SDK to Re-expand Capacity to Produce High-Grade SiC Epitaxial Wafers
23 Janvier 2018 - 6:00AM
JCN Newswire (English)
Showa Denko ("SDK"; TSE:4004) has decided to re-expand its
capacity to produce high-quality-grade silicon carbide (SiC)
epitaxial wafers for power devices, which have already been
marketed under the trade name of "High-Grade Epi" (HGE), in
addition to currently conducted expansion work of HGE production
facilities. After the initial expansion work which is scheduled to
be finished in this April, SDK's capacity to produce HGE will be
increased from current 3,000 wafers*1 per month to 5,000 wafers per
month. After the re-expansion work which is to be finished in
September 2018, that capacity will be increased to 7,000 wafers per
month.
When compared with the mainstream silicon-based semiconductors,
SiC-based power devices can operate under high-temperature,
high-voltage, and high-current conditions, while substantially
conserving energy. These features enable device manufacturers to
produce smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient next-generation
power control modules. In addition to the traditional use as power
sources, SiC-based power devices are now replacing conventional
silicon-based power devices for on-board use such as inverter
modules for railcars, on-board battery chargers and rapid charging
stations for EVs, in parallel with rapid expansion of the EV
market.
SDK's SiC epitaxial wafer business has been achieving growth rate
higher than that of the market because manufacturers of power
devices appreciate the lowest incidence of crystal defects and the
highest homogeneity of wafers in the world which SDK's HGE
achieved. SDK decided this time to conduct re-expansion of its HGE
production facilities since the initially expanded HGE production
facilities are expected to reach full capacity operation by the
middle of 2018.
SDK will continue responding to the demands of the market through
establishment of stable supply system of HGE.
*1 This number is based on a conversion into SiC epitaxial wafers
for power devices having withstanding voltage of 1,200 V.
About Showa Denko K.K.
Showa Denko K.K. ("SDK"; TSE:4004, US:SHWDF) is a major
manufacturer and marketer of chemical products serving a wide range
of fields ranging from heavy industry to the electronic and
computer industries. The Petrochemicals Sector provides cracker
products such as ethylene and propylene, the Chemicals Sector
provides industrial and high-performance gases and chemicals and
high-purity gases and chemicals for the semiconductor industry, and
the Inorganics Sector provides ceramics products such as alumina,
abrasive, refractory and graphite electrodes and fine carbon
products. Today, the Aluminum Sector provides aluminum materials
and high-value-added fabricated aluminum, the Electronics Sector
provides HD media, compound semiconductors such as ultra
high-bright LEDs and rare earth magnetic alloys, and the Advanced
Battery Materials Department (ABM) provides lithium-ion battery
components. For more information, please visit
www.sdk.co.jp/english/.
Source: Showa Denko K.K.
Contact:
Public Relations Office
Phone: 81-3-5470-3235
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