Onsemi: Intense Competition Expected in Automotive Power Semiconductors and Sensors
![]() |
Onsemi |
[Posting: 2025.06.06]
The automotive semiconductor manufacturer Onsemi was originally spun off from Motorola’s semiconductor division in 1999. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions, the company has grown into a specialized provider of power semiconductors, sensors, and analog ICs for automotive applications, recording a revenue of $7 billion in 2024.
Onsemi has expanded its product portfolio by acquiring major companies such as AMI, Sanyo Semiconductor, Aptina Imaging, Fairchild Semiconductor, SWIR Vision Systems, and Qorvo's SiC JFET division. It is now in fierce competition with global players like Infineon, STMicroelectronics, and Renesas in the automotive sector.
Recently, the company has been heavily investing in the production of next-generation automotive power semiconductors based on SiC (Silicon Carbide), expanding its production from 6-inch to 8-inch wafers. Among its global sites, Bucheon, South Korea, has emerged as a key manufacturing hub.
By collaborating with foundry partners like TSMC and UMC for analog and power IC production, Onsemi is reinforcing its product lineup through a hybrid IDM + foundry model.
In addition to automotive power semiconductors, Onsemi is also expanding its global market share in sensors. The key questions for the company's future will be how quickly it can reach its target of $10 billion in product revenue, which companies it may target for future M&A, and whether it can survive in the global SiC power race, not only against Chinese rivals but also against the worldwide Top 3 players.
π Onsemi Company Analysis Report (as of 2025)
π’ Company Overview
Onsemi is a global leader in power semiconductors and sensor solutions, providing energy-efficient technologies to a broad range of industries including automotive, industrial automation, cloud infrastructure, medical, and IoT.
π️ Company History
-
1999: Spun off from Motorola’s semiconductor division; ON Semiconductor founded
-
2000: Listed on NASDAQ
-
2016: Acquired Fairchild Semiconductor
-
2021: Rebranded from “ON Semiconductor” to “onsemi”
-
2024: Acquired SWIR Vision Systems to enhance sensor capabilities
π΅ 5-Year Revenue and Operating Margin
Year | Revenue (B$) | Operating Income (B$) | Operating Margin (%) |
---|---|---|---|
2020 | 5.255 | 0.674 | 12.8% |
2021 | 6.740 | 0.833 | 12.4% |
2022 | 8.326 | 0.825 | 9.9% |
2023 | 8.253 | 0.708 | 8.6% |
2024 | 7.082 | 0.708 | 10.0% |
π§© Product Portfolio
-
Power Devices: SiC MOSFETs, IGBTs, diodes, power modules
-
Power Management ICs: AC-DC/DC-DC converters, gate drivers, power protection
-
Sensors: CMOS image sensors, ToF, LiDAR, SWIR sensors
-
Connectivity Solutions: BLE, Zigbee, Sub-GHz wireless SoCs
-
Custom ASICs: Mixed-signal and high-voltage custom designs
⚙️ Key Applications
-
Automotive: EV powertrain, ADAS, battery management
-
Industrial Automation: Robotics, inverters, smart factory
-
Cloud Infrastructure: Server power conversion and energy efficiency
-
Medical Devices: Diagnostic image sensors
-
Consumer IoT: Low-power wireless and sensors
π Manufacturing and Foundry Strategy
Onsemi operates as an IDM (Integrated Device Manufacturer) with internal fabs and limited foundry outsourcing.
π Major Fabrication Sites
Region | Country/City | Wafer Size |
---|---|---|
USA | East Fishkill, Oregon | 300mm, 200mm |
South Korea | Bucheon | 150mm, 200mm |
Japan | Gunma, Aizu-Wakamatsu | 200mm |
Czechia | RoΕΎnov | 150mm |
Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam | Assembly & Test | - |
π₯ Employees and Salary
-
Employee count (2024): ~26,000
-
Average salary (USA): ~$99,459 (≈130M KRW)
-
Key roles: SoC/ASIC design, power electronics, quality/process engineering, software development
⚔️ Main Competitors
Competitor | Focus Area | Notes |
---|---|---|
Infineon (Germany) | Power semiconductors, SiC, MCUs | Global #1 in power devices |
STMicroelectronics | Power, sensors, MCUs | Strong industrial + automotive focus |
Texas Instruments | Analog, power management | High-margin analog IC leader |
NXP (Netherlands) | Automotive SoC, BMS, Radar | ADAS and in-vehicle connectivity |
Renesas (Japan) | MCUs, power ICs | Strong in automotive MCUs |
ROHM (Japan) | SiC power semiconductors | Rapid SiC development |
Others | Vishay, Diodes Inc., Allegro | Competing in niche segments |
π€ Key M&A Activity
Year | Target Company | Purpose / Focus Area |
---|---|---|
2008 | AMI Semiconductor | Expanded mixed-signal and ASIC portfolio |
2011 | SANYO Semiconductor | Broadened analog and power product lines |
2014 | Aptina Imaging | CMOS image sensor technologies |
2016 | Fairchild Semiconductor | Major power semiconductor acquisition |
2018 | SensL Technologies | Acquired SiPM, SPAD, and LiDAR sensor tech |
2019 | Quantenna Communications | High-performance Wi-Fi (discontinued in 2022) |
2024 | SWIR Vision Systems | CQD-based SWIR imaging for industrial & automotive |
2025 | Qorvo’s SiC Division (UnitedSiC) | Strengthened SiC power device roadmap |
π Summary Infographic
Category | Details |
---|---|
Founded | 1999 (Spin-off from Motorola) |
HQ Location | Scottsdale, Arizona, USA |
2024 Revenue | $7.08B |
2024 Operating Margin | 10.0% |
Product Focus | SiC, Power ICs, Sensors, Connectivity |
Key Markets | Automotive, Industrial, Cloud, Medical, IoT |
Manufacturing Model | IDM + Select Foundry Partners (TSMC, UMC, etc.) |
Employees | ~26,000 |
Avg. Salary | $99,459 (U.S. average) |
Key Competitors | Infineon, ST, TI, NXP, Renesas, ROHM |
Notable M&As | Fairchild, Aptina, UnitedSiC, SWIR Vision |
✅ Conclusion
Onsemi is a rising power in the field of energy-efficient power electronics and sensors, with a strong IDM base and a clear focus on high-growth sectors like electric vehicles, AI server power systems, and smart sensing. Its recent strategic acquisitions, including UnitedSiC and SWIR Vision Systems, further enhance its competitive position against global giants such as Infineon, STMicro, and Texas Instruments.