Fraunhofer IPMS and Infineon Collaborate on Smart Power Devices for 300mm Wafers

Fraunhofer IPMS and Infineon Technologies in Dresden have joined forces to develop process modules for smart power on 300mm wafers. This collaboration has resulted in the processing of 2000 300mm wafers for smart power applications. The wafers were shuttled back and forth between Fraunhofer IPMS and Infineon Dresden to ensure efficient resource utilization and seamless integration into the CMOS production lines.

"The results of this joint project are extremely promising and represent a significant advancement in the production of smart power technologies at Infineon Dresden," stated Andreas Thamm, project manager at Infineon. The close partnership and the provision of process modules by Fraunhofer IPMS have accelerated the process transfer to 300mm equipment, enabling Infineon to enhance its manufacturing capabilities ahead of schedule.

"We have a longstanding collaboration," mentioned IPMS project manager Dr. Malte Czernohorsky. "In this project, Fraunhofer experts closely collaborated with Infineon colleagues. Building on the success of our past endeavors, we are already contemplating future projects to further our technological advancements."

The establishment of the Smart Power Fab in Dresden stands as one of the most substantial investments in Infineon's history, despite facing proposed budget cuts. The company aims to expedite the expansion of its semiconductor production capacities, bolstering Europe's position as a chip manufacturing hub. This initiative is crucial for smart power devices in data centers and electromobility applications.

Infineon's endeavors are financially supported by the EU, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, and the Free State of Saxony as part of an Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) focusing on microelectronics and communication technologies. The overarching goal is to fortify the European value chain, enhance European technological autonomy, and advance climate protection through energy-efficient technologies and processes.