Japan-based Rohm Semiconductor and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) have announced a strategic partnership to advance the development and mass production of gallium nitride (GaN) power devices for electric vehicle (EV) applications. The collaboration combines Rohm's expertise in device development with TSMC's GaN-on-silicon process technology to address the growing demand for high-performance power solutions in the automotive sector.
Widely recognized for their superior high-voltage and high-frequency characteristics, GaN power devices are emerging as critical components for EV applications such as on-board chargers and inverters. While GaN technology is already used in consumer and industrial products like AC adapters and server power supplies, its adoption in the automotive sector is expected to deliver significant environmental benefits. As a manufacturer committed to sustainable practices, TSMC supports the expansion of GaN use across EV applications.
This expanded partnership builds on the companies' prior collaboration. In 2023, Rohm incorporated TSMC's 650V GaN high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) into its EcoGaN™ series, which has been successfully implemented in products such as Delta Electronics' Innergie-branded 45W AC adapter. The current agreement focuses on tailoring GaN solutions for automotive applications by leveraging TSMC's semiconductor manufacturing expertise and Rohm's power device design capabilities.
Katsumi Azuma, senior managing executive officer at Rohm, highlighted the importance of GaN devices for achieving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, emphasizing the role of partnerships in translating these innovations into practical applications. Meanwhile, Chien-Hsin Lee, senior director at TSMC, outlined the partnership's goal to advance GaN process technology and its implementation in EVs. The collaboration underscores the increasing importance of GaN technology in enhancing power efficiency and supporting sustainability goals in the automotive industry. Through this partnership, Rohm and TSMC aim to establish GaN as a key component in the next generation of EV power systems.
