Japanese semiconductor manufacturer Rohm has signed a licensing agreement with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to expand production of gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductors as demand rises in sectors such as electric vehicles and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Under the agreement, Rohm will combine its own device development and manufacturing capabilities with TSMC’s GaN process technology to establish a broader production system for the next generation of power devices.
“By licensing TSMC GaN technology, ROHM will strengthen its supply capability to meet growing demand for GaN in applications such as AI servers and electric vehicles,” the company said.
GaN power semiconductors are considered an alternative to traditional silicon or silicon carbide (SiC) devices. According to Rohm, the technology offers improved high-voltage and high-frequency performance, enabling more efficient and compact power systems across a wide range of applications.
The technology is already widely used in consumer electronics such as power adapters and chargers. Rohm also sees growing opportunities in automotive onboard chargers and high-performance power supplies used in AI data center infrastructure.
Rohm has been developing GaN technology for several years and opened a mass-production facility for 150-volt GaN semiconductors in Hamamatsu, Japan, in 2022. For higher-voltage applications, the company has collaborated with partners including TSMC.
In late 2024, Rohm and TSMC announced a partnership focused on automotive GaN semiconductors. Under the newly signed agreement, TSMC’s 650-volt process technology will be transferred to Rohm’s Hamamatsu production facility.
Rohm said it plans to complete the upgraded production line by 2027 to meet increasing demand for GaN-based power devices.
The company described the agreement as an evolution of its collaboration with TSMC. However, once the technology transfer is completed, the companies will conclude their joint automotive GaN development partnership.
“Upon completion of the technology transfer, ROHM and TSMC will amicably conclude their automotive GaN partnership,” Rohm said, adding that both companies plan to continue working together on technologies aimed at improving the efficiency and size of power supply systems.
