DB Hitek: Korean Foundry Expands SiC & GaN R&D

South Korean semiconductor foundry DB Hitek, known formally as Dongbu HiTek, has recently amplified its research and development initiatives in the Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor sectors to bolster its long-term growth prospects.

DB Hitek's recent investments have been channeled into enhancing its 8-inch wafer manufacturing capabilities. Nevertheless, industry reports suggest that the operational outlook for the 8-inch wafer facility could be affected due to a gradual market rebound, coupled with lingering uncertainties regarding the potential shift to 12-inch wafer production. In response to this scenario, DB Hitek is primed to prioritize its future endeavors in emerging power semiconductor domains, such as GaN and SiC.

The company is reportedly making strategic early-stage investments in essential equipment dedicated to next-generation GaN and SiC power semiconductors, which is poised to expedite the pace of innovation in these critical areas.

It is noteworthy that DB Hitek is planning to enter the SiC market with its 8-inch wafer facility, despite the fact that 6-inch wafers continue to be prevalent in the industry. As part of government-backed initiatives, this specialized semiconductor foundry is engaged in a collaborative endeavor with the Busan Science Park to drive advancements in Silicon Carbide.

In the sphere of GaN semiconductor production, DB HiTek is establishing a partnership with A-PRO Semicon, a company specializing in waferless semiconductor manufacturing. This collaboration seeks to optimize foundry processes for GaN semiconductor production.

As articulated on the company's official website, DB HiTek operates two advanced semiconductor fabrication facilities, catering to manufacturing nodes ranging from 350nm to 90nm. Fab 1, situated in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, is dedicated to producing chip solutions spanning the 150nm to 350nm process range, encompassing diverse applications like mixed-signal, power, and analog chips. Meanwhile, Fab 2, located in Incheon, North Chungcheong Province, specializes in chip solutions designed for process nodes spanning from 90nm to 180nm, encompassing mixed-signal applications and CMOS image sensors (CIS), among other offerings.