SK Keyfoundry, a foundry in Korea, has introduced its new fourth-generation 200V high-voltage 0.18-micron BCD (Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS) process. This new technology will be used to develop products for major customers and aims for mass production by the end of the year.
As more electric vehicles are being made and AI data centers grow, there's an escalating demand for high-voltage, energy-efficient power semiconductors. In particular, car systems are moving from 12V to 48V, as well as AI data centers are increasing voltages from 380V to 800V to boost power efficiency. This makes it even more important to have technology that can handle high voltages while controlling power efficiently.
SK Keyfoundry's new process improves power efficiency by over 20% compared to the previous version, with better high-temperature strength as well as breakdown voltage. It also reduces chip size and power loss, making it more efficient. The process includes a feature that blocks unwanted high voltage and noise, ensuring safer operation of digital signals. It also supports various types of memory and sensors for precise motor control.
This new technology can be used for a variety of products, including power management ICs, motor drivers, LED drivers, and gate drivers for power supplies. It also meets automotive standards, ensuring it can be used in car electronics that need to work reliably under tough conditions.
Executive Statement
According to Derek D. Lee, CEO of SK keyfoundry, as AI servers and automotive electronic systems continue to require higher power, demand for BCD processes exceeding 100V is increasing rapidly. In particular, given the limited number of foundries capable of providing high-voltage BCD processes based on bulk silicon, the mass production of their 200V high-voltage 0.18-micron BCD process represents a meaningful milestone. They plan to continuously advance their process technologies in line with evolving customer requirements in the power semiconductor market.
