News & Analysis
Tower trio team to tackle 700-V ICs
Peter Clarke
9/15/2009 7:46 AM EDT
The collaboration will combine GrandTek's 700-V technology capability with Tower's 0.18-micron power management process. SemiHow, a fabless company, has plans to use the 700-V power platform for AC-to-DC conversion targeting the industrial LED lighting market. Tower said it expects to realize product revenue from SemiHow in the second quarter of 2010.
According to DisplayBank Co, the market for industrial LED lighting is estimated to grow from $700 million to $2 billion in 2013, a CAGR of 45 percent. High voltage ICs are also required to help backlight large panel LCDs, a market that is expected to grow from $41 million in 2007 to $7 billion in 2013, a CAGR of 135 percent, Tower said.
GrandTek is a design services company specializing in 700-V ICs. The first step in the creation of the 700-V platform will be a power process consisting of more than 20 transistor types that will cover and operating range from 6.5-V to 700-V. Further development will include 5-V CMOS, 1.8-V CMOS, SOI, and deep-trench isolation.
"We needed a strong technical foundry partner and we are confident Tower will enable us to meet our requirements for performance, die size and superior quality," said Hojin Lee, president of GrandTek, in a statement issued by Tower. "Tower and GrandTek's proven track records offer us a very bright future for the continued success of our products," said Hyun Bongho, chief executive officer of SemiHow in the same statement.
"By working with an experienced ultra high voltage team such as GrandTek, we are able to achieve the desired small die size in an advanced and cost-effective power platform. LED lighting is a green energy initiative that will not only provide value to customers and shareholders but also to our planet," said Avi Strum, vice president and general manager of Tower's specialty business unit.
Related links and articles:
Tower investors inject $16 milion
Taejin opts for Tower-made voltage regulator ICs
Tower raises Q3 revenue guidance on increased demand
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