SIGETRONICS, Inc. announced that it has developed a 650V GaN (Gallium Nitride) power semiconductor through years of research and development, while also establishing a related process service platform.

GaN power semiconductors, which deliver superior power conversion efficiency and enable high current capacity and high-speed switching compared to traditional silicon (Si) devices, are already widely used in compact IT chargers and are expected to see explosive growth as next-generation power devices. Due to the high technological barriers, only a few global companies such as Infineon and TSMC have entered mass production, and SIGETRONICS is currently the only company in Korea capable of producing them.

To strengthen competitiveness, SIGETRONICS has enhanced its GaN device technology by advancing interconnection techniques, conductance reduction for high-speed switching, threshold voltage control, and CMOS-compatible GaN processing with newly developed voltage-withstand enhancement and current reduction technologies. The company also established a CMOS-compatible 6-inch process service platform, enabling support for the diverse needs of fabless companies.

GaN power semiconductors, commonly used in high-efficiency power conversion systems, offer higher bandgap, carrier mobility, and current saturation density than Si power semiconductors, resulting in lower on-resistance (RDS(on)) and higher operating frequency (fc). However, their application has been limited by relatively low voltage tolerance. SIGETRONICS’ newly developed device addresses these challenges by applying advanced voltage and current control technologies, achieving electrical specifications including maximum current (Imax) of 30 A, breakdown voltage (Vmax) greater than 650 V, on-resistance (RDS(on)) below 20 mΩ, switching charge (Qg) below 30 nC, and threshold voltage above 1.0 V. These improvements expand applicability across a wider range of products.

The 650V GaN power semiconductor is expected to be used not only in compact IT (wireless) chargers but also in household appliances, solar inverters and converters, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, contributing to further miniaturization and energy efficiency. In addition, SIGETRONICS’ CMOS-compatible GaN 6-inch process service will be provided with customized specifications tailored to diverse customer requirements.

Date: 2022-02-09

SIGETRONICS