#South Korea #Seoul #SK Keyfoundry #Automotive Semiconductors #Bi-SCR

Introduction

SK keyfoundry, a renowned 8-inch pure-play foundry based in South Korea, has made waves in the semiconductor industry by introducing an innovative protection technology specifically designed for automotive applications. The recently unveiled ‘Bi-SCR (Bi-directional Silicon Controlled Rectifier) based On-Chip Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Protection Technology’ promises to significantly enhance the reliability of automotive semiconductors during critical operational conditions.

Technology Overview

The automotive sector has witnessed a rapid increase in the integration of electronic components. As this integration intensifies, the need for reliable semiconductor operation without malfunctions, even under severe electrical stress, has become a paramount concern. Traditional ESD (ElectroStatic Discharge) protection devices were primarily confined to managing brief discharges occurring during chip manufacturing and assembly. In contrast, SK keyfoundry's latest technology enables comprehensive on-chip management of harsh electrical environments, adhering to stringent automotive standards such as ISO 10605. This regulation ensures that electrical stress is controlled continuously throughout vehicle operation, enhancing overall safety.

The innovative Bi-SCR configuration developed by SK keyfoundry allows for adjustable trigger-voltage and exceptional high-current handling capabilities. One of its standout features is its area efficiency, optimizing the protective attributes of automotive power Integrated Circuits (ICs). Given the tight spatial constraints typical in automotive applications, having a compact solution that requires minimal external components is a notable advantage.

Practical Implications

Traditionally, protecting sensitive electronic components often involved external solutions like Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diodes. However, the new Bi-SCR-based design can effectively mitigate EMC stress internally, negating the need for many external components. This results in greater circuit design flexibility and improved space utilization, allowing manufacturers to elevate system protection performance to unprecedented levels.

Industry Response

The breakthrough is attributed to the longstanding expertise SK keyfoundry has built around automotive BCD (Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS) process technologies, combined with their cutting-edge EMC and ESD protection design capabilities. They have successfully integrated this new method into their 0.13-micron BCD process products, which have already entered mass production. This significant milestone sets the stage for expanding their portfolio of protection devices that include high-voltage LDMOS, BJT, SCR, and diodes tailored for automotive applications requiring uncompromising reliability.

Derek D. Lee, CEO of SK keyfoundry, emphasized the importance of this development, stating, "In the recent automotive semiconductor market, beyond simple component-level ESD performance, 'EMC robustness' under actual harsh automotive electronic system environments is emerging as a core competitive edge." He highlighted that the mass production of the Bi-SCR-based On-Chip EMC protection technology is a critical advancement that boosts the reliability and stability of automotive semiconductor products. SK keyfoundry plans to continue enhancing their processes to meet the high demands for reliability, efficiency, and high voltage.

Future Directions

Moving forward, SK keyfoundry aims to broaden its technological offerings, solidifying its competitive edge in various automotive markets stacked with reliability requirements—for instance, automotive Power Management ICs (PMICs), motor drivers, and complex power control ICs. As they progress, continuous innovation and adaptation will position them favorably in an evolving and fiercely competitive sector.

Conclusion

In summary, SK keyfoundry’s introduction of the Bi-SCR-based On-Chip EMC protection technology signifies a quantum leap forward in automotive semiconductor reliability. With the potential to fortify electronic systems against electromagnetic disruptions, this groundbreaking innovation stands to redefine standards within the automotive industry, paving the way for safer and more robust vehicular technologies. As the demand for high-performance and reliable semiconductors grows, SK keyfoundry is poised at the forefront of this evolution, reshaping the landscape for future automotive applications.