DB HiTek, a Specialty IC foundry in South Korea, is intensifying its research efforts in the Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor domains to support future business growth, Jiwei reported.

DB HiTek’s recent investments aim to bolster its 8-inch wafer manufacturing capabilities. Nevertheless, due to a slow market recovery, reports suggest that the operation of the 8-inch wafer foundry may face challenges, and the transition to a 12-inch wafer foundry operation remains a question mark. In light of this situation, DB HiTek’s future development will pivot towards new power semiconductors such as GaN and SiC.

The company has reportedly initiated investments in essential equipment for next-generation GaN and SiC power semiconductors, a move set to expedite their research and development.

It is reported that DB HiTek, housing an 8-inch wafer foundry, is gearing up to venture into the SiC market, while the 6-inch wafer foundry remains the norm in this sector. As part of government policy initiatives, this specialized foundry is collaborating with Busan Techno Park for Silicon Carbide development.

In GaN semiconductor manufacturing, DB HiTek is partnering with the fabless company A-PRO Semicon to fine-tune their foundry processes.

As per the company’s website, DB HiTek operates two wafer foundries, producing ICs across a range of manufacturing nodes from 350nm to 90nm. Fab 1 in Bucheon City, Gyeonggi-do, offers chip solutions within the 150nm to 350nm nodes, including mixed-signal, power, and analog chips. Fab 2 in Eumseong County, Chungcheongbuk-do, provides solutions suitable for the 90nm to 180nm process nodes, including mixed-signal and CMOS image sensors (CIS), among other applications.
(Image: DB HiTek)

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