SiC Technology Improving
The author is an analyst of NH Investment & Securities. He can be reached at hwdoh@nhqv.com. -- Ed.
SiC semiconductor capacity expansion is accelerating. The Japanese chipmaker Rohm announced that it has completed construction of a new SiC fab and started investing in equipment. The media also reported that Korea’s Silicon Works selected SiC semiconductor as its new core business.
SiC capacity expansion and investment acceleration
Silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor capacity expansion is accelerating. The Japanese semiconductor player Rohm announced last week that it had completed construction of a SiC-only fab in Chikugo, Fukuoka. The goal is to set up equipment in 2021 and start operations in 2022. SiC semiconductors have a band gap that is more than 3x wider than existing Si semiconductors and can withstand 10x higher voltage. SiC semiconductors are beginning to be installed in EV inverters, solar inverters, and industrial facilities.
Meanwhile, domestic media outlets recently announced that Silicon Works has selected SiC as its new core business. This decision appears to be related to the recent acceleration of the LG Group’s automotive electronics business expansion. It is predicted that the size of the domestic SiC chip design market will increase as large players enter the market, which has thus far mainly been occupied by SMEs. Major global firms include STMicro, Infineon, and Renesas.
SiC technology improving
United SiC unveiled a 750V product based on its fourth generation SiC semiconductor platform (vs its existing 650V product), which is likely to be adopted in the automotive market. Compared to its third generation product, the new offering reduces Rds per unit area by 18~60 milliohms, and output capacitance has been lowered.
The adoption of such technology results in a smaller SiC chip size and higher current value. SiC adoption is expected to accelerate in DC-DC conversion and on-board charging, power factor correction in industrial applications, and solar inverters. Domestic SiC related players include RFHIC and Metal Life, while overseas firms include Cree, Veeco, STMicroelectronics, and Rohm.