A new generation of power semiconductors for controlling electric power has entered the stage of popularization. Demand for semiconductors using silicon carbide (SiC) has surged, centered on pure electric vehicles (EVs), and automakers such as Toyota are also planning to use them in new vehicles. The development of gallium nitride (GaN) substrates is also progressing toward commercialization. As it is the core device that controls the low power consumption performance of electronic equipment and plays a key role in decarbonization, investment competition is also becoming increasingly fierce.
The new production plant of Japan's ROHM (ROHM) in Chikugo City, Fukuoka Prefecture is preparing for mass production of SiC power semiconductors. Most of the manufacturing equipment has been introduced in 2021, and after entering 2022, trial production and evaluation will be repeated.
ROHM will mass-produce SiC power semiconductors ahead of schedule
Roma President Takeshi Matsumoto said, "The decarbonization trend such as the popularization of pure electric vehicles is about two years earlier than expected," and the company is currently stepping up the establishment of a mass production system. Statistics from the French research company Yole show that in 2021, Roma's share of SiC power semiconductors will reach about 10%, ranking fourth in the world. Roma has set a goal of increasing its share to 30% with the help of the new production plant, and "strive to increase its share to the world's No. 1 by fiscal 2025" (President Matsumoto).
ROHM's SiC Power Semiconductors
Power semiconductors act as "switches" where current flows or stops. Even within the same product, different components need to work under different voltages and currents, so it is necessary to convert direct current to alternating current or adjust the voltage.
For example, smartphone chargers need to convert the current output by the socket. The charger generates heat, which is equivalent to the power loss generated during this operation. If the performance of power semiconductors improves, losses can be reduced and electrical products can be driven with less power consumption.
Toyota and Honda to adopt SiC power semiconductors in pure electric vehicles
Demand for SiC power semiconductors in fields such as pure electric vehicles is rapidly increasing and is entering a period of popularization. Japanese auto companies have also adopted it. Toyota will use SiC power semiconductors in inverters for the Lexus pure electric vehicle "RZ", which will be launched after the winter of 2022. Honda also intends to use SiC products in the inverters of medium and large pure electric vehicles in 2026.
