ST signs agreement with ROHM’s SiCrystal to secure 150mm SiC wafer production capacity

With the large-scale commercialization of new energy vehicles and the advent of the 5G era, the market demand for silicon carbide (SiC) power devices is increasing.

With the popularity of electric vehicles and 5G, the demand for silicon carbide (SiC) materials is also increasing. In response to the upcoming market demand, as the leading semiconductor companies in this field, ROHM Group and STMicroelectronics (ST) have made new moves.

On January 16, STMicroelectronics and SiCrystal, a subsidiary of the ROHM Group, signed a long-term supply agreement for silicon carbide (SiC) wafers. The advanced 150mm silicon carbide wafer meets the growing demand for silicon carbide power devices in the current market.

Regarding this cooperation, Dr. Robert Eckstein, President and CEO of SiCrystal, a ROHM subsidiary, said, “SiCrystal is a SiC company under the ROHM Group and has many years of experience in SiC wafer development. We are honored to sign this supply agreement with our long-term customer ST. , will continue to increase wafer production in the future, and always provide products of reliable quality, supporting our partners to expand their silicon carbide business.”

Jean-Marc Chery, president and CEO of STMicroelectronics, revealed the next plan, “This long-term supply agreement for SiC substrates is in addition to the external production capacity we have already acquired and the internal production capacity that is gradually expanding. Guaranteed capacity, which will ensure ST can increase wafer supply and fill internal capacity gaps to meet strong customer demand for automotive and industrial project products in the coming years.”

It has to be said that with the large-scale commercial use of new energy vehicles and the advent of the 5G era, the demand for silicon carbide (SiC) materials in the product market has begun to show an unprecedented growth trend. According to IHS research data, the total silicon carbide market in 2017 will be 399 million US dollars, and will reach 1.644 billion US dollars in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate of 26.6%. For manufacturers in the semiconductor industry chain, this is a “window” that cannot be missed.

Author: Lynn