Mazda Rohm Automotive GaN Chips

Japanese car maker Mazda and Rohm have announced a collaboration to develop gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductors for automotive applications. This joint effort aims to create a demonstrator by the end of this year. The partnership builds on their previous work on inverters using silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors, which began in 2022. GaN offers higher frequency operation compared to SiC, leading to reduced power conversion losses and enabling the miniaturization of components by using smaller magnetic components.

The target set by Mazda and Rohm is to unveil a demonstration model in 2025, with plans for practical implementation by 2027. This initiative aligns with the broader industry trend towards electrification and the growing importance of semiconductor technology in the automotive sector. The collaboration represents a strategic move to establish a direct connection between semiconductor devices and vehicles.

As Ichiro Hirose, Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer, and CTO of Mazda, stated, “As the shift towards electrification accelerates, we are delighted to collaborate with Rohm to create a new value chain that directly connects semiconductor devices and cars.” This partnership signifies a shift in the automotive industry towards closer collaboration between car manufacturers and semiconductor companies, moving away from traditional reliance on Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers.

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The importance of direct relationships between automotive brands and semiconductor suppliers has been underscored by recent events, such as the global chip shortage that disrupted car production. Companies like General Motors and Volkswagen are increasingly seeking to work closely with chip suppliers, with some even venturing into developing their own semiconductor solutions.

This strategic collaboration between Mazda and Rohm reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry towards technological innovation and self-sufficiency. By jointly developing GaN power semiconductors for automotive applications, the two companies are positioning themselves at the forefront of the electrification drive in the automotive sector. The successful implementation of this initiative could pave the way for more direct partnerships between car manufacturers and semiconductor companies in the future.