SK Keyfoundry Gears Up for GaN Market Debut

The journey towards developing a groundbreaking GaN power transistor has been a significant focus for SK Keyfoundry, with recent advancements marking a major milestone in the company's progress. The company recently announced that it has successfully measured key transistor characteristics in 650V breakdown HEMTs made in GaN, showcasing the potential for a new era in power semiconductor technology.

Following the acquisition of the company by SK Hynix in 2022, a dedicated team was assembled to spearhead the development efforts. With the goal of finalizing the GaN power transistor within the year, the team has been working tirelessly to push the boundaries of innovation and bring this cutting-edge technology to fruition.

Originally spun off from Magnachip Semiconductor in September 2020, Key Foundry transitioned to become a subsidiary of SK Hynix in August 2022. The rebranding to SK Keyfoundry at the start of 2024 signified a new chapter in the company's evolution, aligning with its strategic vision for the future.

SK Keyfoundry envisions that the GaN 650V product will cater to the needs of fabless customers across various sectors, including fast charging adapters, LED lighting, and solar microinverters. The company's roadmap includes plans to develop a comprehensive GaN portfolio encompassing HEMTs and ICs with a diverse range of breakdown voltages.

The global GaN power semiconductor market is poised for exponential growth, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33% from $500 million in 2023 to a staggering $6.4 billion by 2032, as reported by market research firm Omdia. These advanced semiconductors are anticipated to find applications in power supplies, hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as solar power inverters, driving the demand for innovative solutions.

"We are gearing up for the next generation of power semiconductors while maintaining our competitive edge in high-voltage BCDs," stated Derek Lee, CEO of SK Keyfoundry. "Our strategic roadmap includes expanding our power semiconductor portfolio to encompass not only GaN but also SiC, positioning us as a specialized power semiconductor foundry equipped to meet the evolving needs of the industry."