Exclusive CEO Interview with WeEn Semiconductors

WeEn Semiconductors, a power spinout of Philips and NXP, may not be as well-known as Nexperia, but it is making significant strides in the semiconductor industry. The company, which has European management despite being based in China, specializes in diodes, IGBTs, superfunction MOSFETs, and SIC power devices.

Markus Mosen, CEO of WeEn Semiconductors, shared, “We have a long heritage, starting as a bipolar supplier in Hazel Grove for Philips.” The company was established as a joint venture with NXP in 2016, later becoming fully owned by private equity in 2019. With a workforce of 600 people and an R&D center in Stockport, WeEn Semiconductors is expanding its operations with plans to establish another design center in Europe.

According to Mosen, “We started with thyristors for white goods and have since diversified into Schottky diodes, HV transistors, SiC, IGBT modules, and superjunction MOSFETs.” The company recently inaugurated a module plant in Shanghai, focusing on producing modules with thyristors in their WeEnPack packaging and developing new modules for electric vehicles incorporating IGBTs and SiC.

The company's first fab in JiIling, equipped with machinery from Hazel Grove, specializes in producing thyristors on 5-inch wafers and has the capability to handle 6-inch wafers. WeEn Semiconductors is also working on establishing a 150mm fab in Beijing, scheduled to commence operations in 2025 with a production capacity of 120,000 wafers.

Looking ahead, Mosen mentioned, “We are transitioning to planar technology in Beijing for diodes and deep trench for SJ MOSFETs, set to be operational at the beginning of 2025.” The decision to opt for 150mm technology is primarily driven by investment considerations, as it offers a more cost-effective solution compared to a 200mm fab.

At the recent PCIM 2024 event, Mosen revealed, “We have strategic partnerships with foundries in the US and Taiwan for SiC production, and we are exploring additional fab options for future expansion.” WeEn Semiconductors has been investing significantly in SiC technology, with a focus on developing advanced MOSFETs and undergoing AECQ qualification for automotive applications.