Silicon carbide manufacturers are at the forefront of semiconductor innovation, catering to a growing need for power efficiency in the electronics and automotive sectors. This article offers a direct peek into the leading SiC manufacturers, their advancements, and how they’re predicted to shape the industry landscape in 2024 and beyond. Stay informed on who the key players are, what technologies they bring to the table, and the market growth they’re driving.
Key Takeaways
- Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductors are recognized for their superior properties such as low on-resistance, high-temperature resilience, high-frequency and -voltage performance, with wide applications in energy and mobility sectors, contributing to significant energy efficiency improvements.
- Key SiC manufacturers such as Infineon, Onsemi, and Wolfspeed are investing heavily in production capabilities and advanced facilities, with a focus on larger wafer sizes and emerging trends in advanced production methodologies to meet the growing market demand.
- The SiC market is expected to grow substantially, driven by the increased use of SiC in electric vehicle applications, renewable energy, and innovations in technology that address current manufacturing challenges like supply chain issues and wafer scalability.
Understanding Silicon Carbide (SiC)
Silicon Carbide (SiC) distinguishes itself as a highly promising material within the semiconductor domain. It’s not your typical silicon-based semiconductor. Silicon carbide devices, also known as SiC devices, offer:
- Low ON resistance
- High-temperature performance
- High-frequency performance
- High-voltage performance
Such unique traits position SiC as a revolutionary player in the semiconductor field.
SiC FET/MOSFET transistors boast higher thermal conductivity, a higher critical breakdown field, and a wide band gap. With their impressive features, SiC semiconductors find wide applications in the energy and mobility sectors, significantly reducing energy losses and enhancing energy efficiency. But how does this translate into real-world applications? Let’s explore.
Properties and Advantages of SiC
Contrary to traditional silicon-based semiconductors, silicon carbide semiconductor devices can operate at elevated voltages, temperatures, and frequencies. This allows for improved performance in various applications. This is primarily due to their wide band gap, which allows them to tolerate low power loss and high temperature, making them suitable for demanding power applications.
Moreover, the superior thermal conductivity of SiC semiconductors enables better thermal management and integration into smaller devices with high efficiency. Innovative trench-based structures in SiC devices also lower on-resistance, which is critical for high-performance power electronics. However, the near-diamond hardness of SiC poses challenges in production, requiring processing at higher temperatures and energy, resulting in advanced manufacturing techniques.
Applications of SiC in Power Electronics and Automotive
The revenue from the automotive and industrial applications segment for silicon carbide semiconductors has significantly grown in recent years, a trend anticipated to persist into the next decade. This growth is driven largely by the demand for electric vehicles, where SiC semiconductors play a pivotal role in ensuring that power components like inverters are not only efficient but also enable faster battery charging.
Within power electronics, the popularity of SiC semiconductors is on the rise thanks to their high power density and swift switching capabilities, which have made a significant contribution to the enhancement of energy efficiency across various sectors. Advanced SiC devices such as MOSFETs and modules, used in applications for electric vehicle traction inverters and onboard chargers, are increasing efficiency and reducing energy consumption across the sector.
Top Silicon Carbide Manufacturers
Several key players in the semiconductor components industries include:
- Infineon
- Onsemi (ON Semiconductor)
- Rohm Semiconductor
- STMicroelectronics (STM)
- Wolfspeed
- GeneSiC Semiconductor
- TT Electronics
- Vishay Intertechnology
- Solitron Devices
These companies are pushing the boundaries of SiC technology, investing heavily in new facilities and production techniques.
For instance, Wolfspeed is investing USD 5 billion in a new facility called the John Palmour Manufacturing Center for Silicon Carbide, targeting completion of its first phase by the end of 2024. Meanwhile, silicon carbide companies like SICC and Ascen Power are developing projects to enhance global silicon carbide wafer manufacturing through investments in new production techniques.
Infineon Technologies AG
Infineon Technologies AG has made significant strides in the application of SiC technology in the automotive industry. Their SiC technology is incorporated in electric vehicles through products like the 1200V Easy PACK half-bridge module, improving charging efficiency and reducing battery costs.
With a diverse SiC product range, including CoolSiC™ MOSFETs with trench technology, hybrid modules, and EiceDRIVER™ gate-driver ICs, Infineon aims for efficient power conversion. Backed by over 20 years of expertise, Infineon provides energy-efficient SiC solutions that support activities such as energy generation, transmission, and consumption.
Cree, Inc.
Cree, Inc. has made a significant impact on the SiC industry through their advanced SiC modules. These modules have not only contributed to the company’s market growth but have also influenced the overall SiC industry.
Cree’s silicon carbide power modules, designed primarily with silicon carbide, are sought after for high-performance applications due to their superior thermal conductivity and high-temperature resilience. By strategically focusing on research and quality, Cree, Inc. continues to grow and is expected to capture a significant share of the SiC market.
ROHM Semiconductor
ROHM Semiconductor has displayed a strong commitment to SiC technology, integrating it into their strategic product development. The company offers a diverse portfolio of SiC-related products, including gate drivers and integrated circuits.
These products are utilized in industrial production, where SiC’s high efficiency and power handling capabilities are essential. ROHM’s silicon carbide power semiconductors are also applied in electric vehicles, contributing to advancements in the automotive sector.
Emerging Trends in Silicon Carbide Manufacturing
Forecasting the future of SiC manufacturing reveals two key trends: the inclination towards larger wafer sizes and the embracement of advanced production methodologies. These trends aim to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and pave the way for the next generation of SiC devices.
Industry events such as Infineon’s Wide-Bandgap Developer Forum play a pivotal role in showcasing advancements in SiC and GaN technologies. Additionally, the increased focus on environmentally friendly processes is promoting the adoption of green silicon carbide in various industries. However, the expansion in SiC boule growth capacity and the dearth of wafering services contribute to ongoing supply chain bottlenecks.
Larger Wafer Sizes
One of the significant trends in SiC and GaN-based power devices is the transition towards larger 200mm wafer sizes from the traditional 150mm to help reduce the cost of fabrication. The John Palmour Manufacturing Center for Silicon Carbide is set to produce these larger 200mm wafers to meet the demands of next-generation semiconductor needs.
However, this transition does raise concerns. Scaling up to 200mm wafer sizes necessitates additional measurement points for accuracy, especially at the outer edges where yield can be lower.
Advanced Production Techniques
The complexity of SiC manufacturing, owing to inherent material characteristics like hardness and fragility, impacts multiple facets of production from cycle times and costs to dicing performance. To address these challenges, advanced production techniques are being developed.
Companies like X-Trinsic are enhancing the manufacturing process of silicon carbide by offering services that expedite the adoption of SiC products. These services include:
- Transforming a solid puck of SiC into prime wafers ready for epitaxy or device fabrication
- Restoring off-spec wafers to a usable state
- Offering technical or business consulting.
Regional Analysis of SiC Manufacturing
From a geographical perspective, significant regional disparities are noticeable within the SiC manufacturing market. The Asia-Pacific region dominated the SiC semiconductor devices market in 2021, while the European SiC semiconductor market is projected to reach approximately USD 309,250.40 thousand by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 11.0% from 2021.
However, the North American market is poised for significant growth, with an expected surge of over 18.5% CAGR from 2023 to 2032, largely due to advancements in renewable energy sectors like solar and wind power.
Asia-Pacific Market
The Asia-Pacific region leads the SiC semiconductor devices market, driven by:
- increasing investments in development and manufacturing
- more companies in the region investing in SiC technology
- gearing up to meet the growing global demand
This dominance is expected to continue.
North American Market
In North America, several key players, such as GeneSiC Semiconductor and ON Semiconductor Corporation, are pivotal in driving the SiC market growth. Through their combined efforts and investments, North America is poised to become a significant player in the global SiC market.
Market Growth and Future Outlook
The SiC market is experiencing an upward trend. It’s projected to grow at a CAGR of 18.5% between 2023 and 2032, reaching an estimated market valuation surpassing USD 4.5 billion by 2032. This growth is driven by increasing adoption in power electronics, particularly in electric vehicle applications and renewable energy initiatives.
However, the high demand for SiC wafers due to the limitations of silicon in high-power applications has resulted in an undersupply in the market. This underscores the necessity for increased SiC production and the potential opportunities it presents.
Electric Vehicle Adoption
Electric vehicles are recognized as a megatrend in the semiconductor industry, significantly influencing the adoption of silicon carbide chips. The surge in electric vehicle production and the expansion of charging infrastructure are primary drivers raising the demand for SiC devices. Microchip technology plays a crucial role in meeting this demand.
As more automotive manufacturers embrace electric vehicle technology, the demand for efficient and high-quality SiC devices is set to increase, further propelling the growth of the SiC market.
Expansion into New Industries
SiC semiconductors are not limited to power electronics and automotive applications. They are expanding into new industries, further fueling market growth and innovation. The global demand for silicon carbide is increasing, driven by applications in:
- New energy vehicles
- 5G
- Solar energy
- Photovoltaics
The market size is expected to reach USD 5.33 billion by 2026.
Moreover, companies are investing in silicon carbide projects and forming strategic collaborations to foster development in the SiC sector. Such collaborative efforts and investments are likely to drive further innovation and expansion in the SiC market.
Challenges and Opportunities in SiC Manufacturing
Despite the optimistic outlook, SiC manufacturing is faced with its fair share of challenges. The scaling up of SiC wafers from 100-mm to 150-mm has posed significant quality and yield issues, which are further complicated by the hardness and transparency of the material that hinder defect inspection.
Looking ahead, the transition towards 200-mm SiC wafers raises concerns about managing a higher density of defects and preserving substrate quality during this upscaling. However, these challenges present opportunities for innovation and technological advancements.
Supply Chain Issues
The global shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused an imbalance between the demand and supply for SiC semiconductor devices. This led to a decreased demand for electronic devices and power electronics using SiC semiconductor devices.
However, vertically integrated SiC device companies like Wolfspeed, ON Semiconductor, and ST Microelectronics are internally balancing their production capacities to address these supply chain challenges. As the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, these supply chain issues are expected to resolve, paving the way for a more stable SiC market.
Technological Innovations
The industry is honing in on technological innovations as a response to the challenges in SiC manufacturing. Industry leaders have acknowledged the ongoing momentum in the development of silicon carbide technology.
With innovations aimed at addressing the hardness and fragility of SiC, as well as improving defect inspection, the future of SiC manufacturing looks promising. As new technologies emerge, they will not only solve existing issues but also open up new possibilities in the design and application of SiC devices.
Summary
In conclusion, Silicon Carbide (SiC) is revolutionizing the semiconductor industry with its superior properties and wide range of applications. With key players like Infineon Technologies AG, Cree, Inc., and ROHM Semiconductor leading the way, the SiC market is poised for significant growth.
While challenges exist in the areas of manufacturing and supply chain, the industry is responding with innovative solutions and strategic collaborations. As we look to the future, the adoption of SiC in new industries and its increasing demand in electric vehicle production heralds an exciting era of technological advancement and market growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who supplies silicon carbide to Tesla?
Tesla mainly sources silicon carbide components from STMicroelectronics, which has been working on reducing the size of its SiC MOSFETs.
Who is the leader in SiC?
Wolfspeed is the leader in SiC, producing more than 60 percent of the world’s SiC materials and leading in SiC MOSFETs, Schottky Diodes, and Power Modules.
What makes Silicon Carbide (SiC) unique in the semiconductor industry?
Silicon Carbide (SiC) is unique in the semiconductor industry due to its low ON resistance, high-temperature, high-frequency, and high-voltage performance, wide band gap, higher thermal conductivity, and lower power loss. These features make it suitable for demanding power applications.
What are the emerging trends in SiC manufacturing?
The emerging trends in SiC manufacturing involve transitioning to larger wafer sizes and adopting advanced production techniques to boost efficiency and cut costs.
How is the SiC market expected to grow in the future?
The SiC market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.5% between 2023 and 2032, primarily due to rising usage in electric vehicles and renewable energy efforts.