DB HiTek: Leading the Future with 8-Inch Specialty and Next-Generation Power Semiconductors

 

DB HiTek - Korea base

[Posting: 2025.08.18]

DB HiTek is Korea’s leading specialized 8-inch (200mm) foundry, with strengths in analog and power semiconductor fields such as BCD, HV CMOS, Mixed-Signal, display driver ICs, and CMOS image sensors. In particular, the company demonstrates differentiated legacy process capabilities in automotive and industrial power semiconductors as well as display driver chips compared to global competitors. Currently, DB HiTek operates two fabs in Bucheon and Eumseong with a monthly capacity of 150,000 wafers, and by 2026, it plans to expand its infrastructure to around 190,000 wafers per month. The company is also preparing new growth drivers by expanding its technology portfolio into next-generation embedded memory ReRAM and SiC/GaN-based power semiconductors. However, compared to the global top four foundries, DB HiTek is smaller in scale and has a limited presence in the 12-inch advanced node segment. Nevertheless, backed by a stable profit structure and a focused specialty process strategy, DB HiTek is expected to further strengthen its position as a “high-margin specialty foundry.”


DB HiTek - Foundry Industry Summary (2025, Including Competitor Comparison)

1. DB HiTek Overview

  • Founded: 1997 (Dongbu Electronics) → 2007 Dongbu HiTek → 2017 DB HiTek

  • Locations: Bucheon (Fab1), Eumseong (Fab2) in Korea

  • Positioning: Korea’s No.1 specialized 8-inch (200mm) foundry

  • Process Range: 0.35μm ~ 90nm

  • Core Focus: BCD/HV CMOS, Mixed-Signal, CIS, SJ MOSFET, DDI, Power semiconductors

2. DB HiTek Financials (Past 5 Years, USD Converted)

Exchange rate assumption: 1 USD ≈ 1,300 KRW

YearRevenue (₩bn)Revenue (USD M)Operating Profit (₩bn)Operating Profit (USD M)
20241,131.2870177.7137
20231,154.2888257.9198
20221,669.51,284761.7586
20211,214.7935399.0307
2020935.9720239.2184

  • Boom year: 2022, driven by power semiconductor and automotive demand surge

  • Adjustment: Revenue slowdown in 2023–2024, utilization decline

  • Recovery: Gradual rebound expected in 2025 with demand recovery

3. FAB & Capacity

  • Fab1 (Bucheon): 91K wpm, 0.35μm~0.15μm, focused on BCD/HV & SJ MOSFET

  • Fab2 (Eumseong): 60K wpm, 0.18μm~90nm, focused on CIS, Mixed-Signal, RF, DDI

  • Total Capacity: 154K wpm (2025)

  • Expansion Plan: Eumseong cleanroom expansion → up to 190K wpm by 2026 with equipment ramp

4. Utilization Trends

  • 2024: Average ~75%

  • 2025: Expected to rise to high-80s to 90% on Chinese & automotive demand recovery

5. Technology Portfolio & Roadmap

  • Legacy Processes: BCD/HV, Mixed-Signal, DDI, CIS (0.35μm~90nm)

  • Applications: PMIC, display drivers, image sensors, automotive/industrial power semiconductors

  • Next-Gen Initiatives:

    • ReRAM (eNVM): 130nm BCD process, volume production targeted in 2025

    • Power Semiconductors (new materials): SiC (1200V), GaN (650V) on 8-inch pilot lines

6. Workforce & Salaries

  • Headcount: ~2,400 employees

  • Average Salary: ~₩86M (≈ USD 66K)

7. Competitor Comparison (Centered on DB HiTek)

CategoryDB HiTek (KR)UMC (TW)SMIC (CN)GlobalFoundries (US/EU/SG)
FY2024 Revenue$0.87B$7.26B$8.03B$6.75B
Capacity8" 154K → 190K12" eq >400K8" eq 948K300mm ~200K+ (Fab8, Fab1, Fab7 etc.)
Utilization75% (’24) → 90%+ (’25)69% (Q1’25)85.6% (FY24)n/a
Core Processes0.35μm~90nm (BCD/HV, Mixed-Signal, CIS, DDI)22/28nm, BCD/eNVM/RFSOI28nm↑, limited 14nm FinFET/N+112/14nm FinFET, 22FDX, RF
Key TraitsKorea’s No.1 8" foundry, preparing ReRAM & SiC/GaNSpecialty process leader, 12 fabsChina’s largest, geopolitical/regulatory risksGlobal specialty & FinFET player, diversified regions

8. Conclusion

  • DB HiTek’s Strengths:

    • Leading 8-inch specialized foundry with stable profitability

    • Strong automotive, industrial, and display driver customer base

    • Preparing growth drivers in ReRAM, SiC, and GaN

  • Limitations:

    • Much smaller in scale/revenue than global big four (UMC, SMIC, GF, TSMC)

    • Limited presence in 12-inch and advanced nodes

  • Strategic Position:

    • A “High-margin specialty foundry”

    • Expanding capacity and entering new materials to strengthen niche market leadership

FAQ

Q1. What was DB HiTek’s 2024 revenue?
→ About $870M (₩1.13 trillion)

Q2. What is DB HiTek’s production capacity?
→ Currently 154K wpm (8"), expandable to 190K by 2026

Q3. What is DB HiTek’s next-gen technology roadmap?
→ ReRAM (130nm BCD), SiC/GaN power semiconductors

Q4. What is DB HiTek’s strength vs. competitors?
→ Specialization in 8-inch legacy/power processes and stable margins

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