Core Viewpoint - Google discusses the future device technology for optical circuit switches (OCS), focusing on data center networks and machine learning supercomputers, highlighting the impact of device parameters on system performance and reliability [1][3]. Group 1: Introduction and Background - Large-scale systems rely on networks to transmit information from source to destination, primarily using electronic packet switches (EPS) and a fixed Clos topology, which face scalability limitations in cost, latency, and reconfigurability [3][5]. - Early research into OCS aimed to dynamically adjust network topology to match communication patterns, leading to practical deployments in large-scale data centers and machine learning systems [3][4]. Group 2: Future Optical Switching Technology - Table I outlines key performance metrics for commercial and developmental OCS technologies, including port count, switching time, insertion loss, and driving voltage, with variations based on whether the switching function is implemented in free space or guided-wave systems [7][8]. - Current commercial OCS devices are based on customized hardware and control schemes, with no single technology achieving optimal performance across all applications [9]. Group 3: Existing and Emerging Technologies - MEMS-based optical switches provide significant cost advantages in large-scale data center networks, enhancing system availability and performance [12]. - New device types, such as two-dimensional digital liquid crystal (DLC) pixel arrays, utilize polarization properties for light beam direction control, allowing for scalable port configurations [12][14]. - Development of two-dimensional devices primarily focuses on silicon photonics (SiP) technology, which is compatible with standard CMOS processes, aiming for lower costs and faster switching speeds [14][15]. Group 4: Challenges and Innovations - The Apollo project by Google aims to replace traditional network infrastructure with OCS, reducing communication delays and power consumption by keeping data in the optical domain [25][29]. - The OCS technology allows for significant reductions in power consumption, with maximum power usage at 108 watts compared to 3000 watts for traditional EPS systems [30]. - Google has deployed thousands of OCS systems, claiming it to be the largest application of OCS globally, with substantial cost and energy savings [31]. Group 5: Future Directions - Google is focused on developing OCS systems with higher port counts, lower insertion losses, and faster reconfiguration speeds, which are expected to enhance efficiency and reliability [36][38]. - The company believes that modern data centers can achieve bandwidth comparable to the entire internet, indicating the potential for massive communication volumes [38].

Core Insights - The global automotive semiconductor market is projected to reach $68 billion in 2024, with Infineon Technologies leading the market [3] - The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12%, reaching $132 billion by 2030 [4] - The average semiconductor price per vehicle is anticipated to rise from approximately $759 in 2024 to about $1,332 by 2030 [4] Market Growth Factors - The growth is supported by three structural factors: increased electrification, regulatory requirements for advanced safety features, and the evolution of electrical/electronic architectures [6] - The adoption of dual-motor plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) is expected to grow at an average rate of 19% from 2024 to 2030, while battery electric vehicles (BEVs) will grow at a rate of 14% [6] Price Trends and Technology Adoption - The rapid decline in the price of N-type silicon carbide (SiC) substrates is expanding the application of SiC MOSFETs in inverters for both BEVs and PHEVs [7] - Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into various sectors, including automotive, particularly in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) [7] Market Share and Key Players - The top five companies account for nearly half of the automotive semiconductor market, with Infineon holding a 12% market share and over $8 billion in sales [8] - NXP Semiconductors ranks second with a 10% market share, followed by STMicroelectronics with 9% [8] Regional Developments - China aims to increase the localization rate of automotive components to 25% by 2025, with domestic semiconductor manufacturers gaining traction in the market [10] - TSMC and Samsung are competing in the 16nm and below process technology, with significant implications for the automotive sector [11]