Memory ICs

The worldwide drop in memory IC prices of the previous fiscal year persisted in fiscal 1996. Although the demand for 16-Mbit DRAMs increased dramatically as PC sales boomed, because of the lower prices, overall sales decreased. To cope with the need to produce more for less and to stay in tune with changing user needs, Fujitsu shifted production from 16-Mbit DRAMs to highly integrated 64-Mbit synchronous DRAMs. The company is also developing 0.18-micron process technology for next generation devices to strengthen its position in the market.

Logic Devices

In the area of logic LSIs, the demand for high value-added logic devices is expanding, especially in microcontrollers for high performance information equipment and ASICs for multimedia applications. Fujitsu worked to develop and market single-chip system LSI products that incorporate a range of multimedia functions. To maintain order in these chaotic times, Fujitsu was a driving force in promoting the establishment of the VSI Alliance, an organization dedicated to the standardization of system LSIs.

Electronic Components

In October 1996, Fujitsu started the world's first mass-production of thin, lightweight 42-inch color plasma display panels (PDPs). Marketed under the ImageSite brand, these 42-inch displays offer huge viewing from wide angles, making them key devices for wall-mounted televisions and far-ranging commercial applications. The TFT LCD panel business was also active, led by the mass-production of 11- and 12-inch panels for notebook personal computers. The company is also developing large high-performance displays, including a 15-inch TFT panel.