Key Foundry Co., the sole pure-play foundry in Korea, will supply next-generation automotive power semiconductor to ABOV Semiconductor Co., a local chip maker specializing in micro-controller units (MCUs).

Key Foundry’s new automotive power semiconductor is built on the second-gen flash memory 0.13 micron BCD (Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS) technology, which incorporates analog components, digital components and high-voltage transistors on the same chip.

Power semiconductor is a device operating as a switch in high-voltage applications such as automotive and power supplies.

Key Foundry’s 0.13-micron BCD process is certified for Automotive Electronics Council (AEC)’s Q100 Grade 1 qualification, proving operability in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +125°C.

Based on the new BCD process, ABOV Semiconductor has developed a MCU for automotive universal fast charger fitted with USB 3.0 ports and legacy charging points for seamless charging. ABOV Semiconductor is the first to adopt Key Foundry’s gen-2 0.13-micron BCD process for automotive power semiconductor device.

Key Foundry plans to expand application of the gen-2 0.13-micron BCD process to other semiconductor products, such as motor driver IC chip, battery management system, and wireless charging ICs.

The foundry has been producing power semiconductors for various voltage products, ranging from below 40-volt to 200-volt.

The breakthrough comes amid speculation that Hyundai Motor has approached Key Foundry and others to build a local value chain for automobile chips.

On Wednesday, Kosdaq-listed shares of ABOV Semiconductor closed 1.27 percent higher at 15,900 won($14.23). Key Foundry is not listed.

By: DocMemory
Copyright © 2023 CST, Inc. All Rights Reserved