Having recently announced its intentions to enter the LED lighting market [1], the semiconductor giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) [2] has launched an R & D unit production of light emitting diodes (LED) lighting in the famous Hsinchu Science Park in northern Taiwan. This initiative represents an initial investment of 5.5 billion new Taiwan dollars (about 129 million euros) and follows the policy of diversification of TSMC in favor of photovoltaic power and LED. Volume production of these diodes should take place early 2011.

Creating a local organization devoted to LED lighting

The ICE-Taiwan (in reference to the International Commission on Illumination), recently created, includes manufacturers of LEDs which TSMC and local research bodies. It must devote itself to promoting LED lighting and also serve as local platform for international cooperation. Thus, this new structure will ensure inter alia that the local industry remains in compliance with international standards of the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) [3].

An area recently encouraged by local authorities

The Taiwan authorities encourage the development of LED industry in Taiwan power [4], especially by stimulating the internal market through measures such as converting the entire street lighting of the island in low power LED lighting [5]. This type of initiative is also intended to save energy and reduce emissions of greenhouse gas emissions.

Finally, the exhibition LED Lighting Taiwan 2010 will take place from June 9 to 11 at the International Trade Centre (WTC) in Taipei [6].

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[1] The light emitting diodes (LEDs) are opto-electronic components that emit light. LEDs are now developing well in the lighting industry since they are characterized by low power consumption (a few tens of milliwatts) for a very good light output. Light output is now higher than that of incandescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps and even discharge. Their lifespan is much longer than incandescent and fluorescent lamps.

- [2] Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) is the first semiconductor foundry in the world. The company was founded by a former president of ITRI in 1987 and is based in particular Hsinchu Science Park. : http://www.tsmc.com (English)
- [3] International Commission on Illumination: http://www.cie.co.at/ (English)
- [4] Taiwan Industrial invited to develop large-scale LED technology – BE Taiwan 27 to 10 July 2009: http://www.bulletins-electroniques.com/actualites/59925.htm (French)
- [5] The street lights of Taiwan fully equipped lamps light emitting diodes (LEDs) by 2011 – BE Taiwan 25-12 May2009: http://www.bulletins-electroniques.com/actualites/59024.htm (French)
- [6] LED Lighting Taiwan 2010 – from June 9 to 11 in Taipei, Taiwan: http://www.optotaiwan.com/en/exhibit_0101-02.asp (English)
- Photonics Industry & Technology Development Association (PIDA) – Taiwan: http://www.pida.org.tw/usub/en/index.asp (English)
- LED-en, French news site on the LEDs: http://www.led-fr.net (French)

Source: TSMC Breaks Ground on Fab for LED Lighting Business, TSMC, Mar. 25, 2010:http://www.tsmc.com/tsmcdotcom/PRListingNewsAction.do?action=detail&newsid=4681&language=E