A program has been prepared to support the development of power semiconductors. Responsible for power conversion, transformation, stabilization, distribution, and control, power semiconductors have experienced a rapid increase in demand due to the recent global shortage of semiconductors for vehicles and the proliferation of electric vehicles.
The Korea Semiconductor Industry Association announced on the 16th that it would operate a 'Power Semiconductor Prototype Co-Production Support Program' with the Center for Busan Technopark Power Semiconductor Commercialization.
Its main goal is to reduce the cost of prototype production and equipment by 50-60% in developing prototypes through the Center for Power Semiconductor Commercialization. Support programs have been prepared for each batch process and unit process. to accelerate the final commercialization by helping the development of prototypes at a lower cost.
The program was prepared as part of the 'Project for New Industry Creation Power Semiconductor Commercialization', supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology. Through this project, the Power Semiconductor Commercialization Center previously built Korea's first 6-inch silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor manufacturing facility. So far, it has signed contracts with 9firms to support the development of semiconductor products. To expand the SiC foundry prototype service, the Center will expand manufacturing facility in the Science Park in Gijang-gun, Busan by next year.
Chang-hanLee, full-time Vice President of the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association, said, “The demand for high-efficiency power semiconductors such as electric vehicles and new and renewable energy is rapidly growing. To secure the competitiveness of next-generation power semiconductor industry, it is very important to strengthen policies to foster strategic industries in connection with demand industries and to activate win-win programs that can expand corporate support.”
Meanwhile, according to market research firm Omdia, the global power semiconductor market is expected to grow from $46.8 billion (about 54.42 trillion won) this year to $62.3 billion (about 72.45 trillion won) in 2024. The high annual growth rate of SiC material power semiconductors is expected to exceed 20% in particular.
By Dong-jun Kwon, Staff Reporter djkwon@etnews.com