Posted on 09 Aug 2024
Infineon opened the first phase of its 200-millimetre silicon carbide (SiC) power fabrication plant in Kulim, Malaysia on 8 August, Kallanish learns from the company.
The European chipmaker claims that this fab, known as Module Three or Kulim 3 plant, is the world’s largest and most efficient of its kind. The €2 billion ($2.18 billion) Phase 1 covers the production of wide bandgap semiconductors represented by SiC and gallium nitride (GaN) epitaxy.
The project solidifies Infineon’s position as a global leader in power semiconductors.
Infineon’s customers include automakers Ford, SAIC and Chery, energy firms Schneider Electric and SolarEdge, as well as three leading Chinese photovoltaic and energy storage systems companies.
According to reports by Chinese media, mass production will start in 2025. The initial SiC production at the plant is reportedly mainly based on six-inch wafers, and it will be fully switched to eight-inch wafer production in 2027. Kallanish has contacted the company to confirm the timeline.
“New generations of power semiconductors based on innovative technology such as SiC are an absolute prerequisite to achieving decarbonisation and climate protection,” says Jochen Hanebeck, ceo of Infineon Technologies. “Our technology increases the energy efficiency of ubiquitous applications such as electric cars, solar and wind power systems and AI data centres.”
The Kulim 3 plant will be connected to the company’s site in Villach, Austria – its global competence centre for power semiconductors. Infineon ramped up capacity for SiC and GaN power semiconductors in Villach in 2023.
In addition, the company will continue expansions at Kulim High-Tech Park (KHTP). In 2024-2028, it will invest another up to €5 billion ($5.5 billion) for the second phase of the project.
Hanebeck says the company aims to seize leadership in the market, which shows accelerating growth from sectors including automotive, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging.
Source:Kallanish
