Siliconspot

  Renesas [Posting: 2025.08.22] Renesas Electronics is a representative Japanese semiconductor company that has built its global leadership on automotive MCUs and SoCs . The company’s expertise lies in providing comprehensive solutions that integrate microcontrollers, analog and power devices, timing ICs, and connectivity solutions . With acquisitions of Intersil, IDT, Dialog, Celeno, and most recently Transphorm, Renesas has expanded its product breadth far beyond controllers, strengthening its capabilities in power management, wireless connectivity, and wide bandgap (GaN) power semiconductors . In terms of semiconductor technology, Renesas has a dual strategy : it collaborates with TSMC for advanced nodes (28nm eFlash, 16nm, 12nm, and even 3nm for R-Car SoCs) while investing in in-house production, such as the Kofu 300mm fab dedicated to power semiconductors . This approach ensures both access to cutting-edge logic processes and secure supply of critical automotive and industrial...

  Infineon [Posting: 2025.05.05] Infineon, the No. 1 automotive semiconductor company in the world, forms a "top-three" system alongside NXP and STMicroelectronics . With its own in-house fabs, Infineon is vertically integrating its power semiconductor production , while also partnering with foundry TSMC to manufacture high-performance MCUs using 28nm + RRAM (Resistive RAM) technology —pursuing both internal and external manufacturing to drive revenue. Additionally, together with TSMC, Bosch, and NXP, Infineon is establishing ESMC (European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) in Dresden, Germany , planning to begin production by 2027 using 12/16nm FinFET and 22/28nm CMOS process nodes . This represents a strategic initiative to expand in-vehicle semiconductor fab capacity within Europe. Focusing on automotive MCUs and power semiconductors , Infineon is aiming to secure the supply of core components such as controllers and power modules essential for future electric vehicle...

  [Posting: April 21, 2025] China’s second-largest foundry (arguably), HHGrace (Hua Hong Grace Semiconductor) , has shown particular strength in legacy processes, especially in the 8-inch (200mm) segment for MCUs (NVM: eFlash) . The company has also developed eFlash and BCD processes on 12-inch wafers at 90nm and 55nm nodes , establishing a diverse process portfolio for consumer, industrial, and automotive applications. Primarily targeting the Chinese domestic market and supported by government subsidies , HHGrace enjoys strong wafer price competitiveness . The company is actively transferring its process capabilities from 8-inch to 12-inch production to meet rising local demand, focusing on aggressive FAB construction and technology development . While slower than SMIC in developing advanced nodes, HHGrace is firmly recognized for its technological strength in derivative processes . It plays a key role in China’s semiconductor ambitions and is committed to in-house process in...

  [Published Date: April 17, 2025] TSMC: The Foundry Powerhouse Feeding Taiwan TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) is a foundry company established in 1987 by Morris Chang. Since 2000, it has consistently led the development of foundry technology and remains at the forefront even today. The company is notorious for its demanding workload—employees are even required to surrender their mobile phones upon entering the workplace . Although the turnover rate was relatively high in the past, TSMC appears to be retaining talent by increasing performance-based bonuses. For instance, the turnover rate for new hires dropped from 17.6% in 2021 to 8.9% in 2023. While TSMC employs many brilliant individuals, its work intensity is known to be significantly higher than that of Korean companies. This approach might be what enables it to consistently lead and survive in the competitive semiconductor ecosystem. In such an environment where technological companies must avoid complacen...