#South Korea #Seoul #SK Keyfoundry #BCD Process #High-Voltage

SK Keyfoundry Advances Semiconductor Technology

SK Keyfoundry, a prominent 8-inch pure-play foundry based in South Korea, has made headlines with its latest technology announcement. On January 28, 2026, the company unveiled its fourth-generation 200V high-voltage 0.18-micron BCD (Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS) process. This cutting-edge development is set to pave the way for significant advancements in both the automotive and artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor landscapes.

As the automotive industry shifts towards electrification and the need for high-performance AI data centers surges, the demand for high-voltage power semiconductors is increasing exponentially. Traditional automotive electrical systems are transitioning from a standard 12V to more dynamic 48V architectures. Concurrently, AI servers and data centers are elevating their operating voltages to optimize power efficiency, moving from 380V DC up to 800V DC. In this context, showcasing innovations that can reliably manage voltages above 100V is critical.

With its fourth-generation BCD process, SK Keyfoundry reports more than a 20% improvement in both specific on-resistance (Rsp) and breakdown voltage (BVDSS). These enhancements promise better power efficiency and robustness at high temperatures, representing a notable shift from the benefits of the previous third-generation process. Additionally, the new process introduces low on-resistance components that are tailored for varying operating voltages, effectively minimizing chip size while reducing power loss. This innovation bolsters the overall competitiveness of the process in the marketplace.

Enhancing Design Flexibility and Performance

Noteworthy features of the 200V BCD process include a Thick IMD option that enables the effective transmission of digital signals while simultaneously blocking unwanted high voltages and noise. This technology is crucial for high-voltage, high-current PMIC devices using BCD and HV MOSFET technologies. Furthermore, it offers flexibility for incorporating various types of embedded memory, including SRAM, ROM, MTP, and OTP, as well as Hall sensors for superior motor control precision.

The versatility of SK Keyfoundry's new process allows for the development of a diverse array of products ranging from high-voltage power management and conversion ICs to LED drivers and motor drivers, as well as power supply gate drivers. A significant aspect of this launch is its adherence to the rigorous automotive reliability qualification standard, AEC-Q100 Grade 0. This certification will facilitate swift adoption of these components within automotive electronics that require exceptional reliability under high-stress operations.

Commitment to Future Innovations

Derek D. Lee, the CEO of SK Keyfoundry, commented on this breakthrough: "As AI servers and automotive electronic systems continue to demand increased power levels, the demand for BCD processes above 100V is steadily rising. Given the limited number of foundries capable of producing high-voltage BCD processes using bulk silicon, the mass production of our 200V high-voltage 0.18-micron BCD process stands as a significant milestone for us. We are committed to continuously enhancing our process technologies in tune with the evolving needs and requirements of the power semiconductor industry."

About SK Keyfoundry

Established in Korea, SK Keyfoundry provides specialized Analog and Mixed-Signal foundry services tailored for semiconductor manufacturers across a variety of sectors, including consumer electronics, communications, and automotive. The company boasts a wide-ranging technology portfolio and process nodes, enabling flexibility to adapt to the dynamic demands faced by semiconductor firms globally. For additional information, visit SK Keyfoundry's website.