DENSO Corporation, a global mobility supplier, and United Semiconductor Japan Co., Ltd. (USJC), a subsidiary of global semiconductor foundry - United Microelectronics Corporation, have announced that the companies have agreed to collaborate on the production of power semiconductors at USJC’s 300mm fab to serve the growing demand in the automotive market.
IGBT line
An insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) line will be installed at USJC’s wafer fab, which will be the first in Japan to produce IGBTs on 300mm wafers. DENSO will contribute its system-oriented IGBT device and process technologies, while USJC will provide its 300mm wafer manufacturing capabilities to bring the 300mm IGBT process into mass production, scheduled to start in the first half of 2023.
This collaboration is supported by the renovation and decarbonization program for indispensable semiconductors of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
adoption of electric cars
IGBTs are core devices in power cards, serving as efficient power switches in inverters to convert DC and AC
As the development and adoption of electric cars accelerate amid a global effort to reduce carbon emissions, the demand for semiconductors required in the electrification of vehicles is also rapidly increasing.
IGBTs are core devices in power cards, serving as efficient power switches in inverters to convert DC and AC currents to drive and control electric vehicle motors.
supply of power semiconductors
“DENSO is very glad to be the member of the first companies in Japan to start mass production of IGBTs on 300 mm wafers,” said Koji Arima, President of DENSO.
Koji Arima adds, “Semiconductors are becoming increasingly important in the automotive industry as mobility technologies evolve, including automated driving and electrification. Through this collaboration, we contribute to the stable supply of power semiconductors and electrification of automobiles.”
environmentally friendly electric vehicles
“As a key foundry player in Japan, USJC is committed to supporting the government’s strategy to boost domestic semiconductor production and the transition to more environmentally friendly electric vehicles,” said Michiari Kawano, President of USJC.
Michiari Kawano adds, “We are confident that our foundry services certified by automotive customers combined with DENSO’s expertise will produce high-quality products to power the automotive trends of tomorrow.”
relevance and influence
“We are pleased to have this win-win collaboration with a pioneering company such as DENSO. This is an important project for UMC and will expand our relevance and influence in the automotive segment,” said Jason Wang, Co-President of UMC.
Jason Wang adds, “With our robust portfolio of advanced specialty technologies and IATF 16949 certified fabs in diversified locations, UMC is well placed to serve demand across auto applications, including advanced driver assistance systems, infotainment, connectivity, and powertrain. We look forward to capitalizing on more cooperation opportunities going forward with top players in the automotive space.”