[Alpha Biz=(Chicago) Reporter Kim Jisun] As demand for electric vehicles has soared and silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors have emerged, SK affiliates are expanding their investments in SiC semiconductors. SK Group is expanding its semiconductor business in memory semiconductors centered on SK Hynix.

According to industry sources on the 19th, SK Powertech, a SiC power semiconductor company, recently decided to join hands with U.S. semiconductor design asset (IP) company Silvaco to develop SiC power semiconductors. It is intended to enhance technical skills by strengthening cooperation with external companies.

SK PowerTech decided to use Silverco's Technology Computer-Aided Design (TCAD) solution. Victory TCAD is a computing programming tool that allows you to simulate and create products that occur during the development of SiC power semiconductors.

Power semiconductor is a semiconductor that is essential for controlling current direction and power conversion in electric vehicles, electronics, and 5G communication networks. Silicon carbonate-based SiC power semiconductors can withstand voltage 10 times higher and hundreds of degrees higher than conventional silicon (Si) power semiconductors. The thickness is about 10th.

SiC power semiconductors are rapidly replacing existing markets with these advantages. As the supply of electric vehicles expands, the adoption rate of SiC power semiconductors in the power semiconductor market is increasing. The SiC power semiconductor has improved the energy efficiency of electric vehicles by about 7%, making it a key component of electric vehicles. Tesla has introduced SiC power semiconductors in one-third of all electric vehicles.

SK, an investment company, took over the management rights of SK Powertech, a SiC power semiconductor design and production company last year. SK PowerTech completed the test operation of a new plant that opened in Jangan-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan in March and began mass production last month.

Through the operation of the new plant, SK Powertech's production capacity will increase to 29,000 sheets (based on 6-inch wafers) annually, three times higher than before.

SK expects synergy between SK Siltron and SK Powertech, which produce wafers. When SK Siltron supplies SiC wafers, SK PowerTech produces semiconductors that utilize them.

SK Siltron is expected to produce SiC wafers at its Gumi 2 plant and its Urban and Bay City plants in Michigan, USA. SK Siltron plans to invest $ 640 million (850 billion won) in SiC wafer development by 2025 to expand production.

 

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