Innovative Application and Development

In recent years, LITE-ON has been shifting its production focus from IT and communication towards IOT (Internet of Things) applications such as cloud computing, Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, automotive, biotech, and industrial automation. Its current business focuses are aligned with the world's most prominent trends in energy saving products such as new LED light sources (indoor, outdoor, and automobile), cloud computing power supply systems, solid-state drives, and automotive electronics. Meanwhile, power storage products such as electric car charging, wireless charging, and fast charging modules are also presenting immense potential. The global technology industry is now set to welcome a new wave of changes, LITE-ON hopes to leverage its existing advantage as a world-class enterprise in this age of changes and challenges to become the partner of choice for global customers developing innovations and applications for photonics, energy-saving and smart technologies.

Best Partner in Opto-Electronic, Eco-Friendly and Intelligent Technologies

LITE-ON embraces being "Best Partner in Opto-Electronic, Eco-Friendly and Intelligent Technologies" as its vision to focus on the development of optoelectronics and key electronic components, and strives to build up competitive edge through resource integration and optimized management. LITE-ON produces products that are used in a broad range of applications, such as computers, communications, consumer electronics, automotive electronics, LED lighting, cloud computing as well as biotech and healthcare, and LITE-ON is a worldwide leading provider of optoelectronics, information technology, storage devices, and mobile devices components.

There are eight business groups in LITE-ON, namely Mobile Mechanics, Portable Image Device, Power System, Storage, Mechanical Competence, Connected Devices & System Solutions, Optoelectronic Product Solution, and New Business. Mainly research, design, produce and sale the products below:

LITE-ON's core businesses showed stable development in 2015, and revenue of non-traditional PC related products contributed over 60% share of LITE-ON's overall revenue, of which Opto-electronics accounted a 24% share of total sales, resulting from increased demand of LED components and vehicle lighting, consumer electronics and mobile applications, as well as ongoing market share gains driven by delivery growths of high-end camera modules for smartphones. The Information Technologies business segment accounted for 49% of total revenue, of which Power Systems' annual revenue hit a record high in 2015, resulting from increases in global demand for server power management systems in cloud computing as well as mobile devices. Meanwhile, in Mechanical Competence, increased shipments of high-end server enclosure products, ongoing market share gains and delivery growths in HIS (Human Input Solutions- PC Keyboards and Peripherals) as well as increased shipments in Multi-Function Peripheral laser models, resulting in a yearly growth of 2% in IT segment.

New products of LITE-ON recently planning to develop:

• High-efficiency LED street light
• LED vehicle lighting module
• High-efficiency power supply module
• Wireless network access module
• High-end camera module

Strong Focus on Building R&D Power

As a leading company in Taiwan’s technology industry, LITE-ON Technology is devoted to creating value and to lead the way for new development. LITE-ON's key to cutting edge technology is research and development. LITE-ON Technology has set up an R&D center to develop, merge and absorb new technologies and designs. This is essential for LITE-ON Technology to become a top-tier leading supplier in global Opto-Electronic components industry.

With a step-by-step approach to R&D, LITE-ON Technology continues to achieve excellent results balancing global trends in technology with consumer needs and environmental protection. LITE-ON also develops products with critical technologies through industry-academic cooperation. Intellectual property is a major asset and a competitive advantage, and innovation is one of LITE-ON's core values. By developing and managing intellectual property such as patents, LITE-ON can avoid redundant R&D expenses and reduce costs.

LITE-ON deploys over 3,800 R&D engineers throughout the world. Corp and its subsidiaries will keep 3% of revenue in R&D spending. R&D plan will meet costumers’ and market’s needs and pay attention to product categories mentioned above as well as new business in the future. Furthermore, LITE-ON has over 3,000 patents in global.

Cultivating Industrial Design Capabilities

LITE-ON's R&D center integrates the company’s existing technology platforms and implements automated procedures to improve R&D efficiency and shorten the development cycle. LITE-ON also participates in major projects launched by industrial, governmental or academic organizations to enhance innovation capabilities. LITE-ON welcomes outstanding reserve duty officers, and works with universities and colleges to nurture talent. In addition, LITE-ON is aggressively developing its industrial design capability, and has received recognition through design awards that include IDEA (USA), iF and Red Dot (Germany). LITE-ON's Innovation and Design Center has been ranked No. 2 in the Red Dot Design Ranking 2012 as one of the most innovative companies in the world.

• 44 of the world renowned design awards, including IDEA, iF and Red Dot (2005~2015)
• Key member of Taiwan Design team. Partner to Taiwan ITRI (Industrial Technology Research Institute) on technology products design
• Awarded design and App projects by Lenovo, HP, DELL, Logitech, Control4, ELECOM

Current Industry Development & Trend

Major products of this company can be classified into three main categories in 2015, namely Optoelectronic Product Solution (OPS), IT products and Storage products. OPS is focused on LED and camera module while IT products are focused on power supply and Storage products are focused on SSD. Therefore, the following statement of current industry development aims at these four products.

1. OPS-LED

Recently, applications of LED are more and more widespread and have become one of the most popular industries in the market. This company has produced LED since 1975. To date, there are lots of visible and invisible type products. After 2000, along with improving in brightness and efficiency of high-brightness LEDs, portable products such as laptop, cellphone and PDA etc. and LCD displays use considerable white LED to be the back lite for screen or button of products. Besides, with the growth in portable products market, it has become the largest application of LED and promotes the booming of LED market. This company has successfully completed the patent portfolio of white LED and mass production of white LED and back lite LED in 2008. In 2010, we became major supplier of LED white lights and back lite in the world and achieved to mass produce LED lighting modules. Our products include visible light, white light, invisible light and other related products such as high-performance white LED, high-power visible light LED, ambient light sensors, high-speed optical coupler (OC) and optical encoder. We constructed product roadmap in the field related to 4C electronic products, industrial automatic control and high-speed optical transmission. The high-performance white LED component has received certification from international buyers and widely applies to cellphone, LED TV, monitor, NB, tablet and other computer products. In terms of lights applications, there are a variety of high-efficiency LED products in mass production. In 2011, we received funding form Industrial TDP (Technology Development Program) of Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan government and completed the development of high-performance lighting technique. In the meanwhile, we cooperated with international lighting manufacturers to build up a platform of products application and design, completing LED components, technique of product and patent portfolio.

2. OPS- Camera Module

This company has committed to developing high-resolution camera modules of laptop and desktop monitor and involves in camera modules industry of mobile devices, applying to smartphones and tablets, etc.. In terms of camera module products of laptop and tablet, we completed to develop a number of new camera modules, such as optical image stabilization (OIS) camera modules, optical zooming camera module and dual cameras modules in 2015. In terms of camera module used in high-end smartphone, this company successfully developed 5M and 8M pixels automatic focus camera module and large aperture and ultra-wide angle camera modules in 2011. It makes image clearer and sharper and makes shooting range wider thus catch customers' eyes very much.

Furthermore, this company successfully developed and mass produces thin 8M pixels camera module through special mechanism design in 2012. In 2014, we started to mass produce more than 13M pixels camera modules of high-end smartphone and OIS automatic focus high-end camera module. Our technique is the lead of industry and obtains customers’ recognition. Market share keeps high.

In 2015, we continue to develop camera module of high-end smartphone and adjust the product portfolio. In the market of camera module of high-end smartphone, we have a full range of product lines and unique design, fully meeting customer satisfactions.

3. IT Products- Switching Power Supply (SPS)

This company had merged with Li Shin International Enterprise since 2007. More than 20% power supplies are high-end power management system and apply to high-end product of corporate cloud computing such as network access and server. As a result of slow growth in PC market, there are booming demands in mobile electronic device and cloud computing industry. This company will keep expanding consumer electronics and high-end network access and server etc. that are not part of PC power supplies markets. Meanwhile, this company will develop special specification for power supplies of cellphone and tablet and power management system of high-end network server. Expected to improve whole product portfolio and keep creating growth momentum in revenue of power supplies.

4. Storage- SSD

This company has devoted to R&D of SSD products since the end of 2008 and became the minority of SSD supplier that succeeded in developing SATA-6Gb/s in the end of 2010. The firmware our R&D team developed makes products perform the advantage of high speed as well as durability and stability.

Technique and R&D Overview

All business groups of the LITE-ON Group are committed to designing products in accordance with its green policies that encompass resource conservation, higher energy efficiency, energy conservation and carbon reduction, reduction of environmental toxicity, and recyclability of materials and resources. Green design has been incorporated in all stages of the product life cycle and continues to develop new technique and products for customers. Below are key points of technique and products that were developed successfully in recent years:

Power system

We continued to develop a number of high-performance power supplies and charger products. For example:

• High efficiency and low standby power consumption power suppliers of smartphone can reduce 1/3 of charging time and increase 5% of conversion efficiency to reach quick charge (even dash charge). This achievement has been awarded R&D innovation prize by our customer.
• Ultra-thin, high-power-density (11.0 mm, 18 W/in3) and open-frame power supply of AIO-PC: its power density is 30% higher and the average efficiency is 2% higher than existing products.
• We completely developed high-power power system of cloud datacenter including a high-power power supply cabinets, high-density backup battery, power distribution cabinets and monitoring system of datacenter. This system is full of function and high integration; we gained good reputation from market after launching.
• Power supply switcher of desktop computer: circuit structure was improved to reduce 18% of use in magnetic materials and components and 23% of weight. It can significantly lower carbon emissions in shipment. The energy-saving outcome meets ErP Lot 6 Tier 2 (when the power output is 0.25 W, the power input is less than 0.5 W). Output power ranges from 0 W to 330 W.
• High-current AC charger (charging station) of electric vehicle: Through RFID reader and a wire or wireless network access to verify the user’s identification to unlock and charge in charging interface. Function of delay charging and flexible rate can be provided. Users can choose to charge in suitable time to save charging fee. Charging stations perform power management with Master/ Slave client–server model. High-current design achieves the purpose of rapid charging.
• Fast-charging lithium-ion battery packs: RGV (Rail Guided Vehicle) equips with all kinds of transfer functions. It makes picking up and unloading completely automatic. Equipped with fast-charging lithium-ion battery packs launched by LITE-ON, it implemented the need of fast charging in the process of moving AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) and achieved 24/7/365 work without interruption.

Optoelectronics (LED)

In the development of high-performance LED lighting, we completed the development of Flip-Chip and white light chip with excellent heat-sink performance and it can significantly enhance the ability of thermal shock because of no lead frame. Through optimization technique of phosphor layer and use phosphor layer which is uniformly distributed around the chip to maximize white light performance and color uniformity. Compared to traditional LED light source, white light chip is much easier for second optical design. It can significantly reduce volume of optical element to apply for flash, back lite and lighting. In terms of UV products, we had completed mass production of UVA product which is high optical emitting efficiency and wavelength covers 365nm-405nm. It can be applied to gel nail, photocatalyst, printing inks, UV curing lighting and other special lighting situations.

Lighting

In terms of high-performance LED Outdoor Lighting and Traffic Signal Light, the expansion of single high-brightness LED design of traffic signal light got into the European and Southeast Asian market and received good feedback. Series of 3000K/4000K/5000K different color temperatures of high-efficiency street lighting are developed, and luminous efficacy of whole light is increased to 150 lm/W or more, 10% more than prior generation. Level of product waterproof and dustproof is improved to IP66 to extend product longevity. The design of system integration in series of smart street lights was introduced. Product can be operated lighting function by control center via the smart transmission system, or the most suitable illumination is provided via multistage dimming design, in order to further improve energy efficiency. Camera modules of smartphone and laptop are continued to complete number of integration of advanced technologies and development of new product. It provides a full range of product lines and unique design and fully meets customer needs. For example, the 4-axis optical image stabilization (OIS) camera module of cellphone, three-times optical zooming and OIS camera module of cellphone. They are introduced the camera technology of OIS to dramatically reduce the chances of failures in taking pictures and power consumption. In addition, the narrow border HD resolution laptop camera module, Windows10 HELLO face recognition notebook camera module can perform green design features as well.

Image Input/ Output

MFP (multi-function printer) newly designed “Perry” gains the approval to mass production in Vietnam’s new factory and gains recognitions from customers. Double-sided scanner with automatic sheet-feed is completely developed, recognized by customers and being manufactured in Guangzhou factory. Its market plan is to succeed previous generation mainly used in offices- one-sided scanner with automatic sheet-feed. The development of ATM module, which is capable of identifying serial numbers of China’s RMB note, has been recognized by customers and will enter the customers’ integrating and developing phase of ATM product system. Another 3D printer and scanner all-in-one that is jointly developed by American customers and LITE-ON obtained Innovation Award of CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in early 2016. We plan to develop faster 3D scanner module in the upgrade of second-generation product to provide customers with smoother use experience.

Human Input Solutions

Human input solutions include keyboard module of DT, tablet and laptop, mouse, high-end smart remote control and other peripheral products. In a DT keyboard, besides the traditional keyboard, mouse for video games, wireless Bluetooth keyboard are also provided. And we continue to develop new structure and materials of products. In development of new products, we continue to develop new slim structure and materials of laptop keyboard module, high-end Bluetooth keyboard of tablet, backlight module, multi-touch input keyboard and mouse devices etc..

Enclosure

In the trend of desktop computer (DT) continuing to toward miniaturization, we are the first to cooperate with customers to develop 1L mini models that become benchmark products in the market. We promoted this design to other customers and continued to develop miniaturization of other large chassis. Furthermore, we actively research to introduce plastic materials that can be recycled in order to reduce impact of products to environment. For the applications in Server, in addition to the expansion of cooperating with the top three entrepreneurial server customers in the global market, we also extend to the field of chassis of network access, chassis of storage, Chinese market and DCS (Data Center Solution) and so on. We continue to strengthen the analysis ability of CAE (computer-aided engineer) simulations to reduce the lead time and cost in product development.

Network Access

LITE-ON is a major design and manufacturing supplier in network access market, mainly devoting to develop products and solutions of wire and wireless internet access as well as high-performance home network and applications. LITE-ON is also a global leading supplier of WiFi module. Through providing the latest communications technology and the best high-performance products add value for customers, we will keep devote to development of network market to let customers have the best and newest network technology, products and solutions.

System Solutions

We continued to the advantage of PC miniaturization, and cooperated with customer to develop new model of mini PC built-in the wireless mini-projector and published in Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2015. In response to targets of energy conservation and carbon reduction, the overall automation degree of the new generation of mini PC is over 50% and towards to higher goal.

Mobile Mechanics

The successful development of 3DP printing technology ingeniously combined high-precision 3D printing control technology with the formula of recyclable silver slurry to achieve the significant innovation of 3D printing. It can be applied for sensors of cellphone and antennas to substitute for LDS technique. Furthermore, it simplifies the production process, avoids using nickel and no wastewater from electroplating process. The whole process even doesn’t use water and makes more power saving.

Research in anode coating of die-casting aluminum breaks through the limit of traditional material of die-cast aluminum cannot be directly used in anode coloring. It significantly reduces the cost of product due to the reduction of CNC (Computer Numeric Control) process time and the cost of aluminum extruded. It provides customers a practical cost-effective solution.

We achieved the research in integrating injection molding of external metal embedded glasses. It integrally formed with waterproof features instead of multiple components assembly. It reduces the production costs and provides customers more perfect industrial design.

Automotive Electronics

On the field of automotive lighting modules, we have successfully developed all kinds of LED type bulbs and they are applied to every kind of automotive product, including high/low beam headlamps, DRL (Daytime Running Lamps), RCL (Rear Combination Lamps), CHMSL (Central High Mount Stop Lamp), indoor reading lamps and so on so forth. It’s smoothly phased-in worldwide well-known automobile companies and even have significant breakthrough on LED fine mounting techniques and testing techniques. For the developing trend toward matrix LED headlamps, we are taking the challenge to develop application of high-power, multi-chip LED, heat-sinking and testing techniques.

On the field of automotive visual safety, we successfully developed active 5 axes lens focal length calibration testing equipment, applied to adjust automotive camera module focal lengths and able to position the automotive lens accurately on the mechanical part of a camera and tightly bind with the outer case. It has replaced the traditional calibration testing equipment of one axis lens focal length on supply chain to further increase the product quality and production speed. Moreover, the AVM (Around View Monitoring) system developed earlier has been small scale production and expected to go into mass production by the second half of 2016. In the future, apart from the generic automotive camera module projects, we will keep on developing camera modules in different view angles to cater to the need of big automobile companies from Japan and China. And we will continue to develop mega pixels of automotive camera modules to meet the need of the market.

On the field of automotive body control, we have been making effort on core techniques such as engine propelling, anti-pinch algorithm, and automotive body network. The sky window anti-pinch module and electrical window anti-pinch module that we developed have overcome the problem of lack of precision in local mechanical factories in China and it’s successfully phased-in main automobile companies in China. We have broken through the monopoly situation by international companies for a long time and will move our next step toward high-power electrical rear door anti-pinch control module. We will also combine the technologies, CAN (Control Area Network)/LIN (Local Interconnect Network) automotive body network system, and door key remote control/sensor control, providing our customers safer and more comfortable electrical rear door system.

Industry Automatic Production

We have successfully developed high-end, medium-end, and low-end frequency converters to make our product line more comprehensive and meet the need of a wider range of customers. The server propeller of first generation will go into mass production. The PLC controller of first generation will also be introduced soon to give more diverse choices to customers.

Storage

Since there is no new format disc introduced in market, the disc player has its maximum reading speed for now and is developed toward thinner, higher quality, lower price, and more importantly, value-added services such as stable supply chain, logistics, customization etc. SSD (solid state disc) products have substituted for the traditional discs and become the main trend, applied widely to laptops and tablets. Aside from providing SSD products applied to PC, laptops and tablets through robust cooperation with our current customers, we also expanded the market with servers and other PC, and provide retail products through distribution channels. For now, our goals are not only to enlarge the capacity but to increase the transmitting speed with signal transmitting layer following PCIe and combining NVMe.

Medical and Biotech

Medical and Biotech products have achieved a remarkable contribution since the second half of 2011 whereas we started our first product series. The new generation bio-chemical detector, developed in 2014, has reached the product recoverable rate up to 91% along with LED inner core light source, high energy efficiency and longer longevity. Unlike commonly traditional detectors, which need regular change of light bulbs, it reduces the amount of bio-sample to one-ninth, reducing medical waste effectively. Moreover, the glycated hemoglobin analyzer of new generation is smaller in size by 70%, compared with the old. The fingertip-blood bio-chemical program is right now aiming at testing with little amount of blood sample, developing original patented test glass structure and reagent ingredients. Skyla Hi Analyzer, the bio-chemical analyzer in use right now, can quickly perform bio-chemical data examination. It takes the advantage of expanding production lines easily and market competition.

Green Design

Green design has been a key value of LITE-ON's products development. This concept comprehensibly covers life cycle of product from choosing raw material, processes in supplier, processes in LITE-ON, products package, shipment, use stage in global consumers to end of life of products, disassembly and recycle.

All business groups of the LITE-ON Group are committed to designing products in accordance with its green policies that encompass resource conservation, higher energy efficiency, carbon reduction, reduction of environmental toxicity, and recyclability of materials and resources. Green design has been incorporated in all stages of the product life cycle and is closely associated with the company's environmental performance indicators. Even if there is a minute improve and breakthrough in design of single product can make effort to environment protection and carbon reduction.

Products related to green design in 2015 include 3D Printing Antenna, Laptop Built-in USB Camera module, Laptop power adapter (49W to 250W), Power charger and adapter for mobile phones and tablets, Optical disc drives (ODD), Solid state drive (SSD), Scanners, all-in-one office machines, ATMs and other imaging products, High efficiency LED components, Glycated hemoglobin analyzers (skyla Hi Analyzer) (HI-P01), Inverters, Servo motors, Server/Desktop PC casing. LITE-ON's key points of green design concretely include reduced use of toxic substances, saving resources (e.g. reduced materials and weight), waste reduction, using recyclable or biodegradable materials, reusable, easy to recycle, design for disassembly, easy to assemble, conserves energy, reduces water consumption, reduces carbon emissions and extended longevity of products.

Summary of Green Product Designs in 2015: Green Product Management.

More products information: Product Overview

Power System for Commercial Sightseeing Solar Electric Boats

LITE-ON has built a successful power system for the Love River Sightseeing Solar Electric Boats for Kaohsiung City Government. Unlike older electric vehicle power systems used in boats, which are generally low-power, LITE-ON Clean Energy’s system represents a breakthrough, as the first high-power commercial sightseeing solar-electric boat in Asia, incorporating solar panels, lithium-ion battery packs, dual motors, battery management systems, charger, DC/DC converter, computerized central control panel and LED Lighting.

The brand-new Love River Sightseeing Solar Electric Boat is 13 meters long and carries 36 passengers. It features a catamaran design, with 54KWH battery pack and dual 20KW motors, producing an output of 53 horsepower, reaching a maximum speed of 9 knots (16.7km/h) and it can continuously cruise for 9 hours at a speed of 3 knots (5.6km/h). Unlike conventional petrol engine boats, this boat generates no pollution and low noise. Moreover its energy consumption is only one-fourth to one-third what would be required by the same size petrol engine boats and its solar power can contribute an additional 25% energy savings on an average sunny day.

In 2010, a total of 5 solar electric boats were enrolled, and the boisterous noise generated by engines and the uncomfortable diesel stink were gone completely, and the peaceful and fresh waterfront resort was reverted, upgrading the tourism quality of Love River Sightseeing drastically. Meanwhile, the boats also serve to be one of the factors critical to promotion of the local ecological tourism and green sightseeing, in order to work with Kaohsiung City to promote a low-carbon dioxide emission city and combine tourism and environmental protection.

LITE-ON successfully completed the Fritz Walter World Cup Football Stadium Roof-Top Solar Generation Project

LITE-ON successfully completed the Fritz Walter World Cup Football Stadium Roof-Top Solar Generation Project of 1.35 MWp. It is the world’s largest football stadium roof-top solar generation project, and also the first power plant owned by LITE-ON Green Energy and an important milestone for LITE-ON Green Energy to launch into the solar power industry, which may produce the power of 115.6 kWh annually. Given this, it might reduce CO2 emissions by 856 tons, or compared with conventional thermal power plants, it might reduce coal consumption by about 408 tons per year.