Be a Connector: A New Site for Co-Creation in the Semiconductor Business

Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) , which operates the Asahi Kasei Group's business for semiconductor devices (electronic components), opened the “AKM Co-creation & Technology Center” in June 2024. To understand the expectations of this new center, let's look at how the company and its business have evolved.

The huge contributions of tiny circuits

After starting in the fields of synthetic ammonia and manmade fibers, Asahi Kasei branched into petrochemicals, medical products, and homes. Then in 1980 it launched a magnetic sensor business, and in 1983 an LSI business. This was a challenging leap into the completely unrelated field of semiconductors. As personal computers and mobile phones became widespread in the early 2000s, the use of digital information technology accelerated dramatically both in industry and private life. During this period Asahi Kasei honed its core technologies of Sensors, Analog Signal Processing, and Software Algorithms, achieving business growth by meeting various specific needs of individual customers.

Asahi Kasei's magnetic sensors have gained a leading market share in image stabilization applications for smartphones and digital cameras. Most people will never realize that it may be an Asahi Kasei technology that allows them to easily take high-quality photos. And it could be an Asahi Kasei electronic compass inside the smartphone that lets the map app align with the direction you're facing. Many other sensors and sensor modules from Asahi Kasei—including CO2 sensors, flammable gas sensors, and alcohol sensors—contribute to the safety and comfort of buildings and vehicles.

Audio ICs from Asahi Kasei featuring low power consumption, high speed, and high precision, are used in portable devices such as smartphones and various audio products ranging from headphones to vehicle infotainment systems. Asahi Kasei's ultrahigh resolution 32-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), digital-to-analog converters (DACs) essential for high-quality audio playback, and digital signal processors (DSPs) capable of high-quality audio processing are well regarded among high-end audio equipment manufacturers. Working together with major electronics manufacturers, Asahi Kasei continues to expand its market share in audio applications.

Asahi Kasei has continually contributed to life and living in a broad range of fields with tiny sensors and circuits.

A unique corporate culture to heighten adaptability and technology

Asahi Kasei has taken an unusual path in the semiconductor industry, gaining recognition through outstanding adaptability and technology that have emerged from a unique corporate culture.

"When we first started the semiconductor business, we would develop products in accordance with customer requests," recalls Satoshi Takehara, Executive Officer of AKM, who has worked in this business for nearly three decades. "Our business model was simply to meet the needs that arose. That made us persistent, and highly client-centric. If a development was difficult, we wouldn't give up, but kept on going until we succeeded. This mindset remains part of our corporate culture today."

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