9月最受关注重点研究：NPU、定制化存储星辰大海

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus is on the AI edge technology that empowers mobile devices, enabling local AI model operations while ensuring data privacy and low-latency interactions. This technology is primarily applied in AI smartphones and AI PCs, requiring robust local computing power and multimodal content processing capabilities [1][2][3]. Core Insights and Arguments - AI Smartphone Projections: It is anticipated that global shipments of AI smartphones will reach 54% by 2028, with the Chinese market expected to hit 150 million units by 2027. Initially, AI features will be introduced in the high-end market before gradually penetrating the mid-to-low-end segments [1][5]. - AI PC Development: AI PCs are positioned as core platforms that integrate computing power, personal large models, and applications while protecting user data privacy. The penetration rate of AI PCs is expected to rise, driving an increase in average selling prices (ASP) by 10%-15% for PCs with integrated NPU [1][6]. - Smart Automotive Sector: The demand for NPU and customized storage solutions is significantly increasing in smart vehicles, particularly for offline model deployment in cabin domains. Independent NPUs are becoming standard to ensure large model inference and interaction in areas without signal coverage [1][7]. - NPU as a Focus for Chip Manufacturers: NPU, designed specifically for AI, is a key focus for chip manufacturers. It excels in scalar, vector, and tensor computations, maximizing user experience in generative AI applications through heterogeneous computing alongside CPU and GPU [1][8]. Additional Important Content - NPU Performance Metrics: The main performance indicators for NPU include TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) and memory bandwidth, which are crucial for inference response capabilities. NPU is widely used in smartphones, PCs, and automotive applications [1][9]. - Current and Future NPU Forms: Currently, NPU is primarily integrated within processors or SoCs. However, discrete NPU solutions are being explored to enhance computing power and optimize battery life during standby [1][10]. - Market Potential for Discrete NPU: If all flagship smartphones adopt discrete NPU solutions, the expected shipment volume could reach around 100 million units for third-party high-end smartphones. In the PC market, a 10% penetration rate for high-end products would require approximately 20 million discrete NPUs, leading to a potential total shipment of 120 million units across smartphones and PCs [1][11]. - Customized Storage Solutions: Customized storage is critical for achieving optimal NPU performance, similar to HBM for GPUs. The market for customized storage is projected to reach $2-3 billion in the next two to three years, especially as discrete NPU solutions penetrate the PC and smartphone markets [1][12][14]. - Competitive Landscape: In the NPU and customized storage sectors, domestic companies like Xiaomi, Honor, and Lenovo are actively developing NPU solutions, while international players include Qualcomm and MediaTek. In customized storage, companies like Gigadevice are leading in performance, with traditional DRAM manufacturers also participating [1][15].