Accelerate development and time-to-market of advanced power GaN solutions
Leverage ST’s automotive market expertise and TSMC’s world-leading manufacturing technology
Improved energy efficiency of wide bandgap products for higher energy efficiency in power conversion applications
China, February 24, 2020 – STMicroelectronics (ST; NYSE: STM), the world’s leading semiconductor supplier across multiple Electronic applications, and TSMC, the world’s largest professional semiconductor foundry (TWSE:2330, NYSE: TSM) to collaborate to accelerate the development of gallium nitride (GaN) process technology and the availability of GaN discrete and integrated devices. Through this collaboration, ST’s innovative strategic gallium nitride products will use TSMC’s industry-leading GaN manufacturing process.
Gallium Nitride (GaN) is a wide-bandgap semiconductor material that offers significant advantages over traditional silicon power semiconductors, such as higher energy efficiency during high-power operation, resulting in significantly lower parasitic power losses. GaN technology also enables the design of more compact devices with better form factors for target applications. In addition, GaN devices can switch 10 times faster than silicon devices while operating at higher peak temperatures. These robust and robust material properties make GaN well suited for automotive, industrial, telecom and specific applications in the evolving 100V and 650V range. Consumer and other application fields.
Specifically, power GaN and GaN IC technologies will enable ST to offer customers more energy-efficient solutions for mid- to high-power applications, including hybrid and electric vehicles, compared to silicon technologies based on the same topology. Power converters and chargers. Power gallium nitride and gallium nitride IC technology will help drive the rapid development of the megatrend of electrification of passenger and commercial vehicles.
Marco Monti, president of ST’s Automotive and Discrete Business Unit, said: “As a leader in demanding automotive and industrial wide-bandgap semiconductor technology and power semiconductors, STMicroelectronics is optimistic about accelerating the development and delivery of GaN process technology, bringing The huge opportunity brought by the introduction of power GaN and GaN IC products to the market. TSMC is a trusted foundry partner, and only they can meet the unique reliability and development planning of ST’s target customers. requirements. This collaborative project complements our capacity in Tours, France to produce power gallium nitride developed in partnership with CEA-Leti. gallium nitride is the next big innovation in power and smart power electronics and process technology.”
“We look forward to working with STMicroelectronics to bring GaN power electronics technology to industrial and automotive power conversion system applications,” said Dr. Kevin Zhang, vice president of business development at TSMC. “TSMC’s industry-leading GaN manufacturing expertise, Combining ST’s product design and automotive-grade qualifications will greatly improve the energy efficiency of industrial and automotive power conversion, making it more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, and helping to accelerate the process of vehicle electrification.”
STMicroelectronics expects to deliver the first samples of power GaN discrete devices to key customers later this year, followed by GaN IC products in a few months.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics (STMicroelectronics; ST) is the world’s leading semiconductor company, providing smart, energy-efficient products and solutions that are relevant to everyday life. ST’s products are everywhere, working with customers to enable smart driving, smart factories, smart cities and smart homes, as well as next-generation mobility and IoT products. Enjoy technology, enjoy life, STMicroelectronics advocates the concept of technology leading intelligent life (life.augmented). STMicroelectronics had net revenue of $9.56 billion in 2019 and has more than 100,000 customers worldwide. For details, please visit the STMicroelectronics website: www.st.com
