DENSO Adopts SDK’s SiC Epitaxial Wafers for Power Devices as Parts of Next-Generation Boosting Power Modules for Fuel Cell EVs

December 10, 2020

Showa Denko K.K.

Silicon carbide epitaxial wafers (SiC epi-wafers), which are main materials for power semiconductors, with a diameter of six inches (150mm) manufactured by Showa Denko K.K. (SDK) (TOKYO: 4004) have been adopted by DENSO Corporation as parts of next-generation boosting power modules for fuel cell electric vehicles.

Due to their high quality, SDK’s SiC epi-wafers, which were launched into the market in 2009, have been adopted by electronic device manufacturers as parts of various devices including power supply for servers of cloud computing systems, quick charging stands for EVs, and railcars. This time, DENSO adopted SDK’s SiC epi-wafers as parts of the new power modules because DENSO recognized high value in SDK’s SiC epi-wafers’ track record of adoption by device manufacturers, its highest level homogeneity in properties, low density of surface defect, and low frequency of basal plane dislocation.

When compared with the currently mainstream silicon-based semiconductors, SiC-based power semiconductors can operate under high-temperature, high-voltage, and high-current conditions, while substantially reducing energy loss. These features enable device manufacturers to produce smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient power control modules. SiC power semiconductors are already used in on-board battery chargers and quick charging stands for EVs, and railcars. In addition, SiC power semiconductors are expected to be used in full scale as parts of power control units (PCUs) for EVs in and after 2025. Thus the demand for SiC-based power semiconductors is expected to grow further.

The Showa Denko Group aims to contribute to the solution of SDGs-related issues through its business activities and become “a social contribution company” that contributes to the creation of

society where affluence and sustainability are harmonized. The size of the market for SiC epi-wafer, which realizes efficient use of energy, is expected to be about \100 billion yen in 2025, and will grow further because of the start of its full-scale use as parts of PCUs. As the largest independent manufacturer of SiC epitaxial wafers, and under a motto of “Best in Class,” SDK will continue coping with rapid expansion of the market for SiC epitaxial wafers and providing the market with high-performance and highly-reliable products, thereby contributing to the spread of SiC-based devices.

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