telecom providers as well as this new class of emerging Open RAN
solution providers.”
According to Dr Chittipeddi the restrictions that have been placed
on Huawei are actually encouraging a move towards more open
architectures and, while software will remain a major challenge, there
are a growing number of innovative start-ups working aggressively in
this space.
“We are seeing solid growth
opportunities across 5G markets,” he
says.
The third key trend, according to the
doctor, is intelligence moving to the edge
and how we move inference algorithms to
the edge will determine the success of the
move from the core to the end point.
“To deliver more processing capability
at the end point will mean that you need a
measure of neural processing taking place
there. Our dynamically recon gurable
technology (DRT) allows you to do
processing at the end point.
“Voice and machine learning (ML),
“Whether you are talking
proprietary or open
architectures Renesas is well
placed. We have developed a
board portfolio of solutions that
are capable of addressing the
needs of traditional telecom
providers as well as this new
class of emerging Open RAN
solution providers.”
in terms of defect recognition where machines can provide
greater levels of sensitivity, are big trends here.
“Replacing repetitive tasks is another important trend and
where technology can do a better job than we can, we’ll see a
move to processing at the end point. It’s certainly something
we need to capitalise on. Even when it comes to motor control
functions they can be handled locally or centrally.”
When it comes to exploiting these opportunities it’s
not possible for a single company to do everything itself,
concedes Dr Chittepeddi.
“We don’t have the system knowledge for all these
areas, so from a partnership perspective we are working with
design houses, start-ups, universities and the like and have
developed a very strong and extensive ecosystem.
“That ecosystem is critical, especially when there is a convergence
between different technologies such as sensors, MCUs and MPUs.
Where we can scale up production acquisitions will make sense but
we also invest in working with exciting new companies – like I said, no
monolithic company can handle everything on its own.
“We are engaging with a lot of small businesses and start-ups who
are taking technology to the next level – they are exceptionally creative
and innovative.”
But there are limits, as Dr Chittepeddi explains. “There are plenty
of markets that I’d like to go after, but you have to be realistic and
resources are nite. However, all things being equal – there are three
I’m very interested in developing.
“These include voice – especially in light of the impact of Covid-19,
then I’d like to expand our e-AI portfolio and go after more verticals
and, nally, target lighting which I believe is going to be a big area in
the years to come.”
When it comes to 5G Dr Chittipeddi argues that there are two
major developments taking place.
“Today, 5G has taken hold, but primarily in the sub 6Ghz space.
Despite the hype mmWave is still a couple of years from gaining a
major hold in the market, in my opinion. In the UK, we work with Blu
Wireless technology and seen some deployments with a company
called CCS in central London – these are base-band modems.
“There is also a competing 5G environment with Open RAN and
we are starting to see deployments using that architecture – I think
it will be a similar trend to what we’re seeing with data centres.
Hardware and software are decoupled and you work with an open and
interoperable architecture.
“Whether you are talking proprietary or open architectures
Renesas is well placed. We have developed a board portfolio of
solutions that are capable of addressing the needs of traditional
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