US chip maker forms South Korean alliance to advance next-gen power conversion

Navitas Semiconductor and Magnachip Semiconductor Corporation have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the adoption of silicon carbide (SiC) technologies in high-voltage (HV) and ultra-high-voltage (UHV) power markets. As per a news release, Magnachip will license Navitas’ GeneSiC Trench-Assisted Planar (TAP) technology to enter the HV and UHV SiC markets. The license covers 1200 V, 2300 V, 3300 V and higher-voltage GeneSiC technologies, enabling Magnachip to build on Navitas’ proven SiC device platforms for next-generation power conversion applications. Navitas will give Magnachip access to its SiC supply chain and materials, supporting faster market entry. The companies plan to port, qualify, and internalize the technology at Magnachip’s South Korean fabrication facility. The companies expect this approach to help accelerate Magnachip’s entry into SiC while maintaining continuity with Navitas’ established technology and materials base. The licensed technologies are expected to support next-generation applications including energy and grid infrastructure, energy storage, industrial electrification, automotive and other high-power systems, as stated in the news release. SiC technology directly impacts electric vehicles, renewable energy, AI data centers, and aerospace; however, the companies’ agreement extends beyond it. Partnership expands beyond SiC technology Navitas Semiconductor Corporation, an industry leader in next-generation GaNFast gallium nitride (GaN) and GeneSiC silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors, and Magnachip Semiconductor Corporation, a designer and manufacturer of analog and mixed-signal power semiconductor platform solutions, are joining forces. In the news release, the companies noted that the full extent of their partnership is “expected to be detailed and announced later.” “This strategic partnership with Magnachip reflects our long-term vision to broaden GeneSiC adoption across high-voltage and ultra-high-voltage power markets,” said Chris Allexandre, President and CEO of Navitas. “By licensing our proven GeneSiC technologies and supporting Magnachip through our supply-chain and materials ecosystem, we are creating a path to scale advanced SiC solutions more rapidly while enabling a deeper, long-term collaboration between our companies.” “This agreement opens an important new market opportunity for Magnachip in high-voltage and ultra-high-voltage SiC,” said Chae Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Magnachip. “The addition of GeneSiC technology complements our existing MOSFET and power semiconductor portfolio and positions Magnachip to serve customers that require higher efficiency, higher voltage capability and more reliable power conversion solutions.” Companies target energy, industrial and automotive markets Navitas Semiconductor stated that it is a leader in next-generation power semiconductors, specifically gallium nitride (GaN) and high-voltage silicon carbide (SiC) technology, driving innovation across AI data centers, performance computing, energy and grid infrastructure, and industrial electrification. Magnachip Semiconductor Corporation stated that it designs and manufactures analog and mixed-signal power semiconductor platform solutions for a range of applications, including industrial, automotive, communications, consumer and computing. The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of high-voltage and ultra-high-voltage silicon carbide technologies. Through the licensing of GeneSiC technology, access to Navitas’ SiC supply chain and materials ecosystem, and planned technology qualification at Magnachip’s South Korean facility, the companies expect to support next-generation power conversion applications across multiple high-power markets. The companies concluded that the licensed technologies are expected to support next-generation applications, including energy and grid infrastructure, energy storage, industrial electrification, automotive and other high-power systems. Recommended ArticlesGet the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Originally from LA, Maria Mocerino has been published in Business Insider, The Irish Examiner, The Rogue Mag, Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines, and now Interesting Engineering.