MORRISVILLE, NC — iNEMI released four additional chapters from its 2019 Roadmap. The latest chapters now available online are Mass Data Storage, MEMS & Sensors, Optoelectronics, and Semiconductor Technology.

The Mass Data Storage chapter presents a comprehensive assessment of the historical and current state of mass data storage products, along with means of increasing optical storage capacity in the future. It highlights such data storage trends as the migration of solid state/flash storage to 3D architectures, and reduced volume of hard disk drives due to stagnant IT spending, the migration from client/server to mobile/cloud systems, and higher utilization of HDD capacity. It includes updates and forecasts on trends in areas such as MRAM (magnetic random access memory) and SCM (storage class memory) technologies, as well as updates on developments in cost-effective tape storage solutions and evolving optical storage applications.

The MEMS and Sensors chapter focuses on several evolving application areas driving developments for such devices. The chapter discusses the need for developing and improving capabilities in design, supply chains, diverse manufacturing, and testing to ensure reliable and secure performance in myriad applications, from agricultural monitoring to autonomous driving. It also addresses the shift to increasing sensing and analysis requirements at the Internet of Things edge (IoTe). A summary of technology needs for the next 10 years for the industry in representative application areas is presented.

The Optoelectronics chapter addresses all aspects of data transmission that utilize optical technologies across distances of thousands of kilometers down to a few millimeters (on-chip), including free-space optical communication used, for example, between spacecraft over interplanetary distances. The 2019 Roadmap refreshes the chapter to the current situation for various applications of optoelectronics and details the critical technical challenges that must be overcome to meet demand. It also highlights the critical research and development needs in terms of manufacturing capabilities development and materials innovation, as well as identifying new areas of innovation that will be explored by research and industry over the next 10 years.

The Semiconductor Technologies chapter summarizes some of the major system characteristics in cloud computing, mobile, IoT, cyber-physical systems, plus the major technology characteristics of logic and memory devices.

iNEMI’s roadmap is developed by subject matter experts from all perspectives of the electronics manufacturing supply chain, including manufacturers, suppliers, consortia, government agencies and universities. Individuals from these diverse organizations share their expertise to help define the technology needs of key market segments by focusing on the market demands and functionality requirements of those segments. They also identify key technology developments anticipated and required within the supply chain to meet product needs between now and 2029.

For more information, visit https://www.inemi.org/2019-roadmap-overview.

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