Next-generation power semiconductors, such as SiC and GaN, are attracting attention in the WBG.
SiC is suitable for use in eco-friendly energy sources such as electric vehicles and solar energy.
Korea Relies on Foreign Countries for 90% of Power Semiconductors, "Design R&D Desperately Needed"


Power semiconductors are semiconductors that perform conversion, transformation, stabilization, distribution, and control of electric power, including direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) conversion, and voltage and frequency regulation, to utilize electricity.

Recently, with the acceleration of digital and eco-friendly policies in major countries around the world, the market for compound-based power semiconductors, such as SiC (silicon carbide) and GaN (gallium nitride), which have higher power efficiency and durability than Si (silicon), is emerging.

SiC semiconductors are suitable for electric vehicles and solar inverters due to their voltage endurance 10 times higher than that of Si and 30% lower power loss, while GaN semiconductors are expected to be used in high-speed wireless charging and wireless communications due to their faster switching speed and ease of miniaturization compared to Si.

According to Omdia, the global power semiconductor market, which includes components, power ICs, and modules, is expected to grow from approximately $45 billion in 2019 to approximately $53 billion in 2023. Additionally, the number of SiC wafers used in next-generation power semiconductors is expected to more than triple from 218,000 in 2019 to 693,000 in 2027.

◇ Countries Developing Compound-Based Power Semiconductor Development Policies

The U.S. Department of Energy has been promoting the "Power America Project" since 2014 to develop wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors based on compounds such as SiC and GaN.

At this year's National People's Congress, China announced a plan to achieve self-sufficiency in compound semiconductors by including them among its seven cutting-edge technologies. Japan, too, launched the "Next-Generation Power Electronics Project," which develops WBG-based wafer materials, power semiconductor components and modules, and application technologies, as part of its "Strategic Innovation Creation Program," which has been underway since 2014.

Our government is also promoting a 'Power Semiconductor Commercialization Project' worth a total of 83 billion won from 2017 to 2023. Accordingly, in 2019, the 'Busan Power Semiconductor Commercialization Center', capable of manufacturing 6-inch SiC prototypes, opened in Gijang-gun, Busan.

Currently, growth-based support is underway, including the Power Semiconductor Reliability Evaluation Certification Center (2019-2022) and the training of next-generation power semiconductor device manufacturing experts (2020-2024). However, the industry is calling for the urgent creation of new power semiconductor R&D projects for design and process development.

◇ Korean power semiconductors must seize the lead in the compound-based market.

The domestic power semiconductor market is worth approximately $2 billion, but relies on imports for more than 90% of demand due to a lack of technological prowess and overseas companies' preemptive patent dominance.

In the case of components, domestic companies' production scale and technological capabilities lag behind global standards. Module companies, lacking connections with component manufacturers, are relying on imported components. Conversely, in the case of power ICs, PMICs and other products are being developed primarily by domestic fabless companies.

Recently, major domestic companies have been focusing on the growth potential of next-generation power semiconductors, such as SiC and GaN, and are expanding related investments. In 2019, SK Siltron acquired DuPont's SiC wafer business for $450 million, and SK invested 26.8 billion won in Yes Power Technics, a domestic company, acquiring a 33.6% stake and establishing a partnership.

An official from the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association (KSIA) stated that now is the time for public-private joint efforts to tackle the next-generation compound-based power semiconductor market, even if it means ensuring the success of the Korean New Deal, which encompasses digital and eco-friendly policies. He also advised that new R&D efforts to secure relevant technologies should be pursued in a timely manner.