Panasonic 2011 Annual Report Download - page 30

Panasonic Annual Report 2011
Financial
Highlights Highlights Top Message Group Strategies Corporate Governance
Financial and
Corporate Data
R&D Design Intellectual
Property
Segment
Information
Search Contents Return Next
page 29
Business at a Glance Business Review Overseas Review by Region
System LSI for Use in 3D Blu-ray
Disc Players
A system LSI that combines the features of a
32-nm generation ultrane transistor with the
UniPhier integrated platform. Compared with
the Company’s existing system LSIs, UniPhier
reduced power consumption and mounting
footprint by approximately 40% and 30%,
respectively.
Blu-ray Disc evaluation board
Profit/sales ratio
(¥931.5 billion)(
¥36.5 billion)
Percentage of
Fiscal 2011 Sales
Fiscal 2011 Results (Fiscal 2010 results are in brackets)
Sales Segment Profit
Components and Devices
3.6%
¥926.3billion ¥33.0billion
9%
In the semiconductor business, Panasonic
provides a wide range of products including
system LSIs integrating multiple functions
on a single chip, and image sensors achieving
higher picture quality for digital cameras.
Semiconductors
In the electronic devices business, Panasonic
develops and manufactures a variety of
electronic components based on its three
core technologies—power management,
membrane and MEMS*, and circuit board
and mounting technologies for use in the
digital AV, information and telecommuni-
cations, automotive electronics, environ-
ment and energy, medical electronics and
related fields.
Electronic Devices
Panasonic successfully developed the world’s
rst*1 mass-production technology for 32-nm
generation system LSIs. This advanced
technology enables system LSIs with higher
performance and lower power consumption
that help enhance the competitiveness of
nished products. Utilizing this technology
featuring Panasonic’s proprietary UniPhier®*2
integrated platform, shipments of system LSIs
for use in Blu-ray Disc players commenced in
October 2010. This new development allows
3D image playback as well as Internet video
image and other services.
In addition, Panasonic is accelerating
development aimed at commercializing gallium-
nitride (GaN) power devices that can be used
in motors, power supply control and other
products that help achieve low-power consump-
tion, as well as low-heat-generating home
electric appliances.
Furthermore, the Company is promoting
development in order to strengthen the set
product competitiveness of image sensors in
terms of such features as enhanced sensitivity.
At the same time, Panasonic is expanding the
application of its products to such elds as
security systems with high picture quality.
Intensifying Efforts toward the
Development of Differentiated Products
Amid the ongoing shift of production sites to
China and other Asian countries by digital AV
product manufacturers, Panasonic’s sales
remain rm on the back of growing demand in
these markets.
In addition, the Company commenced new
facility operations at its assembly plant in
Indonesia in October 2010 and increased its
production capacity at its sites in Asia. Further-
more, Panasonic expanded its workforce at
support bases in Singapore, China and other
locations while strengthening its ability to
assist local nished product manufacturers.
Through such local marketing activities, the
Company focused on those essential functions
that meet market needs while strengthening
product competitiveness. Carrying on from
scal 2010, Panasonic continued to promote
high-volume segment products that feature
lower power consumption in emerging and
other markets.
Going forward, the Company will also pursue
the shift of its assembly operations overseas.
Furthermore, the Company will develop design
as well as R&D facilities in each location
throughout Asia with the goal of expanding
sales through local R&D and production.
Strengthening Production and
Development Capabilities in Asia
In scal 2011, demand for conventional AV
equipment and mobile phones continued to be
sluggish. However, driven by strong demand
for smart phones and eco-car products, sales
remained the same as scal 2010. Sales were
particularly strong in products such as angular
Products for Smart Phones and Eco-Cars
Driving Business Results Forward
In scal 2011, sales of system LSIs for at-panel
TVs and Blu-ray Disc recorders as well as dual
wavelength lasers for optical pickup systems were
strong. This was largely attributable to the positive
effects from the eco-point program and the
steady migration to terrestrial digital TV
broadcasts in Japan.
Looking at other products, the rate of growth
slowed during the six-month period ended March
31, 2011 after a rm rst half. As a result, sales
of the semiconductor business as a whole were
lower than scal 2010.
Strong Overall Sales of Products for
Digital Home Electric Appliances, However
a Slowdown from the Second Half
*1 Source: Panasonic
*2 Developed by Panasonic, UniPhier® is an integrated
platform that enables the sharing and reutilization of
software and hardware technology resources across
different product categories. UniPhier® helps the
Company to achieve great strides forward in
development efficiency.
* Micro Electro Mechanical Systems: technology is
related to the production of minute electrical equipment
systems created via the silicon process technology used
for semiconductors.