Showa Denko K K : SDK to Re-expand Capacity to Produce High-Grade SiC Epitaxial Wafers
January 23, 2018 at 04:44 am
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Showa Denko K.K.
January 23, 2018
Showa Denko (SDK) (TOKYO: 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.
[Note]
*1 This number is based on a conversion into SiC epitaxial wafers for power devices having withstanding voltage of 1,200 V.
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Showa Denko KK published this content on 23 January 2018 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 23 January 2018 04:44:01 UTC.
Original documenthttp://www.sdk.co.jp/english/news/2018/26910.html
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Resonac Holding Corporation (formerly Showa Denko KK) is a holding company organized around 7 family of products:
- materials (43.8% of net sales): electronics materials (epoxy molding compounds, die bonding materials, CMP slurries, anisotropic conductive films), printed wiring board materials (copper-clad laminates, photosensitive dry films), mobility components (plastic molded products, friction materials, powder metal products, carbon anode materials for LIBs), energy storage devices and systems (automotive and industrial batteries), and life sciences (diagnostics, contracted manufacturing of regenerative medicine products);
- petrochemical products (19.6%): olefins (polyethylene, polypropylene) and organic chemical products (vinyl acetate monomer, ethyl acetate and plastics);
- chemical products (12.9%): caustic soda, chlorine, liquid ammonia, amino acids, polymers, gas (oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen), etc.;
- electronic components (8.3%): hard disks, semiconductors components, magnetic components, etc.;
- inorganic products (7.1%): ceramics and carbons (graphite electrodes);
- aluminum products (5.3%): aluminum foils, extruded products, forged products, cans, etc.;
- other (3%).
Net sales break down geographically as follows: Japan (53.4%), China (12%), Asia (20.6%) and other (14%).