NEWS
【Part 1】Why AC Manufacturer Daikin Is Developing Its Own Semiconductors
FEATURE
2024.09.06
Developing core technologies for air conditioners, such as motors, pumps, filters, and inverter circuits, is nothing new for Daikin Industries. Now it has ventured into the world of semiconductor development. Specifically, it is setting its sights on in-house development of the semiconductors used for inverter circuits—the control hub for air conditioners. In this interview, we speak with Hiroaki Toyama, Tomoko Nakayama, Takayuki Miyajima, and Noriyuki Shinohara, the key members of the TIC Inverter Technology Group involved in this new ambitious semiconductor project.
New Semiconductor Division at the TIC Core Technology Development Base
――Daikin is embarking on a new field with this project. Please start by telling us a bit about your respective backgrounds.
Shinohara: I joined Daikin in April 2020 and initially worked on developing optional equipment for HVAC systems. Before Daikin, I was involved in semiconductor development, so in January 2023, I was transferred to the Inverter Technology Group as the team leader for custom microcontroller development.
Shinohara: I joined Daikin in April 2020 and initially worked on developing optional equipment for HVAC systems. Before Daikin, I was involved in semiconductor development, so in January 2023, I was transferred to the Inverter Technology Group as the team leader for custom microcontroller development.
Nakayama: I recently joined Daikin in January 2023 and am responsible for the overall management of custom microcontroller development. Originally, I worked for over 30 years at an electronics company where I helped design and develop semiconductors for image processing and air conditioning.
Toyama: I started a little later in May 2023. Like Nakayama, I spent about 30 years developing microcontrollers at a semiconductor company. At Daikin, I'm managing both custom microcontroller and power semiconductor development and am responsible for formulating overall strategies.
Miyajima: I'm the only one here who is a career Daikin employee (laughs). I joined as a new graduate and, as of 2024, have been with the company for 10 years. Initially, I worked in fan motor analysis technology and inverter software development, but two years ago, I was tasked with launching this semiconductor project. Because it was a completely different industry, I had to build an entire new network of contacts, and I did this by being upfront in admitting that I was new to the field. Fortunately, we were able to welcome Toyama and Nakayama into the company. Then, in May 2023, I relocated to the Tokyo branch to research next-generation inverter technologies and am now also involved in setting up a new facility in Tokyo.
――So, what inspired you to begin working on semiconductor development at Daikin?
Toyama: As I began approaching retirement age at a company in Kanto, I was considering the next steps in my career when I heard about Daikin's foray into the semiconductor business. At first, I was skeptical about whether Daikin, with no prior experience, could really handle semiconductor development. But as I toured TIC and talked to the people in the project, I could see how serious they were, so I decided to move from Tokyo to Osaka and utilize my experience for this new challenge.
Toyama: As I began approaching retirement age at a company in Kanto, I was considering the next steps in my career when I heard about Daikin's foray into the semiconductor business. At first, I was skeptical about whether Daikin, with no prior experience, could really handle semiconductor development. But as I toured TIC and talked to the people in the project, I could see how serious they were, so I decided to move from Tokyo to Osaka and utilize my experience for this new challenge.
Nakayama: My decision to join Daikin was similar to Toyama's. Thinking about my future in the industry, I wanted to continue applying my design and development expertise in semiconductors. I recognized that it would be a tough challenge for an air conditioning company to take on semiconductors, but I was intrigued and excited by the possibility of working at Daikin, a company from a completely different field. I also saw an opportunity to pass on my knowledge to younger generations.
Shinohara: I initially joined Daikin to work on HVAC equipment. However, my background in semiconductor development caught the attention of TIC, and before I knew it, I was assigned to the semiconductor team (laughs). I like the faster pace and greater freedom at Daikin compared to my previous company.
Custom Microcontrollers for Inverters Increase Energy Efficiency and Reduce Costs
――Why did Daikin decide to develop its own semiconductors? Can you tell us about the background and goals of this project?
Miyajima: Inverter technology is crucial for energy savings in air conditioning. Daikin has developed low-cost inverters, including those without electrolytic capacitors, and these have contributed to the global spread of inverter air conditioners. Capacitor-less inverter technology replaces hardware solutions for power supply harmonics regulations with software, resulting in reduced costs. To continue enhancing or adding functions through software, high-performance microcontrollers are essential. While commercial microcontrollers are available, they were often expensive or not particularly suited for controlling Daikin's air conditioner motors. Thus, we decided to develop our own semiconductors in collaboration with semiconductor manufacturers to meet our specific needs.
Toyama: Top priority is developing semiconductors for inverter circuits, which are key to energy savings in air conditioning. We're also looking ahead in exploring how IoT and AI technologies can further promote energy savings and lead to further technological development. Given the vast scope of our tasks, we're building expertise and moving forward with advancements. Not only are we developing microcontrollers but also power semiconductors as a set, which I like to think of as the brain and muscles of our HVAC units. Together, they form a robust system.
――Could you explain the organizational structure for semiconductor development?
Toyama: Currently, we have teams dedicated to development of custom microcontrollers and power devices, both of which I oversee. However, our current structure can't cover all development tasks, so we outsource some design work. Our main role is to define the specifications for creating the unique microcontrollers required to meet Daikin's air conditioning needs.
Toyama: Currently, we have teams dedicated to development of custom microcontrollers and power devices, both of which I oversee. However, our current structure can't cover all development tasks, so we outsource some design work. Our main role is to define the specifications for creating the unique microcontrollers required to meet Daikin's air conditioning needs.
――Specifically, what kind of custom microcontrollers are you developing?
Nakayama: Without revealing too much, we are working on a custom microcontroller aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing costs for inverters by 2025. Compared to the microcontrollers we've used before, the new ones will have cores with 1.5 times faster clock speeds. We're also adding essential IPs for air conditioning, such as completely redesigned timers to enhance motor and PWM control, significantly boosting the inverter's efficiency.
――What are the advantages and strengths of Daikin developing its own custom microcontrollers?
Miyajima: Daikin has a long history of developing core technologies for its air conditioners, so we understand the functions and operations of our units better than anyone. This deep knowledge enables us to define the most suitable specifications for our microcontrollers, which is a significant advantage.
Miyajima: Daikin has a long history of developing core technologies for its air conditioners, so we understand the functions and operations of our units better than anyone. This deep knowledge enables us to define the most suitable specifications for our microcontrollers, which is a significant advantage.
Nakayama: Unlike typical semiconductor manufacturers, we can collaborate closely with our product development teams to integrate specialized functions and achieve high functionality at reduced costs. By gaining semiconductor design expertise, we can also apply this knowledge to a wide range of HVAC systems, making it a valuable asset for future innovation.
Join Daikin for New Challenges and Exploration in Uncharted Territories!
――How does Daikin's development environment differ from other companies?
Shinohara: Compared to my previous company, Daikin offers a lot of freedom, and it values individual discretion. It feels easier to get approval for new ideas, like creating new evaluation boards. Also, even when there is a hurdle in moving forward with a project, I appreciate the supportive environment Daikin provides in allowing me to remain upbeat and focused on how I can solve the problem.
Nakayama: Having joined to develop microcontrollers, my first impression of Daikin was one of surprise at its dynamic workplace. Because we are starting from scratch, we're given considerable freedom to work at our own discretion. If you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, Daikin is a great place to work. TIC also offers close proximity to top management, making it easier to gain their understanding and support.
Toyama: TIC's mission to explore uncharted territories means we constantly face an array of challenges. However, there's a culture of examining from multiple sides to meet our goals, and I think that we are seeing investments in development being actively made to secure future success.
Miyajima: As my colleagues have pointed out, the agility and open communication across departments are strong points at Daikin. Other companies often say, "Daikin is a very freedom-oriented company," but it's not just about independence. Rather than just thinking about something, you need to act and not rely on others to tell you want to do. It's company where you are expected to take action and actively collaborate.
Nakayama: Yes, the environment certainly encourages collaborative creation here. Even when outsourcing, we share as much information as possible and engage in face-to-face discussions, which is one of Daikin's great strengths. The organization values trust and places emphasis on people, which is wonderful.
――What are the future prospects for semiconductor development at Daikin?
Toyama: At TIC, we're not just focusing on energy savings and cost reduction but also developing solutions from a holistic perspective. As our TV commercials say, "We provide solutions with air," and we're continually working on technologies that create comfortable spaces and improve air quality. In the future, we might need to develop semiconductor devices for sensor control. We aim to create the best solutions, including from such aspects as cost and delivery.
Nakayama: Daikin is innovating in many areas beyond air conditioning, some of which we can't discuss yet. We believe sharing these values among employees will encourage us to take on new challenges in semiconductor development.
Toyama: At TIC, we're not just focusing on energy savings and cost reduction but also developing solutions from a holistic perspective. As our TV commercials say, "We provide solutions with air," and we're continually working on technologies that create comfortable spaces and improve air quality. In the future, we might need to develop semiconductor devices for sensor control. We aim to create the best solutions, including from such aspects as cost and delivery.
Nakayama: Daikin is innovating in many areas beyond air conditioning, some of which we can't discuss yet. We believe sharing these values among employees will encourage us to take on new challenges in semiconductor development.
――Finally, what makes working at Daikin attractive to you?
Toyama: Even for a project as unprecedented as semiconductor development, we see enthusiastic investment and support from management. The chance to learn from colleagues with diverse expertise is also invaluable. I'd like to encourage anyone interested in new challenges to consider joining us.
Miyajima: Although Daikin is primarily an HVAC company, we have a broad perspective that includes semiconductor development and next-generation technologies. We're creating a team of experts and are eager to expand our horizons. If you're passionate about tackling new fields and discovering your own potential to grow, Daikin is the place for you. We're looking forward to welcoming you on board.
Shinohara: You're immediately welcomed as part of the team, even if you join a project mid-way through. There's a friendly and open atmosphere that makes it easy to work. If you're passionate about creating something new, people here are delighted to have you join them.
Nakayama: Daikin's unique environment allows you to propose new ideas even as the skills of all the members of the development team are being brought together. This not only broadens your technical skills but also provides insights into the product development process. There are no barriers between departments, and it's a great place to work for those who do not hesitate to take the initiative, so if you are ambitious, come work with us.
Nakayama: Daikin's unique environment allows you to propose new ideas even as the skills of all the members of the development team are being brought together. This not only broadens your technical skills but also provides insights into the product development process. There are no barriers between departments, and it's a great place to work for those who do not hesitate to take the initiative, so if you are ambitious, come work with us.
Miyajima: Although Daikin is primarily an HVAC company, we have a broad perspective that includes semiconductor development and next-generation technologies. We're creating a team of experts and are eager to expand our horizons. If you're passionate about tackling new fields and discovering your own potential to grow, Daikin is the place for you. We're looking forward to welcoming you on board.
※The information and profiles are based on the time of the interview.
Hiroaki Toyama
Technology and Innovation Center (TIC), Daikin Industries, Chief Engineer
Joined in May 2023. Originally from Tokyo, Japan, he is responsible for Custom Semiconductor Technology Strategy.
“I want to bring smiles to people around the world with sustainable air conditioning that combines Daikin’s inverter technology and semiconductor technology.”
Technology and Innovation Center (TIC), Daikin Industries, Chief Engineer
Joined in May 2023. Originally from Tokyo, Japan, he is responsible for Custom Semiconductor Technology Strategy.
“I want to bring smiles to people around the world with sustainable air conditioning that combines Daikin’s inverter technology and semiconductor technology.”
Tomoko Nakayama
Technology and Innovation Center (TIC), Daikin Industries, Senior Engineer
Joined in January 2023. Originally from Kumamoto Japan, he is responsible for Custom Microcontroller Development.
“I am taking on the challenge of custom semiconductors to deliver inverter technology that protects the global environment to the world.”
Technology and Innovation Center (TIC), Daikin Industries, Senior Engineer
Joined in January 2023. Originally from Kumamoto Japan, he is responsible for Custom Microcontroller Development.
“I am taking on the challenge of custom semiconductors to deliver inverter technology that protects the global environment to the world.”
Takayuki Miyajima
Technology and Innovation Center (TIC), Daikin Industries, Senior Engineer
Joined in April 2014. Originally from Kumamoto Japan, he is responsible for Motor and Inverter Control Technology, Inverter Technology Research.
“I will continue to challenge the status quo and focus on delivering results that benefit our customers and product development.”
Technology and Innovation Center (TIC), Daikin Industries, Senior Engineer
Joined in April 2014. Originally from Kumamoto Japan, he is responsible for Motor and Inverter Control Technology, Inverter Technology Research.
“I will continue to challenge the status quo and focus on delivering results that benefit our customers and product development.”
Noriyuki Shinohara
Technology and Innovation Center (TIC), Daikin Industries
Joined in April 2020. Originally from Nagano Japan, he is responsible for Digital Circuit Design.
“With the concept of Bringing exciting things to the world!, I aim to develop semiconductors that can excel in air conditioning by acquiring new technologies.”
Technology and Innovation Center (TIC), Daikin Industries
Joined in April 2020. Originally from Nagano Japan, he is responsible for Digital Circuit Design.
“With the concept of Bringing exciting things to the world!, I aim to develop semiconductors that can excel in air conditioning by acquiring new technologies.”
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