ELECTRONIC NEWS HIGHLIGHT W43.2024

1. Denso and Fuji Electric invest $1.4 billion to develop EV SiC power devices

Denso and Fuji Electric have announced a partnership to develop high-performance silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor devices for electric vehicles (EVs). While the EV market is slowing down, companies are still investing 211.6 billion yen ($1.4 billion), with one-third of the funding coming from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). provide.

The investment will expand domestic manufacturing facilities in Japan, aiming to reach an annual capacity of 310,000 units by May 2027. Denso focuses on SiC wafer production, while Fuji Electric produces appliances. Japanese METI Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura welcomed the initiative and stated that it aims to ensure supply capacity comparable to leading Western companies.

As Japan’s largest auto parts manufacturer, Denso has expanded its partnerships in recent years. The company invested in Infineon in 2018, began collaborating with UMC in 2023 to produce power semiconductors, and announced a possible collaboration with Rohm in September 2023.

Denso and Fuji Electric are investing heavily in SiC devices, allowing EVs to achieve approximately 10% longer operating range than conventional silicon semiconductors. Since Tesla introduced SiC devices in the Model 3 in 2018, the technology has received widespread attention from automakers. Research forecasts indicate that the SiC market will grow to $8.8 billion by 2025 and $10.5 billion by 2026.

Learn more: Denso and Fuji Electric invest $1.4 billion to develop EV SiC power devices

2. Global semiconductor sales reached a record high in October 2024, up 22.1% over the same period in 2023

December 5, Semiconductor Industry Association SIA announced that global semiconductor sales reached $56.9 billion in October 2024, up 22.1% from $46.6 billion in October 2023 and up 2.8% compared to $55.3 billion in September 2024.

World Semiconductor Trade Statistics WSTS has revised its forecast for the 2024 global semiconductor market. The report now predicts global semiconductor sales will grow 19% YoY, reaching $626.9 billion , with subsequent growth of 11.2% to $697.2 billion by 2025.

SIA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Neuffer said, “The global semiconductor market is ending 2024 strong with October marking the highest monthly sales on record and achieving seventh consecutive growth. We now expect annual sales to grow nearly 20%, surpassing previous forecasts, and predict continued double-digit growth in 2025.”

October 2024 sees a 54% year-over-year increase in sales in the Americas, a 17% increase in China, a 12.1% increase in Asia Pacific, other regions and increased 7.4% in Japan.

Learn more: Global semiconductor sales reached a record high in October 2024, up 22.1% over the same period in 2023

3. AMD expects the AI chip market to reach $500 billion by 2028

AMD CEO Lisa Su has stated that the AI chip market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 60%, reaching $500 billion by 2028, equivalent to its current size. of the entire semiconductor industry.

Lisa Su emphasized that the main focus of the computer industry is to leverage the potential of AI and AMD brings AI to the mainstream, integrated into every application, product and scenario, requiring computing power significant.

Lisa Su also noted that the huge potential of the AI market creates significant growth opportunities for all companies specializing in producing cutting-edge products. Although AMD’s resources are relatively limited, it is clear that this will not hinder the company’s progress.

“While we do not have the same resources as our larger competitors, we consistently outperform our peers in terms of technical capabilities and industry impact,” said Ms. Lisa Su.