Seoul Semiconductor has begun mass production of its high-voltage (HV) opto-semiconductor technology for four major global automakers across the Americas, Europe and Asia, as the company seeks to expand its presence in the growing electric and hybrid vehicle market.
The technology enables 12-volt single-chip operation, compared with the 3-volt LEDs commonly used in automotive applications. According to Seoul Semiconductor, the approach can reduce driver component counts by more than 10% while lowering power consumption by approximately 10% in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles.
High-Voltage Architecture Reduces Conversion Losses
The HV opto-semiconductor technology is based on a Multi-Junction P-N structure designed to simplify electrical system architecture in high-voltage vehicles.
The company said the technology reduces the voltage conversion ratio from 1/100 to 1/10 in vehicles equipped with 300-volt battery systems, helping to minimize energy losses associated with voltage conversion. The design is intended to improve efficiency while reducing the number of supporting components required in vehicle lighting and electronic systems.
Seoul Semiconductor added that it holds hundreds of patents related to HV opto-semiconductor chips, as well as more than 50 patents covering HV driver technologies.
EV Growth Expected to Boost Opto-Semiconductor Demand
The company said rising adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles is expected to increase demand for advanced opto-semiconductor solutions as automakers add more electronic and lighting functions to their vehicles.
Matthew Fras, Chief Operating Officer for North America Sales at Seoul Semiconductor, said the market for automotive opto-semiconductors is expected to expand significantly over the coming years alongside growth in electrified vehicle sales.
“With global EV sales—including hybrids—set to surpass 20 million units this year, that number is expected to double to 40 million units in five years,” Fras said.
“As vehicles become more functionally advanced, the value of opto-semiconductors per vehicle is also projected to grow from US$100 to US$200, meaning the overall opto-semiconductor market will expand fourfold.”
Company Targets Greater Presence in Automotive Sector
Fras said Seoul Semiconductor intends to use its HV opto-semiconductor technology to increase its share of the automotive market and deepen relationships with major vehicle manufacturers.
“We aim to significantly expand our market share through our ‘HV Opto-Semiconductor’ technology, with a goal of breaking into the global top 10 automotive brands by year-end, and we plan to elevate the automotive division to become the largest business unit within the Seoul Group this year.”