The fast-paced replacement of consumer electronics has placed a significant financial strain on semiconductor manufacturing facilities. Each year, companies are forced to invest in building new plants with higher costs. From the ground up to the five-year mark, manufacturers who can't keep up are gradually phased out. However, the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) technology has breathed new life into aging equipment and outdated factories.
Companies like Taiyo Yuden and SoftBank have developed ultra-low-power IoT communication modules, while Sony and Altair Semiconductor have created a module that can last for 10 years without needing a battery—all manufactured using older, well-established equipment. Hitachi High Technologies, a subsidiary of Hitachi, launched an old equipment repair service in the summer of 2016, highlighting the growing demand for such services and the potential business opportunities they bring.
Every time a new PC or smartphone is released, the focus is on increasing computing power, faster processing speeds, and larger memory capacities. This requires more advanced semiconductors. However, the IoT isn’t about creating standalone devices; it’s about integrating into existing systems and focusing on efficient data exchange.
Mobile phones require high-speed data transmission—up to 1 Gb per second. But for systems monitoring bridge stability, even 1 Kb per month is sufficient. Similarly, for tracking crop conditions or recording temperature, humidity, and pesticide use, daily data transfer rarely exceeds 1 Kb. These applications don’t need high-performance systems, making older semiconductors a viable option.
In contrast, road and bridge monitoring systems must operate continuously for at least 40 years, far longer than the typical 2–3-year lifespan of a mobile phone. Therefore, IoT-related semiconductors must prioritize long-term reliability and energy efficiency. Semiconductor production lines have extensive data and experience confirming system longevity, making them well-suited for the evolving IoT market.
Additionally, systems that have been in use for over a decade often have strong customization requirements. Each batch of orders is much smaller compared to mass-produced items like PCs or smartphones, making it inefficient to use 12-inch wafer production lines. Instead, 4–8-inch lines are sufficient to meet demand. Renesas, for example, already offers products tailored for niche markets like automotive, where reliability and precision are key.
Currently, many IoT wireless modules rely on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) specifications. Companies like Kyocera are actively developing low-energy, cost-effective solutions to capture a growing share of the IoT market. As the industry continues to evolve, leveraging legacy infrastructure and focusing on efficiency will be essential for sustainable growth in the IoT era.


3.7V Li-Ion Battery,Lithium Ion 3.7V Battery,Lithium Ion Battery 3.7V ,Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery , Super Batteries,
Langrui Energy (Shenzhen) Co.,Ltd , https://www.langruibattery.com