Yes Power Technics Boosts SiC Power Semiconductor Production with New Busan Factory And Equipment

Yes Power Technics, a subsidiary of SK Group, has significantly increased its production capacity for SiC (silicon carbide) power semiconductors through its merger with SK Group. According to a business report submitted by SK Holdings on March 21, Yes Power Technics has started mass-producing SiC power semiconductors this month at its new factory in Busan, which has completed expansion and equipment introduction.

Previously, Yes Power Technics had 100mm and 150mm SiC power semiconductor production facilities in Pohang. However, in late 2021, in order to expand production capacity, the facilities were relocated to the Technopark Power Semiconductor Commercialization Center in Busan. After the completion of the four-story expansion, mass production of 150mm SiC power semiconductors began this month.

With this expansion, Yes Power Technics has increased its SiC power semiconductor production capacity by about three times. The current production capacity of Yes Power Technics is 10,000 wafers per year (based on 150mm conversion). Using 150mm as the basis, the new factory's production capacity is 29,000 wafers per year. In addition, Yes Power Technics has launched high-performance ion implanters and high-resolution exposure equipment to enhance chip performance.

Power semiconductors are devices that convert and control power. In the past, silicon has been the main material used. However, recently, SiC, which has superior voltage and high temperature durability compared to silicon and has high power efficiency, is becoming the next-generation power semiconductor material. In particular, the most active investment is in the fields of electric vehicles and renewable energy, including electric vehicles.

According to market research firm TrendForce, the global SiC power semiconductor market is expected to grow by 41.4% from $1.69 billion in 2021 to $2.275 billion this year. In addition, the market is expected to reach $5.328 billion by 2026, with an average annual growth rate of 30% over the next three years.

SK Group continues to invest in the SiC market, believing in its potential. In mid-2021, SK Holdings acquired Yes Power Technics, the only company in Korea with SiC power semiconductor design and production technology, for KRW 124 billion. At the time, SK Holdings announced that the purpose of the acquisition was to "accelerate the high-growth, high-profit SiC power semiconductor business."

SK plans to promote synergies between its subsidiaries to accelerate the development of Yes Power Technics. Another SK Group subsidiary, SK Siltron, began mass-producing 150mm SiC wafers at the end of last year, with the goal of increasing SiC wafer sales revenue by more than double compared to last year. Yes Power Technics plans to strengthen cooperation in various fields, such as supplying SiC wafers from SK Siltron and conducting joint research and development.