Keynote: A New Silicon Age 4.0: Generating Semiconductor-Intelligence Paradigm with a Virtual Moore's Law Economics and Heterogeneous Technologies Nicky Liu Chairman, CEO & Founder Etron Technology, Inc. Hsinchu, Taiwan
Abstract—The future of the silicon-based economy will not be as pessimistic as some commentators have argued, given their predictions of the end of Moore's Law Economy (ME) by the early 2020s. On the contrary, a Virtual Moore's Law Economy (VME) will develop and thrive, advancing innovation by a new Silicon Way of producing various application-driven Heterogeneous Integrated (HI) Nano-systems by optimization of physics, materials, devices, circuits/chips, software and systems to enable exciting applications for business growth. The semiconductor industry will enjoy sufficient financial returns from new application and system-product sales, even considering more expensive silicon investment. Such a technological approach based on a (Function × Value)-Scaling Down-Plus-Up Methodology, in addition to Linear- Scaling, Area-Scaling and Volumetric-Scaling Methodologies, can fundamentally change the way of thinking and execution toward optimizing coherently both technology definition and final system design with an holistic HIDAS (HI Design/Architecture/System) method. This will drive IC scaling to an effective 1-Nanometer Realm, stimulating a thriving silicon industry which can have at least 30 more years of growth toward a 1 trillion-dollar size.
BIOGRAPHY As a researcher, design architect, entrepreneur and chief executive, Dr. Lu has dedicated his career to the worldwide IC
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design and semiconductor industry. He serves as Chairman of TSIA (Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association), Chairman of Asia-Pacific Leadership Council for GSA (Global Semiconductor Alliance), and was Chairman of the Board Director of GSA (2009 to 2011) and Chairman of WSC (World Semiconductor Council) from 2014 to 2015. Dr. Lu received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the National Taiwan University and M.S. and Ph.D. in EE from Stanford University. Dr. Lu worked for the IBM Research Division and then the Headquarters from 1982 to 1990 and won numerous IBM recognition awards, including an IBM Corporate Award. He is an IEEE Fellow, the recipient of the IEEE 1998 Solid-States Circuits Award, and a member of NAE (National Academy of Engineering of USA). He is an Outstanding Alumnus of National Taiwan University, and a Chair Professor and an Outstanding Alumnus of National Chiao Tung University.
