SK Keyfoundry Develops 450–2300V SiC Planar MOSFET Process Platform

Why It Matters

The high‑voltage SiC platform accelerates adoption of efficient power conversion in automotive and industrial sectors, where yield and reliability are critical for scaling production and reducing system costs.

Key Takeaways

• Platform supports 450–2300 V SiC MOSFETs
• Yield exceeds 90 % after process optimization
• First customer order for 1200 V device secured
• Mass production slated for early 2027
• Customization enables fine‑tuned electrical specs

Pulse Analysis

Silicon‑carbide (SiC) power devices are reshaping high‑voltage applications, offering lower losses and higher temperature tolerance than traditional silicon. SK keyfoundry’s new planar MOSFET platform, spanning 450‑2300 V, positions the company alongside industry leaders such as Wolfspeed and Infineon, but with a distinct advantage: an 8‑inch wafer footprint that can drive cost efficiencies for volume manufacturers. By achieving more than 90 % yield, the foundry demonstrates that SiC production can move beyond pilot runs to reliable, large‑scale output, a critical hurdle that has slowed broader market penetration.

The platform’s flexibility—allowing customers to fine‑tune electrical parameters—addresses a growing demand for application‑specific SiC solutions in electric vehicles, renewable‑energy inverters, and heavy‑industry equipment. The secured 1200 V MOSFET order underscores the commercial viability of the process, especially for thermal‑efficiency management where high‑voltage conversion reduces conductor size and cooling requirements. As automotive OEMs push for higher power density and stricter emissions standards, the ability to source high‑yield, high‑reliability SiC devices domestically reduces supply‑chain risk and shortens time‑to‑market.

Looking ahead, SK keyfoundry’s integration of SK powertech’s SiC expertise signals a strategic push to capture a larger share of the compound‑semiconductor market, which analysts forecast to exceed $30 billion by 2030. The planned mass production start in early 2027 aligns with the anticipated surge in EV adoption and grid‑modernization projects, where SiC’s efficiency gains translate directly into cost savings and lower carbon footprints. Companies that partner with SK keyfoundry can leverage the foundry’s high‑yield platform to accelerate product development cycles, ultimately driving competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving power‑electronics landscape.