#South Korea #Seoul #SK Keyfoundry #Elmos #130nm technology

SK keyfoundry Expands Collaboration with Elmos for 130nm Technology

SK keyfoundry, a prominent player in the semiconductor foundry industry based in South Korea, has announced a significant expansion of its partnership with Elmos Semiconductor SE, a leading supplier of mixed-signal semiconductors primarily serving the automotive sector. This collaborative effort centers around the introduction of 130nm technology and the establishment of a long-term wafer supply agreement that is set to enhance both companies’ market offerings.

Recently, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, officials from both firms came together for a formal signing ceremony to commemorate the continuation of their successful partnership, which has historically centered around 350nm technology for nearly two decades. As part of this new agreement, SK keyfoundry commits to delivering stable wafer production capacities through to the year 2037, ensuring that Elmos has a reliable source for the semiconductor components critical to their product lineup.

At the core of SK keyfoundry's 130nm technology is an advanced Deep-Trench Isolation (DTI) technique that facilitates effective electrical isolation. This development allows for highly integrated and high-voltage designs while minimizing substrate current, thus paving the way for a diverse array of new product innovations in the semiconductor field.

Elmos is already making strides with this technology; they plan to introduce their first product derived from this 130nm platform—the E550.01 smart 4-channel eFuse controller. This innovative product is designed to intelligently manage and safeguard various current paths, thereby supporting zonal vehicle architectures that are increasingly vital for the next generation of vehicles. Full-scale mass production is slated to commence in 2027. The two companies have also indicated plans to jointly develop a compact, high-efficiency eFlash memory cell, showcasing their commitment to pushing the boundaries of semiconductor technology.

With this multi-faceted agreement, Elmos secures a robust long-term foundry partner, enhancing its capabilities and operational reliability in a rapidly evolving industry. Conversely, SK keyfoundry is poised to bolster its presence in the automotive semiconductor market, leveraging this partnership to enhance its market share and revenue over the long term.

"SK keyfoundry has been indispensable as a reliable partner throughout the years. This new contract solidifies the excellent foundation for our future collaborations," stated Dr. Arne Schneider, CEO of Elmos Semiconductor SE. He underlined that the additional wafer capacity not only ensures planning certainty through 2037 but also significantly strengthens their supply reliability and growth trajectory.

In response, Derek D. Lee, the CEO of SK keyfoundry, expressed enthusiasm about deepening their collaboration with a leading automotive semiconductor supplier. He remarked, "This expansion into 130nm technology further solidifies our commitment to delivering innovative semiconductor solutions tailored for automotive electronics while also enhancing our supply capabilities and global competitiveness as a foundry."

About SK keyfoundry

SK keyfoundry excels in offering Analog and Mixed-Signal foundry services, catering to a wide spectrum of industry requirements across consumer electronics, communications, computing, automotive, and industrial sectors. With a versatile range of technology portfolios and process nodes, they possess the adaptability needed to keep pace with the dynamic demands of semiconductor companies globally. For more information, visit skkeyfoundry.com.

About Elmos Semiconductor

With over 40 years of expertise in developing intelligent microchip solutions, Elmos focuses on the automotive industry. As a fabless company specializing in analog mixed-signal integrated circuits, Elmos strives to enhance the safety, comfort, and efficiency of future mobility solutions. Their innovative products support advancements in driver assistance systems, intelligent sensors, and efficient motor operations, thus actively contributing to major global trends like autonomous driving and electromobility.