMOS chip suppliers. Although the high-end is not as good as Sony, the market prospect is here, and the future is promising, so there is no need to worry about supply issues."

Lu Tingfeng still hesitated: "But our capsule endoscope currently uses Sony CMOS, and domestic endoscope manufacturers also purchase components from abroad. Are there any domestic suppliers of high-end medical imaging chips?"

An imaging engineer weakly raised his hand: "The shipments of domestic CMOS chips are already very high, and the current global market share exceeds 40%, but it is mainly in the low-end fields of mobile phones, security, and vehicles, and the high-end is not yet high. Become a climate."

"However, Kewei is one of the three giants of CMOS sensors, and its technical strength is also the strongest. They have a medical imaging product line. Last year, they released an 800-megapixel resolution sensor that can be used in endoscopes. It is said that it can reach 4k/ 2k and 60 frames per second high resolution, we are not sure about this because we have not tested it ourselves.”

Lu Tingfeng said in surprise: "It sounds good, you can try it."

Wang Dali also nodded: "I'll contact the manufacturer right now. Since they have ready-made medical imaging chips, they can order a batch of samples for testing first."

"However, if we want to go high-end, we must carry out in-depth customization. Fortunately, we are very strong in software, noise reduction algorithms, imaging technology, and dyeing technology. If these can be combined with hardware, it will certainly be worthy of Olympus. "

"In addition, the development trend of endoscopes is to integrate more additional functions, which will be integrated with emerging technologies such as 3D imaging, ultrasound probes, AI diagnosis, and robotics in the future."

"Domestic brands have natural advantages in this regard. Not only can they open up the entire upstream and downstream industry chain, but they can also integrate the most functions at a low cost at the application level, easily defeating Japanese brands. This has long been verified in the field of consumer electronics."

Speaking of this, he suddenly laughed out loud: "When it comes to ultrasound and AI diagnosis, then I have the advantage."

Lu Tingfeng glared at him, expressionless.

"Now we have capsule endoscopes for the digestive tract, but there are no related products for the respiratory and urinary tracts such as laryngoscopes and bronchoscopes. Therefore, behind the rigid endoscope, we must continue to develop the flexible endoscope. a project."

"Endoscopy is a large market with a scale of tens of billions. If we can make high-end equipment and eat this big piece of fat, we will completely gain a foothold in the field of medical devices."

"This is a crucial war, so, at all costs, win the fruits of victory."

He looked around and said decisively: "Since we want to start a war with the top three in Sakura Country, we must cultivate our own core domestic suppliers for key components."

"Let's start with capsule endoscopy, and strive to use not only Sony's CMOS, but also domestic CMOS in mass production."

"We are not the only ones involved in this war. Believe me, mobile phone manufacturers are definitely happy to see the result. They have long hoped to find a substitute for Sony in the high-end field."

After hearing this, everyone looked at each other, a rush of blood surged up instantly, and nodded excitedly at the same time.

******
Naturally, it is impossible for Lu Tingfeng to decide on the matter of cultivating suppliers alone.

He quickly reported the whole incident to Wei Kang.

"Mr. Wei, I have thought about it carefully. The CCD route is blocked by three mountains. I can only hope for another route."

"If CMOS chips are used, not only can the cost be greatly reduced, but at the same time, it can get rid of the dependence on the core technology and raw materials of Sakura's image sensor, and improve independent research and development capabilities."

Wei Kang deeply agreed, nodded and said, "That's right, your thoughts coincide with mine."

"The global medical device market is as high as more than 5000 billion U.S. dollars. It is a vast ocean, and the road to domestic production has just begun. We are rushing in now, and we still can't make much splash."

"To be a medical device giant, you must occupy the technological peaks in some key areas."

"Medical imaging is the largest highland occupied by foreign capital. Our offensive in this area has already begun. Color Doppler ultrasound, endoscopy, and CT and MRI will be the next step. Come one by one, step by step."

Having said that, he looked at his subordinate and smiled faintly.

"Old Lu, regarding the cultivation of suppliers, we can actually go a step further and learn from the giants in the consumer electronics field."

"Let's think more broadly. In fact, many problems can be solved with money."

"As for Sanqing, it just so happens that they are not short of money, so what if they buy out the supply chain?"

"Even if you spend money, you have to spend a Chinese version of Sony."

******
Haishi, Coolway Semiconductor Corporation.

The boss, Zhao Xing, was staring at the computer screen, his chest heaving uncontrollably, obviously emotionally unstable.

"Fuck, I'm sick, it's none of my business if the stock price doesn't go up, just scold me!"

After watching for a long time, his face flushed red, and he couldn't help cursing.

"I see you scolding every day, every month, can you scold the stock price up? Hmph!"

It turned out that he was looking at the stock price, and accidentally clicked on a link, and saw his company's stock bar page.

So under the trend of curiosity, I clicked in and took a look.

I don't know if I don't look at it, but when I look at it, I suddenly get angry.

There are hundreds of posts densely packed inside, all scolding him.

"Real rubbish, lose the face of the semiconductor chip, Zhao Xing came out and took a few steps!"

"Look at the value of the stock and you know this company is rubbish."

"Other semiconductors are rising continuously, but this garbage is not moving at all, not even a star."

"Daxiang, lie down, lie down, lie down every day."

"Can you have a little face?"

"Corporate rubbish, doing market rubbish, it's really disgusting."

"The chip stocks have risen a lot, and you are the trash every day."

"The first sci-tech stock I bought was you, but I ended up with this kind of virtue. I left and never saw you again."

"Kuwei, the grandson of the semiconductor industry."

"Today, it took a lot of effort to raise 2 cents. It's so fucking ridiculous."

"A good store that sells snacks is ten times better than your trash."

The more Zhao Xing watched, the more he felt that his blood pressure was rising, and he almost spit out a mouthful of old blood.

boom!
He turned off the computer abruptly and walked around the office angrily.

God is sorry, the company's performance is obviously not bad. Although it makes low-end CMOS chips, its shipments are large, comparable to Sony.

Moreover, he is also working hard to enter the mid-to-high end, spending huge sums of money to build his own fab, which is considered a scorpion among chip manufacturers—the only one, which is truly commendable.

It is even exploring markets in other directions and has developed a medical image chip.

Although I haven't found a client for the time being, but at least it has achieved results, which proves that the R&D department is full of sincerity.

After the news of the results was announced, the stock price remained calm, as stable as a dead man's electrocardiogram.

It's irritating!

Why don't stockholders buy it?

Is the low end the original sin?

Domestic production is useless?

He can't wait to raise his head to the sky and scream, roar, I don't accept it!
Who doesn't do it slowly from the low end to the high end, the meal needs to be eaten bite by bite, and the low end is not good, how to climb up?

Thinking of this, he turned and walked towards the door, intending to visit the newly built fab.

After taking two steps, I heard a rush of footsteps coming from outside.

The sales director rushed in with a happy face and shouted loudly.

"Mr. Zhao, great news, our medical CMOS has finally found a customer."

Zhao Xing paused, with an expression of disbelief: "What? Is there an order for medical imaging chips?"

The sales director shook his head like a rattle: "No, a customer came and wanted a batch of samples for testing."

Zhao Xing lost interest in an instant: "It can't be another whoring chip for nothing."

The sales director shook his head again: "The customer said they want to customize chips, but they don't know what our current level is, so they have to test the samples first, and if they are satisfied, they will work together to develop high-end CMOS chips."

Zhao Xing couldn't help laughing, and said with disdain on his face: "Which domestic equipment factory has high-end CMOS chips, nonsense, and they are jointly developed together, does it have the strength? Even if we develop it, it can be used ?"

The sales director suddenly burst into a smile: "It's Sanqing, that's a major customer, a Fortune 500 company, and a rising star of domestic equipment. No one has more strength than it."

Zhao Xing was stunned for a while, and then he said ecstatically: "No way, it's really Sanqing, what did they say exactly?"

"I wonder if you paid attention to the medical expo a few days ago. Sanqing launched a magnetically controlled capsule endoscope, which can be recycled and can be used for in vivo biopsy.

"With this product, Sanqing has officially stepped into the endoscope market. It may be that they have tasted the sweetness. They still want to continue to develop rigid tube endoscope products, so they seek cooperation from domestic CMOS manufacturers. coming."

Zhao Xing's eyes lit up and said: "Endoscope? Sanqing is going to make an endoscope? This is a market of tens of billions. Although it is not as popular as mobile phones, it is a bit niche, but with policy support, the demand is very stable. Moreover, it has been growing at a high speed, and it belongs to the blue ocean market, which is different from the red ocean of mobile phones, and there is indeed a lot to do."

"They want to come to discuss in detail in a few days, and visit the fab by the way, what time do you think is suitable?" the sales director asked respectfully.

"The sooner the better, no, we have to give the factory some time to get ready. Let's do it, about the day after tomorrow."

Zhao Xing was so excited that he walked back and forth in the room several times before he was sure.

"Okay, I'll reply right away."

Three days later, Kewei Factory in Lingang District, Haishi City.

Early in the morning, Lu Tingfeng arrived with Wang Dali and his party as scheduled.

Zhao Xing had already been waiting at the door, and greeted him enthusiastically.

"Mr. Lu, hello, nice to meet you, nice to meet you."

The two sides shook hands and greeted each other, and soon came to a luxurious conference room.

After taking his seat, Lu Tingfeng asked straight to the point: "Mr. Zhao, I heard that the parameters of your newly developed medical CMOS chip seem to be good. Can you introduce it in detail?"

Zhao Xing chuckled, took out the materials he had prepared and handed them over, and then started to introduce them endlessly.

"Our medical-grade image sensor features a 1/1.8-inch optical format, offers a larger 8.9-micron package in an 6.3x2.0mm package, and incorporates exclusive technology for enhanced visualization in the near-infrared spectral range."

"Currently samples of chip-scale packaging are available, which can be used for endoscopes with an outer diameter of 10-12 mm, such as gastroscopes, duodenoscopes, amnioscopes, laparoscopes and colonoscopes, capable of providing 2k high resolution, This greatly improves the visualization capabilities of physicians during critical procedures."

"Utilizing proprietary pixel technology to improve image quality by reducing or eliminating fixed-pattern noise, it also increases dynamic range, provides excellent low-light sensitivity, achieves zero haloing, and consumes low power consumption."

"The high frame rate of 60 frames per second reduces smearing and ensures clear and stable images."

"Furthermore, higher sensitivity allows lower illumination, which reduces heating of the endoscope tip..."

Wang Dali flipped through the information, and couldn't help asking: "Didn't the news say that the resolution can reach 4k?"

Zhao Xing paused, showing a smile that "everyone understands": "The yield rate of chips with 4k resolution is very low, and it is still being resolved. Currently, only 2k resolution chips have stable production capacity."

"Oh, the good product rate is very low, I understand." Wang Dali asked again: "Is your 2K resolution at the hardware level or the effect of software blessing?"

The smile on Zhao Xing's face froze, and he said slowly: "According to industry standards, it must be a combination of soft and hard."

"Okay, I probably understand." Wang Dali nodded and stopped talking.

Lu Tingfeng laughed, and said with a smile: "This is our hardware technical manager, all technical personnel are like this, you know, they are more straightforward, hehe."

"It's okay, it's okay, if there's anything else you want to know, just say it." Zhao Xing waved his hand and asked sincerely.

"Mr. Zhao, let's not engage in those vain things, let's get straight to the point."

"Look at the samples in the morning, then visit the fab, and discuss cooperation in the afternoon. What do you think?" Lu Tingfeng thought for a while and said directly.

Zhao Xing laughed and stood up, reaching out his hand towards the door.

"Haha, Mr. Lu is really a cheerful person, so please come with me."

　In the real world, there are actually two domestic CMOS chip companies, OmniVision and Gekewei, both of which have done a good job. I merged them into one for the sake of the plot.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)