SK Siltron, Silicon Works join race in development of next-generation GaN chips

Under government sponsorship, SK Siltron Co. and Silicon Works have been stepping up their efforts to develop promising gallium nitride (GaN)-based chips that are receiving much attention as the next-generation semiconductors to replace silicon-based products.

SK Siltron, the country’s exclusive wafer producer, is looking to enter GaN chip business, according to industry sources on Sunday. The company has been conducting research and development (R&D) for GaN semiconductors at the request of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

The nation’s leading fabless chip maker Silicon Works has been hiring engineers who can design and develop GaN and silicon carbide (SiC) chips since April. The company under LX Holdings, a newly established holding company split from LG Group, will be renamed LX Semicon.

Last month, Xiaomi unveiled its fast charging technology that can charge a 4,000 mAh battery-equipped Mi 11 Pro in just eight minutes over a 200 watt wired connection. The world’s fastest charger is installed with a GaN chip that is highly efficient and can function well at high temperatures and high voltages.

The GaN and SiC chips are the most promising chips for 5G communications, fast chargers and electric vehicles. Market analyst Yole Development predicted that the GaN chip market would grow by 70 percent per year to reach $1.1 billion in 2026.

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