EngD Society visit to TDK and Science Park Laboratories

CityU EngD Society arranged a technical visit to TDK China Co., Ltd., and Science Park Laboratories on 28 Aug 2013. TDK (China) Co., Ltd. is the Japanese TDK Corporation’s operating entity in Greater China Region. And SAE Technology Centre in Science Park, which is the first stop of the visit, is the headquarters and R&D Centre of TDK’s wholly-owned subsidiary – SAE Magnetics (http://www.sae.com.hk) who is the only independent manufacturer of the world for magnetic recording heads used in hard disk drives. In addition to magnetic recording heads, SAE has also expanded to the areas of Optical Communication Components. Hong Kong Science Park develops and provides research and development (R&D) support services to assist technology companies in FIVE clusters included Biotechnology, Electronics, Green Technology, Information Technology and Telecommunications, as well as, Precision Engineering. Each cluster has their own laboratories or support centres (http://lab.hkstp.org).

In the beginning, Dr. Raymond Leung (Chairman & CEO, TDK China Co., Ltd.; and EngD cohort 2005) gave use an overview the development of SAE and TDK in China. He said technology advance edge was the key of survive, so they had several national standard material laboratories for R&D. During our discussion, Raymond pointed out some opportunities such as their HD technology employed for Cloud Computing under Data Centre storage aspect, Electric Car battery. Amperex Technology Limited (ATL) and EPCOS were two of subsidiary companies which R&D performed in Hong Kong.

Our vice chairman Dr. Herbert Yeung presented a souvenir to Dr. Raymond Leung.

Then Mr. Horris Leung (TDK) introduced TDK China Co., Ltd. history and products to us. TDK has more than 70 years revolution and development since 1932. They had three types of product stated "Passive Components", "Magnetic Application Products" and "Other".

The following diagram demonstrated different products in TDK. Horris pointed out that a Car in the centre of the diagram indicated that vehicle electronic would be key market. They would focus on electric vehicle battery development.

Some product samples were showed to us included Wafer of Magnetic Recording Head (4"), Hard Disk Drive and Tablet Li-Battery.

After that Horris led us to visit TDK China testing laboratories. There were many set of tester for Dynamic Electric/Performance Testing. All testing would be performed in Clean Room. Since particle, temperature and humidity were significant parameters, some testers located in a temperature chamber or Dry Room both under clean room environment for testing.

We took a group photo in front of TDK logo.

The second part of technical visit was led by myself. First laboratory named Wireless Communications Test Laboratory and I introduced the 3GPP tester which was inside shield room.

In reliability laboratory, I briefed different type of temperature and humidity chambers.

Then we visited a new laboratory named 3D SIP laboratory. All equipment were in 10k class clean room for wafer / probe test and packaging pilot test.

We took a group photo in front of 3D SIP Laboratory

The last station was the building Green 18 and it was Hong Kong National High-Tech Industrialisation (Partner) Base For Green Technology.

I mentioned different green technologies which employed in Green 18 and their efficiency. Then we visited the green roof of the building.

Dr. Amie Lai (Chairlady, EngD Society) presented a souvenir to me.

At the end, we took a group photo in front of Golden Egg for memory.

EngD Society Information:
Board Members 2013 are:
Chairlady - Ms. Amie Lai (2004)
Vice-chairman - Dr. Herbert Yeung (2004)
Secretary - Dr. Lotto Lai (2005)
Treaturer - Dr. Calvin Chiu (2005)
Dr. Rocky Lam (2006)
Dr. PM Lai (2008)
Dr. Dave Lo (2005)
Dr. WT Chan (2004)

Reference:
CityU Engineering Doctorate Society - http://www.engd.org/content/Introduction.aspx
Engineering Doctorate (Engineering Management) - http://www.cityu.edu.hk/seem/prg-engd.htm
CityU's Engineering Doctorate (Engineering Management) Programme 2013 - http://www.sgs.cityu.edu.hk/programme/ENGD(EM)