Micron to deploy mmWave in Singapore fab
The US chipmaker is leveraging Singtel’s 5G mmWave connectivity to roll out a range of Industry 4.0 applications at its cleanroom in Singapore
US chipmaker Micron Technology has teamed up with Singtel to deploy 5G millimetre wave (mmWave) applications at its 3D NAND flash memory fabrication plant in Singapore.
As the first in the city-state to pilot the use of mmWave in Industry 4.0, it will roll out a range of applications at its cleanroom, from automated visual inspections of individual chips to augmented reality (AR) for operations and maintenance.
The roll-out follows Micron’s trials of Singtel’s portable 5G technology kit, dubbed Genie, which validated the performance and operational benefits of mmWave applications in its cleanroom.
“This industry-first deployment proves that 5G networks can be used for high-precision quality control and manufacturing operations that were previously not possible with the limitations of Wi-Fi,” said Bill Chang, CEO of group enterprise at Singtel.
“Additionally, the implementation is a significant milestone in Singtel’s journey to accelerate enterprise 5G adoption and will serve as a case study to inspire other 5G-enabled manufacturing sites around the world,” he added.
Singtel’s 5G mmWave network supports bandwidth of up to 2 Gbps, with ultra-low latency to support applications, such as AR, which require high uplink bandwidth to perform image-based quality control.
With an on-premise 5G edge core that comes with the deployment, Micron can also use smaller and lighter internet-of-things (IoT) devices that require less computing power for cleanroom operations. Besides being more user-friendly, the devices can also last longer before requiring another charge.
Read more about 5G in ASEAN
- The Infocomm Media Development Authority has made more spectrum available to local 5G mobile network operators to support the growth of 5G services.
- Malaysia is speeding up 5G deployments through a “special purpose vehicle” that will receive 5G spectra, as well as build, operate and lease 5G infrastructure to new and existing telcos.
- After launching its 5G network last year, Globe Telecom in the Philippines is planning an aggressive roll-out schedule this year that will take advantage of technologies like cloud gaming.
- Thai telco AIS, Qualcomm Technologies and ZTE have announced what is said to be the world’s first 5G new radio dual connectivity showcase in Thailand.
Singtel’s Paragon, which is touted to ease deployments of edge computing applications on its multi-access edge computing platform, will analyse the performance of the devices and networks to provide Micron with real-time performance monitoring and feedback.
Koen De Backer, Micron’s vice-president of smart manufacturing and artificial intelligence (AI), said the company is committed to “leading in quality and staying at the cutting edge of using smart solutions and AI in its facilities”.
“Together with Singtel, we aim to bring performance to the next level by leveraging 5G technology,” he said. “This will propel us forward as a trailblazer in operational excellence and scaled implementation of Industry 4.0 technology.”
