Rohm Semiconductor plans to manufacture silicon carbide (SiC) wafers in Japan for the first time starting in 2024 as the demand for these chips continues to rise rapidly.
According to DigiTimes Asia, the move is to expand production capacity while also securing a supply of wafers. Rohm will manufacture 8-inch silicon carbide wafers in its second factory in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. The chips will be used for Rohm’s internal use.
The facility will be acquired by Rohm from Solar Frontier, a subsidiary of Idemitsu Kosan. Once converted, the second factory at Miyazaki will be Rohm’s largest SiC power semiconductor factory using 200 mm wafers.
This move to electrification in the automotive market and the rise in renewable energy is driving demand for SiC semiconductors. After years of development, the wide bandgap technology is finally soaring and semiconductor firms, automotive OEMs, energy companies and those companies developing products for both markets are looking to secure capacity in the SiC sector.
Deals include semiconductor firms matching with automotive OEMs to secure supply while other deals include electrification automotive module makers teaming up with chipmakers. Meanwhile, wafer makers and foundries are in the mix offering deals to secure capacity to anyone looking for supply.
