Rebirth 99 to become a car giant

Gallium nitride is a good thing.

Anyone who works in semiconductors knows this.

Previously, everyone thought that the preparation of gallium nitride single crystals was very difficult, especially the preparation of high-purity gallium nitride crystals in large quantities, which was a world-class problem.

Although many companies have made certain progress in recent years, they have not yet achieved true mass production.

Now Nanshan Semiconductor suddenly jumped out of the cracks in the stone and said that it had developed gallium nitride power components. This naturally put great pressure on many semiconductor companies.

"Pat, what impact do you think the emergence of gallium nitride power components from Nanshan Semiconductor will have on the semiconductor industry?"

As Intel CEO, Otellini must pay great attention to the dynamics of the semiconductor industry.

Although Intel has not previously made gallium nitride power components the focus of the company's research, he knows that industry giants such as Infineon, ON Semiconductor, Texas Instruments and STMicroelectronics are doing work in this area.

Now he didn't hear any news from the industry giants, but he heard the bad news from China first. He definitely wanted to evaluate the impact of this matter.

"This kind of power component does not have much use in computers and mobile phones. Whether it is CPU or memory, it basically has nothing to do with gallium nitride power components."

"On the contrary, it has relatively large application prospects in some fields such as LED diodes, radars, and electric vehicle chargers."

"Nanshan Semiconductor takes the lead in producing gallium nitride power components, which is likely to lead to breakthroughs in China's LED, radar and new energy vehicle technologies."

As the CTO of Intel, Pat is naturally very familiar with the performance of gallium nitride.

However, he is not particularly worried, because according to the information he has learned, America's research on gallium nitride has reached a stage where it can be mass-produced.

At most, Nanshan Semiconductor would have taken the lead, which he felt was not of great significance.

Of course, Pat only looks at the problem purely from the perspective of technological development.

I feel that as long as the semiconductor technology in the United States is not surpassed, the problem is not very serious.

Unlike John, whose radar and other technologies were originally far ahead of China's, now they might be tied or even surpassed, and he immediately became anxious.

Once you're used to being the boss, you don't want to be on an equal footing with others.

"China can produce gallium nitride, which shows that the production of gallium nitride is not as difficult as everyone thinks."

"Why haven't there been any major breakthroughs in the past few years?"

Otellini continued to ask.

"It is not that difficult to produce gallium nitride. Gallium nitride products have been used in LDE lamps a long time ago."

“But it is very difficult to produce high-purity gallium nitride crystals and then produce high-quality gallium nitride power components.”

“The biggest difficulty is the production equipment of gallium nitride crystals, which need to form high-purity gallium nitride crystals in a relatively harsh working environment.”

“As long as qualified gallium nitride crystals are available, producing gallium nitride power components itself is not particularly difficult.”

"After all, the production process of power components is already relatively mature. All it takes is appropriate adjustments."

After Pat explained this, Otellini's doubts were not completely eliminated. He then asked, "Isn't China always relatively weak in the field of high-end equipment?"

Pat was helpless when he heard his boss ask this question.

Before the emergence of Nanshan equipment, Otellini's understanding was naturally no problem.

However, Nanshan Equipment has not only developed high-precision five-axis CNC machine tools and other products in recent years, but it can also produce its own photolithography machines.

Now it is said that if China's high-end equipment industry is not good, then Nanshan Equipment must be taken out.

"Otellini, Nanshan Semiconductor has a brother company called Nanshan Equipment. You must be familiar with it."

"I speculate that the production equipment for gallium nitride crystals was developed by Nanshan Equipment."

Pat didn't explain much, he simply expressed his thoughts.

However, when it comes to Nanshan equipment, Otellini immediately thought of what ASML's president had communicated with him, and he naturally knew it well.

Fortunately, he feels fortunate that Intel has not invested any resources in this area. No matter who takes the market of gallium nitride power components, it will not have much impact on it.

However, other manufacturers are different.

Everyone is paying close attention to this special recommendation meeting of Nanshan Semiconductor.

…

"Mr. Cao, many semiconductor companies are now consulting us about purchasing gallium nitride crystal production equipment. I feel that many companies are interested in the gallium nitride market."

Seeing that the gallium nitride power component recommendation meeting is about to be held.

Pan Jinxing felt it was necessary to report some situations in the industry to Cao Yang.

So I dragged Zhang Jing from Nanshan Semiconductor over to report to Cao Yang.

"There are also some inquiries from us about purchasing gallium nitride power components, but most of them want to get samples for testing before finalizing the order."

Zhang Jing added on the situation at Nanshan Semiconductor.

As the company's brand new flagship product, Zhang Jing attaches great importance to gallium nitride power components.

He is even planning to make this component one of Nanshan Semiconductor's flagship products.

If a company does not have a few well-known flagship products, it is ultimately missing something.

Currently, Nanshan Semiconductor lacks impressive flagship products.

Whether it is computer CPUs, mobile phone chips, or car-grade chips, they were all produced earlier by other manufacturers in the industry.

In this case, others are not so impressed with similar products of Nanshan Semiconductor.

"As long as high-purity gallium nitride raw materials are available for components such as gallium nitride power semiconductors, there should be quite a few manufacturers that can produce them."

"After all, the threshold for this kind of parts is mainly raw materials."

"The current gallium nitride crystal production equipment of Nanshan Equipment should be at the forefront of the industry."

"It's rare for us to be able to block someone else's business, so naturally we can't pass up this opportunity."

"Until other manufacturers develop equipment that is comparable to ours, we will not sell the equipment to the outside world for the time being."

"Of course, you have to think about the reason."

Without any hesitation, Cao Yang made a general plan for the sales of gallium nitride crystal production equipment.

If high-precision equipment is sold everywhere, there is no way to reflect the importance of Nanshan's equipment.

It is also not in the interests of Nanshan Equipment.

"The reason is easy to explain. If it doesn't work, I will quote a very high price to scare away a large number of customers first."

"If people are willing to buy at a high price, then we will give them a longer delivery cycle."

"If no other peer produces similar equipment within this delivery cycle, then we will find a reason to continue to delay delivery."

"If a peer produces it, we can deliver the order on time or even ahead of schedule."

Pan Jinxing is also a good person now.

Nanshan Equipment has been working hard in various equipment fields for so many years, and it can be said that it has seen all kinds of tricks performed by its competitors.

The solution he just proposed was only used by his competitors in earlier years.

Now continue to use it for reference, it is silky smooth without any problems.

"If the equipment is not sold, then our gallium nitride power components can be in independent business for at least one year."

"We may not even sell gallium nitride power components, but only sell the final product."

"For example, you can purchase chargers for new energy vehicles from Nanshan Auto Parts."

"If you want to use it on various mobile phone and computer chargers, you can also buy it directly from Honor Technology or Nanshan Auto Parts."

Taking into consideration Cao Yang's thoughts, Zhang Jing intervened.

"Should Honor Technology launch fast chargers for Honor phones, PADs, smart watches, etc. first?"

"This can further enhance the brand power of Honor Technology."

"As for other manufacturers who want to follow up, they will either buy gallium nitride power components from Nanshan Semiconductor at a high price, or wait for other semiconductor manufacturers to produce similar products."

Cao Yang did not agree to Zhang Jing's proposal, but proposed a new idea.

Selling chargers is too expensive for ordinary mobile phone manufacturers, and consumers cannot afford such expensive products.

But if it sells cheaply, it will bring down the style of gallium nitride chargers.

This is not good for Nanshan Semiconductor or Honor Technology.

It's better to give it to Honor Technology first, and then if others want to use it, they can only use it at a high price.

Let consumers know that the products used by Honor Technology are all good and of high value.

"That's okay. It just so happens that our display this time uses mobile phone and computer chargers as the main display products."

"Other products are too short and no samples have been released yet."

Zhang Jing immediately realized that Cao Yang's proposal was indeed better.

So there will definitely be no argument.

"Mr. Cao, our equipment is not for sale, but the power components are for sale, but the price will be relatively high."

"At this time, someone may come to Nanshan Semiconductor to buy gallium nitride raw materials."

Pan Jinxing reminded him from the side.

This situation is obviously entirely possible.

"This is also very simple. The price of raw materials is also a little higher."

"If people don't mind, then sell it to them."

Cao Yang asked Zhang Jing to hold this recommendation meeting because he originally wanted to build the reputation of gallium nitride power components so that its sales could grow rapidly.

Only when sales volume increases can relevant production lines be activated, costs can be reduced, and technology can advance further.

Of course, although the cost has dropped, as long as there are no competitors, the price will definitely not drop so quickly.

When a brand new product comes out, it is a bit more expensive, so everyone must be able to accept it.

After all, Nanshan Semiconductor can definitely say that it has spent a huge amount of R\u0026D funds to research this product, and the related expenses need to be recovered.

This is just like some Western medicines. If you simply look at the production cost, a bottle of medicine may cost less than 10 yuan.

But other pharmaceutical companies directly sell a bottle for a few hundred, even thousands or tens of thousands of yuan.

As long as the medicine is good and there are no substitutes on the market, then the price is very expensive, but many people can accept it.

The situation of gallium nitride power components is somewhat similar.

After determining this general direction, the recommendation meeting of Nanshan Semiconductor naturally went on in an orderly manner.

Every employee responsible for reception is very clear about the company's policies and has similar speaking skills.

…

"This charger is the world's smallest full-voltage gallium nitride fast-charging charger. It is very small, measuring only 30.5×29×38.4mm."

"In short, it means you can put it in your pants pocket without it showing that you have put something in it."

"Then its fast charging efficiency is particularly high. Taking HONOR4 as an example, it can be charged to 80% in 30 minutes at full speed. This speed is life-saving for smartphone users."

"Due to well-known reasons, many users of large-screen smartphones want to carry a power bank with them every day. The first thing they do wherever they go is to find a power bank. It is really convenient to have this kind of fast charging."

"In addition, this charger is more friendly to old mobile phones. We all know that old mobile phones tend to get hot when charging. After charging, you rush to take them with you and feel a little panicked. I once felt a little panic. I was always worried whether the battery would explode.”

"The charging process of the gallium nitride charger is relatively stable, and the temperature rises slowly during charging, which helps to reduce temperature risks during the charging process..."

Although it is the home venue of Nanshan Semiconductor, Xia Qingqing, the general manager of Honor Technology, personally appeared at the recommendation meeting to sell mobile phone and computer chargers to everyone.

Fast charging, low temperature charging, long life, high safety and environmental protection.

Any of these advantages taken individually will have a certain degree of publicity.

When the five advantages are gathered together, it will be even more different.

Companies such as Xiaomi and Lenovo currently mainly produce mid- to low-end mobile phones with high cost performance, and do not have so many requirements for chargers.

But for high-end smartphones from Apple and Samsung, the situation is completely different.

If others don’t have it, and you don’t have it, then consumers won’t feel anything.

But if others have it but you don't, the situation will be different.

Everyone spends a lot of money to buy high-end mobile phones or computers, but they have fast chargers but you don’t. How can this work?

Apple, which has been paying attention to the news of Honor Technology, first became anxious.

"Mr. Wang, although the charger is just an inconspicuous accessory, now Honor Technology is taking it out to promote it separately. If our performance lags far behind others, we will be more passive."

Lin Rong came to Wang Ziming's office worriedly.

Apple's global development is booming, but it is more difficult in China.

This is already very uncomfortable.

Now Honor Technology is going to take some further actions, which will have an impact on Apple's sales in China and around the world.

Especially in the global mobile phone business, consumers are now very concerned about the high power consumption and the need to constantly charge their phones every day.

If the charging speed is fast, it will obviously alleviate everyone's dissatisfaction.

"Isn't this gallium nitride power component mainly used in radar?"

"Why is it that Nanshan Semiconductor is the first to use it in Honor Technology's chargers?"

Wang Ziming was also in a bad mood.

The feeling of being pressed down and beaten must be very uncomfortable.

He also has some knowledge about gallium nitride.

Because of this, I am even more depressed now.

He thought that after this new material in the semiconductor industry comes out, it will first be used in the military industry, and it will only enter the civilian market many years later.

It has been this rhythm for so many years.

Why don't you just follow the routine now?

"Nanshan Semiconductor has not announced the specific research and development background of their gallium nitride project. Who knows whether they have already used it in military parts early?"

When Lin Rong said this, Wang Ziming found that he was speechless.

Yes, Nanshan Group produces a lot of materials or products related to the military industry. If gallium nitride power components are suitable for military use, they must already be in use.

Otherwise, it would be impossible for people to use it directly for civilian use.

"Let's sort out the information from Honor Technology and Nanshan Semiconductor as soon as possible and report it to the headquarters."

"I think the headquarters must study fast charging chargers and launch them as soon as possible."

"Even if the gallium nitride power components are purchased from Nanshan Semiconductor, it is better than nothing."

Wang Ziming naturally knows how bad the impact would be if Apple did not have a fast charger.

You position yourself as high-end and always say that you want to provide consumers with the highest-end products.

But on the small charger, it was slapped in the face.

This thing is definitely not possible.

"Well, I'll arrange for someone to sort it out right away."

"Since the other party has organized such a recommendation meeting, it is obvious that they are planning to sell the products to various companies."

"Even if we are competitors, it should not affect this kind of sales."

"It's like we have some parts that we buy from Samsung."

Lin Rong is not too worried about whether Nanshan Semiconductor will sell gallium nitride power components to Apple.

She was afraid that people at the headquarters would delay this project just to save face, which would cause embarrassment.

Similarly, people in Apple China can see this situation, and people in Samsung China are not bad either.

"Chaihang, please find a few dealers as soon as possible to go to Nanshan Semiconductor to inquire about the specifications and sales price of gallium nitride power components."

“It’s really disgusting that Honor Technology uses this thing in a mobile phone charger.”

Li Zailin was a little angry now.

Samsung's smartphones are basically famous for their large screens.

The screens of their various mobile phones are generally larger than those of Apple phones.

The screen is also produced by Samsung itself, which is one of their advantages.

But the larger the screen, the higher the power consumption.

In 2012, the technical level of lithium batteries was definitely not as advanced as it would be ten years later.

Therefore, Samsung's large-screen mobile phones also need to be charged every day, and they can even be used with a power bank.

In the past, it often took several hours to fully charge.

Now, after Honor Technology uses a gallium nitride charger, it can charge 80% of the battery in 30 minutes.

Considering that most of the time you don't wait until there is no power to start charging, in fact, ten minutes per charge may be enough.

In this way, the advantages are very obvious.

For things like laptops, people may not be so sensitive to charging time.

After all, when using a laptop, most of it needs to be used in a fixed place, and the anxiety about charging is not that serious.

But the mobile phone is different. It follows you anytime and anywhere.

If there is no electricity, that is something we cannot accept no matter what.

"No problem, I'll make arrangements right away."

"However, I estimate that the initial sales price of this component will be very high. After we produce it as a charger, the cost is estimated to increase by at least 100 yuan."

"That will affect the revenue of our mobile phones."

Chaihang thought of something that was almost bound to happen, that is, the price of gallium nitride chargers would definitely be higher.

The most troublesome thing is that for the same charger, Samsung’s may be much more expensive than Honor’s.

Because gallium nitride is produced by Nanshan Semiconductor.

"We will first clarify the situation before we talk about it. If it is too expensive, then we can use the ordinary charger as a standard accessory, but consumers can also buy our official fast charger."

Li Zailin immediately thought of a compromise plan.

Anyway, my Samsung must have a gallium nitride charger. As for whether it is standard or has to be purchased, that is another matter.

"This is also a way, but the best solution is for those in the semiconductor business department to produce gallium nitride power components as soon as possible. Otherwise, if the news about us purchasing components from Nanshan Semiconductor gets spread, It's definitely bad news for our brand."

"I'm even worried that Honor Technology will deliberately use this matter to make trouble."

Chaihang now deeply feels how unfavorable the public opinion on the Chinese Internet is to Samsung.

He could vaguely feel that there should be a force behind it pushing this matter.

Therefore, he hopes to avoid anything that can easily be caught.

"I will definitely communicate this with the Semiconductor Division, but I have never heard of the headquarters specializing in researching materials like gallium nitride."

Li Zailin was in charge of the semiconductor business before, so he has a relatively good understanding of the relevant situations.

Samsung's layout in the mobile phone industry chain is relatively complete, but it is impossible to actually produce everything by itself.

In particular, gallium nitride power components are now used in chargers. This component was previously a common product that Samsung purchased from suppliers.

It can be said that Samsung has never thought of doing anything here before.

"Gallium nitride is a very important type of third-generation semiconductor material, and it is definitely being researched by major semiconductor manufacturers around the world."

"Should we also ask our colleagues in the purchasing department to contact other semiconductor companies to see if they have similar products?"

Deep down in his heart, Chaihang does not want Samsung products to have parts from Nanshan Semiconductor.

In his opinion, it was Honor Mobile's fault that his former employer, Nokia, collapsed so quickly.

Now that I have arrived at Samsung, life is not as comfortable as I imagined, and it has a lot to do with Honor Technology.

Under such circumstances, how could he have any affection for Nanshan Semiconductor?

He wished that every enterprise in the Nanshan Group would be in bad luck.

"Of course it's possible, but so far I haven't heard of any company launching similar mass-produced products."

"I guess the situation is not that optimistic."

As soon as Li Zailin finished speaking, Chai Hang's mood became even worse.

Are we forced to use parts from Nanshan Semiconductor?