Seoul Semiconductor is expanding its presence in the automotive semiconductor market with its self-developed HV optoelectronics technology. Four major global automakers in the U.S., Europe, and Asia have begun mass production using this technology, with plans to increase the number of applicable models to ten by the end of the year.
According to industry sources, Seoul Semiconductor's HV optoelectronics technology enables high-voltage operation of 12V or more from a single chip, unlike the traditional 3V LED method. This technology combines miniaturized optoelectronic chips with high-voltage driver technology, focusing on reducing the number of automotive electronic components and power loss.
The company states that applying this technology can reduce the number of driver-related components used in hybrid and electric vehicles by over 10% and lower power consumption by about 10%. It is also estimated that driver costs can be reduced by approximately 20% compared to traditional 3V LEDs.
The key to this technology is the application of a multi-P-N junction structure on a single chip. Traditional LEDs require a significant voltage conversion from the vehicle's high-voltage battery to a lower voltage, while HV optoelectronics reduce the voltage conversion range, alleviating circuit design burdens and heat issues.
As demand for lighting in electric and hybrid vehicles increases, industry experts are reassessing automotive LEDs from simple lighting components to critical parts that influence electronic efficiency.
Seoul Semiconductor plans to expand its global customer base for its HV optoelectronics chips, backed by hundreds of patents related to the technology and over 50 patents for driver components. The company aims to enter the ranks of the top 10 global automotive manufacturers by the end of the year.
The growth of the electric vehicle market is also driving demand for automotive optoelectronics. According to the International Energy Agency, electric vehicles are expected to account for one in four new car sales globally by 2025. As electrification and advanced vehicle functionalities progress simultaneously, the range of optoelectronics used in each vehicle is also expanding.
Matthew Pras, Chief Operating Officer of Seoul Semiconductor North America, stated, "Global electric vehicle sales are rapidly increasing, and the amount spent on optoelectronics per vehicle will also rise. We will focus on increasing the share of our automotive division centered around HV optoelectronics."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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