R&D
Our basic R&D policy is to pursue the latest in technology for next-generation
services, computer servers and networks, as well as the various electronic devices and materials which serve as building blocks
for our products. This policy supports the overarching goals of creating new value for customers and achieving our Corporate
Vision of contributing to the creation of a networked society that is rewarding and secure, bringing about a prosperous future
that fulfills the dreams of people throughout the world.
Major Achievements in Fiscal 2007
(1) The world’s first technology for automatic verification of Java-based, practical-use web applications
Fujitsu pioneered core technology for automatic verification of Java-based practical-use web applications. This technology eliminates the need to manually prepare detailed test procedures and data by automatically extracting and coding the verification procedures and test data, and then performing exhaustive and automatic testing to verify that a web application can operate according to specification. This technology helps programmers develop high-quality software more quickly by making it possible to perform comprehensive tests encompassing a range of use scenarios.
(2) FCMDB supports international standards to enhance IT systems management
We developed a Federated Configuration Management Database (FCMDB) to automatically correlate and integrate the various forms of IT system operation management information that exist for various objectives, including server management and network management. FCMDB will make it possible to observe and manage a wide array of configuration information on a single screen, from multiple types of information on hardware to details of service to clients. This will help reduce operational management costs and provide a stable platform for the management of IT systems. In addition, together with five major vendors and, we are currently working towards international standardization of the basic specifications of the FCMDB.
(3) Technology for ultra-small optical link module used in next-generation supercomputers
Fujitsu is at the forefront of the development of an ultra-small optical link module to provide the high-speed calculation node interconnectivity required in petaflop-class*1 supercomputers. Our technology allows these link modules to be reduced to less than one-tenth the conventional size, contributing significantly to reductions in the size of new supercomputers.
Ultra-small optical link module with a transfer speed of 40Gbps
*1 Petaflop: Refers to the maximum calculation speed of the computer. 1 petaflop = 1 quadrillion floating-point operations per second.
(4) Developing and implementing the world’s smallest mobile WiMAX™ base station and RF module for handsets
We have developed the world’s smallest outdoor base station using mobile WiMAX*2 technology, a wireless communication format used to provide broadband speeds in mobile environments. By combining a high-output transmission amp using gallium nitride HEMT with Fujitsu’s proprietary digital pre-distortion (DPD) technology*3, we were able to achieve unparalleled efficiency at the world’s smallest size. This device will help dramatically reduce base station construction costs and operating expenses. The BroadOne WX300 outdoor macrocell base station garnered the prestigious System Design Award at the WiMAX World EMEA 2008 conference. We have also developed a radio frequency module as technology for mobile WiMAX terminals. This module integrates all of the radio frequency circuits, such as filters, needed by a mobile terminal, and comes in the world’s smallest size (15 mm2). This module makes it possible to reduce the size of a mobile terminal in addition to providing high-speed transmission and stable connection.
*2 WiMAX: Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. IEEE802.16- and IEEE802.16e-compliant mobile wireless standard. WiMAX technology enables data transmission speeds of up to 75 Mb/sec even when traveling at speeds of 120 km/hour.
*3 Digital pre-distortion (DPD) technology: Technology that adds an input signal with the opposite characteristics to the distortion generated in an amplifier, thereby correcting the distortion in advance.
RF chip for mobile WiMAX™ terminal
(MB86K71)
Integrated mobile WiMAX™ base station BroadOne WX300
(5) Successful creation of a nanocarbon structure by connecting carbon nanotubes and graphene
Fujitsu successfully created the world’s first self-organizing carbon composite structure by combining carbon nanotubes and graphene—two nano-scale structures which differ in form but are both made from carbon materials. Since the combined structure exhibits the characteristics of both components, it is believed to have high electrical and thermal conductivity in all directions. Fujitsu expects these discoveries to lead to new avenues of materials research and a wide range of potential applications in electronic devices and heat dispersion devices.
Structure of new nano-carbon composites
Electron microscope images of the new nanocarbon composite
structure (a) and graphene component (b)
Prizes and Awards
Fifth Annual Prime Minister's Award for Contribution to Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration
Dr. Mitsuru Sugawara, president and CEO of QD Laser, Inc. and serving concurrently as an executive of Fujitsu Laboratories, Ltd. and Fujitsu Limited, was recognized for his tremendous achievements in cooperative ventures between government, industry and academia with the Prime Minister’s Award—the highest award that any individual or organization can receive in this field. The award was shared with Professor Yasuhiko Arakawa and Professor Yoshiaki Nakano of the University of Tokyo. The three scientists took part in a photonic network technology research and development project commissioned by New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) and conducted by the Optoelectronic Industry and Technology Development Association (OITDA). The award recognizes Dr. Sugawara’s contributions to developing a practical application of quantum dot laser technology, and the establishment of a start-up company to commercialize this technology. QD Laser was established as a joint venture between the corporate venture funds of Fujitsu and Mitsui Ventures.
R&D Expenditure
Fiscal 2007 R&D
Expenditure by Segment
Our Green Policy Innovation initiative aims to help Fujitsu customers reduce their environmental footprint. This project, which began in fiscal 2007 and runs through fiscal 2010, aims to cut CO2 emissions over the four-year period by a cumulative total of over 7 million tons*. The company is researching and developing technology to support a wide range of solutions aimed at reducing the environmental burden of IT infrastructure as well as using IT to reduce customers' environmental footprint. Several examples of Fujitsu's progress in this area are described below. In the future, as new products and services incorporate these technical advances, Fujitsu hopes that it can make a contribution to combating global warming, and otherwise helping customers reduce their burden on the environment.
Real-time multi-point temperature measuring technology for data centers
One method of reducing energy consumption
is to make more efficient use of energy. Fujitsu developed a monitoring system for data centers which have multiple heat-generating
units, based on the use of a number of thermostats connected by optical fiber and accurate measurement of the temperature
on a real-time basis. A single optical fiber can monitor the temperature in over 10,000 separate locations simultaneously,
making it possible to "see" the distribution of heat in the room. Combining this basic technology with air conditioning
control systems, it is possible to make fine adjustments to the settings of each air conditioning unit to ensure that there
is a uniform temperature distribution throughout the room. This helps to reduce the total energy consumption of the data center.
Strategic Direction in Fiscal 2008
The Fujitsu Group is continually pursuing new innovations while working to solidify its business foundation, under a policy of reinforcing strengths while envisioning the future. The company intends to focus its cutting-edge research efforts on the targets outlined below, while pursuing globalization and cost reductions, and accelerating business speed and the incubation of new businesses.
Developing new business models in new business sectors
Fujitsu has identified three new areas of research where it will concentrate its efforts, pursuing research activities that can foster tomorrow's profitable businesses.
- Green technology
The problem of global warming requires an urgent response. Fujitsu will pursue the latest in technological innovation in this area, in order to contribute to society as well as to develop new businesses. - Sensor technology and system solutions
Sensor technologies can help foster a synthesis between the virtual world of computers and the real world of human society. Innovations in sensor technology will help to expand the scope of IT applications and lead to new business opportunities. - Next-generation terminals and services
Cross-pollination between computers and mobile phones is bearing fruit in a new generation of mobile terminals and services that will generate new business opportunities.
Enhancing the contributions of research to core businesses
Fujitsu is encouraging the development of next-generation services and solutions, next-generation server systems and next-generation network technology, taking steps to enhance the contributions that R&D make to the Fujitsu Group's core business operations.
Improving technological synergy in the Fujitsu Group
The company is developing synergies in its R&D operations, to support the development of next-generation technologies which can be used in a number of separate core business segments.
