Issue 3 2020

Issue 3 2020 13 of semiconductors. That time is now. Mr Ramdeen shared us with some statistics of the last ten years that offer an opportunity to revolutionize the way semiconductors are used in global Internet technology. “We’ve witnessed a substantial increase in the amount of data that travels over the Internet backbone. For example, Cisco Systems had predicted that there would be a 6x increase in data traffic in the Cloud alone from 2012 to 2016 to an annual data traffic volume of 6.6 Zettabytes! That’s equivalent to 7 trillion hours of H.D. video streaming or 2.5 hours of H.D. video streaming for each man, woman and child on Earth each day for an entire year (source: “Cisco Global Cloud Index Forecasts Cloud Traffic to Grow Sixfold by 2016”: News Release, Cisco Systems, October 23, 2012).” “Today’s Internet backbone was never designed to support this type of explosive growth in data. What happens with the deployment of 5G mobile wireless communications, the coming of the “Internet of Things” (IoT) and the demands of big data analytics? How will today’s global Internet backbone cost-effectively keep up with this exponential growth in data?” More and more people than ever before are using electronic devices with them wherever they go, and the need for semiconductors that can get the job done has never been more prevalent. In this era of inescapable digitalisation, the use of semiconductors has become impossible to avoid. For many years, silicon has been the primary semiconductor of choice for discrete devices and integrated circuits, given its relatively commonness and excellent conductive properties. However, Mr Ramdeen and the team at Luxcore had other ideas. Instead choosing to use Indium Phosphide (InP) as its primary semiconductor material of choice, Luxcore had its sights set on dominating the market once again, without the disastrous implosion. Indium Phosphide proved a superior choice for a semiconductor that would be used in high-power and high-frequency electronics, thanks in large part to its electron velocity being greater than that of elements such as silicon and gallium arsenide. As our time with Mr Ramdeen comes to a close, it has become more apparent than ever why he has been duly recognized as the Most Influential CEO of the Year 2019 – USA. His sagacity, tenacity, and determination is nothing short of admirable, and his ability to lead a team through some of the most difficult economic conditions is unparalleled. Closing out the interview, Mr Ramdeen shared with us some words of wisdom for his fellow peers; words which many of us should take to heart. “I want to tell my peers that the key is ‘perseverance and adaptability.’. Have faith, believe in your team, and stay committed to your purpose and vision even in the face of adversity. Be open to the unconventional. The path to success does not come without obstacles and challenges. I had the difficult tasks of trying to find and lead strategic initiatives to keep Luxcore operational during some of the most challenging economic conditions in recent history and prevailing through it was gratifying.” Contact: Gerald Ramdeen Website: www.luxcore.com/web/