Power semiconductors are increasingly used in electric vehicles, renewable energy, industrial automation, and other fields, and the rapid development of these fields has led to a growing demand for high-performance power semiconductors. The proliferation of electric vehicles, the spread of renewable energy systems, and the need for automated industrial equipment have all made the supply of power semiconductors tight.
Natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions and other factors can impact the supply chain due to the instability of the global supply chain. These uncertainties have impacted raw material supply, manufacturing, and logistics, leading to instability in the power semiconductor supply chain. Against this backdrop, global semiconductor manufacturers are expanding production capacity and improving production efficiency to meet market demand.
Toshiba Electronics' 300mm power semiconductor wafer manufacturing plant and office building were recently completed, marking an important milestone in the first phase of Toshiba's multi-year investment plan. It is reported that Toshiba will now begin the installation of the equipment, which is expected to start mass production in the second half of 2024. Industry insiders pointed out that once the first phase is fully operational, Toshiba's power semiconductor production capacity will be 2.5 times that predicted when making investment plans, especially in MOSFETs and IGBTs. Industry insiders pointed out that the construction and operation decisions of the second phase will reflect market trends.
figure:Toshiba built a new 300mm power semiconductor wafer manufacturing facility
Manufacturing high-quality power semiconductors requires complex processes and highly sophisticated production environments. The manufacture of these semiconductor devices requires not only highly sophisticated process control, but also rigorous quality checks and testing. Manufacturers must overcome a variety of technical challenges in the process to ensure consistent performance and reliability for each power semiconductor.
Toshiba Electronics' new power semiconductor wafer construction plant has a seismic isolation structure and redundant power supply that can absorb seismic shocks. Equipped with renewable energy and solar panels on the roof of the building, the facility can meet 100% of its electricity needs using renewable energy.
Through the use of artificial intelligence, product quality and production efficiency will be improved. Toshiba is expected to receive a grant from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to subsidize its investment in some of its manufacturing facilities. Power semiconductors play a vital role in power supply and control and are essential for all electrical equipment to improve energy efficiency. With the continued electrification of automobiles and the automation of industrial machinery, the demand for power semiconductors is expected to continue to grow strongly. Going forward, the company will use the new plant to expand production and further contribute to carbon neutrality.
