Increased Production Of Key Semiconductor Material By Ajinomoto

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Post on Apr 07, 2025

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Ajinomoto Boosts Production of Key Semiconductor Material, Fueling Global Chip Supply

Tokyo, Japan – October 26, 2023 – Ajinomoto Fine-Techno, a leading producer of specialty chemicals, announced a significant expansion of its production capacity for high-purity electronic-grade silicon carbide (SiC), a crucial material in the burgeoning semiconductor industry. This strategic move is poised to alleviate ongoing supply chain constraints and accelerate the adoption of SiC-based power devices.

The global semiconductor shortage, which has plagued various industries for years, has highlighted the critical need for reliable and scalable production of key materials like SiC. Ajinomoto's investment underscores the growing demand for SiC, a material prized for its superior performance characteristics compared to traditional silicon in power electronics applications.

SiC: The Future of Power Electronics

Silicon carbide offers several advantages over traditional silicon, making it an ideal material for next-generation power electronics. These advantages include:

• Higher power efficiency: SiC devices operate with significantly lower energy losses, leading to increased efficiency in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and industrial power supplies.
• Higher switching frequencies: This allows for smaller and more compact power electronic systems.
• Higher operating temperatures: SiC devices can withstand higher temperatures, improving reliability and extending lifespan.
• Wider bandgap: This results in better performance under high-voltage and high-temperature conditions.

These benefits are driving rapid adoption of SiC across diverse sectors, including:

• Electric Vehicles (EVs): SiC power modules are crucial for improving the efficiency and range of electric vehicles.
• Renewable Energy: SiC inverters are essential components in solar and wind power systems, enhancing their efficiency and reducing energy waste.
• Industrial Automation: SiC-based power supplies offer higher efficiency and improved performance in industrial applications.
• Data Centers: The growing demand for data processing power fuels the need for more efficient and powerful power supplies, where SiC plays a critical role.

Ajinomoto's Strategic Expansion: Meeting Growing Demand

Ajinomoto's increased production capacity for high-purity SiC directly addresses the supply chain challenges currently hindering the widespread adoption of SiC-based technologies. The company’s investment demonstrates a clear commitment to meeting the escalating global demand for this vital semiconductor material. While specific details regarding the production expansion's scale and timeline remain undisclosed, the announcement signals a positive development for the semiconductor industry and its various downstream applications.

This move positions Ajinomoto as a key player in securing the future of power electronics. The increased availability of high-quality SiC will likely accelerate innovation and development in various sectors reliant on efficient and reliable power management. Industry analysts anticipate this production boost will have a significant positive impact on the overall supply chain, leading to reduced costs and faster time-to-market for SiC-based products.

Keywords: Ajinomoto, Silicon Carbide, SiC, Semiconductor, Chip shortage, High-purity SiC, Electronic-grade SiC, Power electronics, Electric vehicles, Renewable energy, Supply chain, Semiconductor industry, Technology, Innovation.