ROHM Corporation today announced a strategic partnership with TSMC, a leading global semiconductor manufacturer, to jointly develop and mass-produce GaN power devices, with a particular focus on electric vehicle (EV) applications. This move will not only further promote the industrial application of GaN technology, but also provide more competitive solutions for key components such as high efficiency of electric vehicles, battery management system (BMS) and on-board charging system (OBC).
Innovative collaboration: Integrating GaN technology with leading manufacturing processes
The collaboration combines ROHM's technological strengths in the design and development of GaN power devices with TSMC's leadership in silicon-based GaN process technology. Due to their excellent characteristics such as high frequency operation, low loss, energy saving, and high efficiency, GaN devices show unique advantages in high-voltage and high-frequency applications, and are ideal for replacing traditional silicon-based devices.
In the electric vehicle industry, the potential of GaN technology is particularly prominent, especially in areas such as on-board chargers and EV inverters, where GaN devices can significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce system size to meet the increasingly stringent requirements of automotive applications. As the electric vehicle market continues to expand, especially in the context of the increasing global demand for low-carbon and green travel, GaN power devices will play a more critical role in on-board charging and power conversion systems.
History and future prospects: from consumer electronics to the automotive market
This is not the first time that ROHM and TSMC have cooperated, in fact, the two parties have a certain history of cooperation in the field of GaN power devices. In 2023, ROHM adopted TSMC's 650V GaN High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT), which is widely used in consumer electronics and industrial equipment as part of ROHM's EcoGaN series. For example, Delta's Innergie brand has adopted this technology to produce the 45W fast charger "C4 Duo".
Katsumi Azuma, member of the Board of Directors and senior executive officer of ROHM, said, "GaN devices not only provide higher frequencies and smaller sizes, but also play an important role in energy conservation and miniaturization, helping us achieve our goal of a decarbonized society. The collaboration with TSMC will further advance the adoption of GaN technology, especially in the automotive industry.”
Figure: ROHM and TSMC collaborate on the development of gallium nitride power devices
Market prospects: GaN technology empowers the electric vehicle industry
With the rapid growth of the electric vehicle market, the demand for power electronics technology is also escalating. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global electric vehicle sales have been growing for many years and are expected to continue to grow at a high rate over the next decade. This trend places higher technical demands on the core components of electric vehicles, such as battery management systems, on-board chargers, and electric drive systems.
GaN technology, with its high efficiency and low power consumption, is becoming an important solution to meet these needs. In the field of charging, GaN power devices can effectively improve charging efficiency, reduce power loss, and achieve faster charging speed by increasing charging density. In inverter and electric drive systems, the high efficiency and miniaturization of GaN devices will make the overall system of electric vehicles more compact and efficient.
In addition, GaN technology is highly adaptable to the environment and can maintain stability at higher temperatures and harsher conditions, making GaN an ideal choice, especially in the demanding application of electric vehicles.
Pushing the boundaries: TSMC and ROHM join forces to advance the application of GaN technology in automobiles
Li Jianxing, senior director of special technology business development at TSMC, also said: "Through the in-depth cooperation between TSMC and ROHM, we have not only made significant progress in the field of consumer electronics, but will also bring breakthroughs in GaN technology to electric vehicle applications in the future. The combination of our expertise in semiconductor manufacturing and ROHM's leadership in power device design will drive the widespread adoption of GaN technology in electric vehicles, pushing the boundaries of technology for an even more challenging future."
Industry Background and Technology Trends: The application prospect of GaN technology in the world
The technological innovation of GaN power devices complements the market demand. According to a report by market research firm Yole Développement, the market for GaN power devices is expected to show explosive growth in the coming years, especially in electric vehicles and green energy applications. The popularity of GaN devices in the field of new energy vehicles is becoming an important driving force for the development of the global electric vehicle industry.
The cooperation between TSMC and ROHM not only reflects the deep synergy between the two companies in technology research and development, but also provides solid technical support for the electrification of future vehicles. With the continuous breakthrough of GaN technology, future electric vehicles will be able to achieve more efficient, intelligent and environmentally friendly energy management systems, and promote the progress of green mobility on a global scale.
Summary:
Through the in-depth cooperation with TSMC, ROHM has once again proven its leadership in the field of GaN technology. The two companies will work together to promote the application of GaN power devices in electric vehicles and the wider market, and provide strong technical support for the high efficiency, energy saving and intelligence of new energy vehicles. As the global demand for low-carbon and environmentally friendly technologies continues to rise, GaN technology will undoubtedly play a more important role in the field of electric vehicles and green energy.
