Local organizer

Local organizer: Taiwan Firmware Academy (TFA)

Firmware means codes or application packages implemented in special-purpose computers (chips), while software refers to application packages in generous-purpose computer, such as PC. Firmware emphasizes real-time computation and communication, achieving the response speed of hardware while retaining the digital processing capabilities of software, thus emerging as a new technological domain.

Because components such as servos, drives, sensors, and passive elements, all require embedded chips, the computational codes, human-machine interfaces of instruments, and complete systems can also be implemented into chips to enhance intelligence and reduce hardware costs. Firmware technology has thus become indispensable, especially in modern industry and academy. Therefore, the Taiwan Firmware Academy was established to strengthen the connection between industry and academia, integrate practical and theoretical aspects of firmware, cultivate talents, and upgrade the industry.

Taiwan Firmware Academy (TFA) was thus established to finish the goals addressed below.

1. Most of software and hardware have been well-developed in many developed countries, while most of corporations in Taiwan earn low-profits by OEM manufacture. Firmware, however, provides a loyal way to high profits, whereby any innovative idea can be quickly put into practice through programming. This leads to technological advancements and industrial transformation for manufacture-focused countries. For instance, firmware companies can freely design highly profitable servomotors and sensors, or provide application packages to those companies that desire to design new products.

2. Firmware industry enable developing countries to provide high-profit service to developed countries. It allows us to transform know-how into profits, even without patents and communication protocols.

3. Taiwan is of world-class students with elegancy of mathematics and sciences. Putting all of them into OEM is quit a pity, so firmware industry provides Human Resources to Taiwan’s education. Taiwan students are doubtlessly capable of developing world-class chip-end or application-end firmware.

4. Some instruments for defense or classified industry are not available now. Firmware-based instrumentation can resolve this situation for scientific discovery and national security.