In a World Where Inter-device Communications Are Matter of Course EMI Filter Division Products Play an Increasing Role
Products from theEMIFilter Division can expect a further increase in demand in the future. We often hear the term “Internet of Things” (IoT) these days. The interconnection of all things via the Internet is now attracting attention as a platform for new services and business models. Experts predict a future networked society where not only traditional PCs, servers, feature phones, and smartphones, but also IC tags, ubiquitous applications, embedded systems, various sensors, transmitters, and receivers exchange information with one another on an M2M (Machine to Machine) basis to help create new value. The development toward this vision will naturally increase demand for noise suppression components in electronic devices.
In an IoT world, everything connects and communicates with everything else, and is controlled by one another. Inter-device communications will become a matter of course, leading to a further increase in communication speed. Higher speed means higher traffic, resulting in greater needs for noise suppression. All this brings bright prospects in various fields, including HEMS (Home Energy Management System), BEMS (Building Energy Management System) , intelligent traffic systems, smart communities and wellness. Demand will increase not only for noise suppression components of course, but also for capacitors and inductors.
Targeting “Future Markets”: From Mobile Devices to Automotive and to Energy Applications
The Murata EMI Filter Division’s business should focus on two markets: One is consumer electronic equipment featuring compact size and high mount density, with an emphasis on mobile devices. The other is automotive electronics and industrial electrical equipment such as communication infrastructure. The first group represents a large portion of Murata production. While firmly maintaining these products, we will enhance the second pillar. We are also keeping a watchful eye on the energy market, which is related to environmental preservation, and medical and healthcare markets. Despite its small size, the market for satellites and booster-rockets is also interesting. Components used in these products are each required to deliver high reliability, i.e., failure resistance. In the automotive market and market for industrial electrical equipment, we will need to provide higher power components that can accommodate higher voltages and currents. To better meet market needs, we will need to change many aspects of our operations, including, for example, design, evaluation, and production methods, as well as product inspection methods. I believe we must create and develop more original ways of manufacturing.
In addition to these two markets, our Medium-term Plan also eyes “future markets.” We must anticipate — if vaguely — fields where markets will likely emerge in the future. To open up a bright future, we must focus on potentially promising fields and concentrate our resources into them. To this end, we will endeavor to forge partnerships with research institutions in the public and private sectors and create relationships with players in upper layers of the industry.
EMI (Electromagnetic Interference)
“EMI” stands for electromagnetic interference. EMI filters are used to eliminate electromagnetic interference. In recent years, everyday life is flooded with electronic devices, leading to an increased use of digital circuits through which high-frequency currents flow. As these currents pass through substrate wiring and cables, these paths serve as antennas, emitting electromagnetic waves. These waves may adversely affect other electronic devices that are in use nearby. For example, when a PC is placed near a radio receiver, noise may be generated in the radio’s sound. This is caused by noise produced in the digital circuits of the PC, which is emitted as electromagnetic waves. These waves are then picked up by the antenna of a radio receiver. When strong waves affect a digital circuit, the digital signal waveform may be changed, causing the digital circuit to malfunction. Noise problems can be caused not only by electromagnetic waves conveyed through space, but also between devices connected using signal/power cables.