R&D Policy

For the medium-term management plan, we have adopted “transforming Fuji Electric into an R&D-oriented corporate group” as our rallying slogan. In order to further strengthen R&D, we are endeavoring to make R&D more “visible” and accelerate R&D by adopting highly detailed development management.

  Based on power electronics, motors, sensors, control equipment, networks, and plant engineering, which are core technologies, we aim to create powerful components and system technologies that apply those products. In particular, we will put priority on allocating development resources to business expansion centered on the drives subsegment, which handles inverters, servomotors, motors, and other products, and the automation subsegment, which aims to provide solutions that combine sensors, controllers, and information control.

  In terms of specific initiatives, we will develop inverters, high-performance measuring instruments, film-type solar cells and other products for global markets as well as technologies that enable these products to be compliant with global safety standards. For sectors that we are particularly concentrating on, such as steel, electrical equipment and electronics, and automobiles, we will promote the development of mainly high-speed, highperformance technologies for motor control and drive systems, manufacturing solutions technologies, cleanroom-related equipment, and MEMS-applied products.

  In the field of clean energy, which is evolving in response to an emerging megatrend, we will work to develop technologies that improve productivity and quality as well as power generation efficiency for film-type solar cells and technologies that strengthen the corrosion resistance of turbines for geothermal power generation.

  We will also continue to conduct cuttingedge research through tie-ups with outside organizations such as the R&D Center jointly established with China’s Zhejiang University and the University of Tokyo FES (Fuji Electric Systems) Laboratory jointly established with the University of Tokyo.

Key Products Born Out of Research Programs

In the power electronics subsegment, we are working to develop new products based on the keywords “compact and energy saving.” We developed the non-insulated, high-efficiency uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) 7000D series that can be brought into parallel running, and we completed the commercialization of the voltage drop/dip compensators 8000H series with 99.7% efficiency. In power supplies for electric equipment, we developed a compact, high power density DC/DC converter with 3.3 V 100 W power output that is one-eighth brick size, and we also carried out development to double power density. Furthermore, in the case of the FRENIC-MEGA series of general-purpose inverters, we strengthened control functions and increased capacity, by incorporating a speed sensorless vector control function and a servolock function for vector control with a speed sensor. In the case of the ALPHA5 series of servomotor systems, we also increased motor capacity. In addition, we developed highperformance, high-quality products for overseas markets, including a 10 kV medium-voltage inverter and S-Former Mini, a medium-capacity transformer rectifier for soda electrolysis.

  In measuring instruments, we developed the A-III series of pressure and differential pressure transmitters, which realized greater compactness and a substantial improvement in long-term stability. In addition, we developed a non-interference, temperature-control module for controlling a group of multiple temperature controlling points for use in semiconductor manufacturing and other equipment. We also completed the development of dual-component analyzers^*1 for in-situ laser gas analyzers used for continuous measurement and monitoring of flue gas and other gas emissions. We achieved low power consumption and the highest detection level in the world^*2 with these products.

  In controllers, we developed the MONITOUCH V8 series, a new type of programmable operation display (POD) that has significantly improved display capability and network connectivity. We also developed @E.Terminal, which packages motion and other application software that integrates controllers, displays, and networks.

  In the core business of thermal power plant equipment, we developed global vacuum pressure impregnation (GVPI) technology with excellent maintenance and economic characteristics. Another successful initiative involved developing and shipping an indirect hydrogen-cooled generator with one of the largest capacities in the world (372 MVA output) in terms of a turbine generator with GVPI insulation.

  In the case of film-type solar cells, we achieved further improvements in quality and productivity aimed at achieving greater market penetration.

  In ED&C components, we expanded the lineup of products in the Global Twin (G-Twin) series of breakers that meet multiple major global standards. We also developed a new type of short 16 mm command switch that contributes to a reduction in the size of control boards and expanded the lineup of 22 mm emergency stop command switches equipped with a mechanical display function.

Roadmap for Developing Technologies

R&D Policy

In semiconductors, in addition to expanding our product lineups and applications, we will develop low-loss, low-noise and more compact power semiconductors and power ICs with the aim of providing efficient energy use and greater efficiency in order to contribute to reductions in CO₂ emissions. In automotive applications, we will pursue greater efficiency, lighter weights, and higher reliability in order to contribute to improved fuel efficiency and safety. In power supplies for information devices, we will develop products with particular features, such as lowloss MOSFETs and low-consumption power supply ICs with high performance and precision that contribute to greater energy efficiency through low standby power consumption in flat-screen televisions, personal computers and other electronic devices.

  In magnetic disks, we expect the recording densities of hard disks to increase with the development of larger capacity HDDs. We plan to further increase capacity by utilizing ECC media technology, the next step from PMR media. We will also pursue wide-ranging research on future technologies, including patterned media such as DTM^*3?widely anticipated to be a next-generation recording media?and thermal assisted media.^*4

Key Products Born Out of Research Programs

For the semiconductor field, in power modules Fuji Electric commercialized the 1200V New Dual IGBT module, a compact and low-profile module to make power electronic devices such as UPS and inverters more efficient and compact, while also reducing noise and lowering the cost. This module utilizes environmentally friendly lead-free solder (RoHS compliant), as well as a spring contact^*5 mounting that does not require soldering. In power supplies for information devices we added the sixthgeneration high-voltage MOSFET to our product lineup and commercialized fourth-generation low-loss diodes. These products utilize highdimensional design to achieve a balance of low loss and low noise, providing both high performance and ease of use. In power IC products, we commercialized the PWM^*6 power IC, a multi-function standby power supply that helps lower energy use. In automotive applications, we commercialized a CoC^*7 device that serves as an alternative to a relay, helping to reduce the mounting area of the component.

  For the magnetic disk field, Fuji Electric utilized PMR to achieve higher recording densities, beginning mass production of 3.5-inch 334 GB aluminum media, and becoming the first company to market 2.5-inch 160 GB glass substrate media. We also developed and began external marketing of aluminum hard disk substrates for perpendicular recording, which offer high levels of surface smoothness and cleanliness for greater reliability.

  For the imaging devices field, in line with recent trends toward color printers and highspeed copiers, we are pursuing development focused on high color image reproduction and high durability photoreceptors. We are also working on future technologies to produce next-generation photoreceptors, such as highresolution photoreceptors using microanalysis of the toner and photoreceptors, and ultradurable photoreceptors for quick printing.

Roadmap for Developing Technologies

R&D Policy

While aiming to create comfortable commercial environments, our objective is to provide new products that meet market needs, such as concern for the environment, and food safety and security, in a timely manner. To achieve this, we will reinforce the basic technologies that are the core of our R&D operations, and promote speedy product development.

  To achieve greater energy efficiency for vending machines, we will boost development efficiency by raising the completion rate for our cooling and heating technology platforms. In parallel with this, we will develop a broader range of applications for showcases, and other cooling and heating equipment.

  Furthermore, we will strive to create structural analysis technologies to study product strength and ways to make lighter products, and optimize designs that are compatible with more efficient resource use. We will also promote the reinforcement of mechatronics technologies that combine mechanism motion analysis and electronic control technologies, as well as their application to products.

  In product development, we will expand the range of environmentally friendly vending machine models through the horizontal development of environmental technologies such as heat pumps and new refrigerants. In addition, we will develop a series of currency handling systems that employ verification, mechatronics, communications, security, and RF^*8 technologies and promote the application of new technologies in currency verification. In the cold-chain equipment business, we intend to bolster our customer response capabilities by developing engineering tools.

Key Products Born Out of Research Programs

In fiscal 2007, we put priority on the development of energy-saving technologies and highvalue- added products. In the vending machines and food service equipment business, we worked to realize energy efficiency based on the heat pump method in can vending machines that utilize a safe refrigerant and have a low global warming potential (GWP), and took steps to develop related products. In addition, we developed the Super Multi Mini, a food vending machine that handles products that require refrigeration and/or cold storage in a single unit, and a new type of coffee dispenser using a drip method to deliver the best flavor. In the cold-chain equipment business, we developed the ECOMAX R Series, which pursues further enhancements in energy efficiency and environmental compatibility, safety and security, and product presentation.

Roadmap for Developing Technologies