A global opto-semiconductor technology company, announced that its world’s first high-voltage (HV) opto-semiconductor technology has entered serial production at four of the world’s leading automotive brands in the Americas, Europe and Asia, with plans to expand deliveries to 10 models by the end of the year.
The technology combines microscale opto-semiconductor chips, which, unlike conventional 3V LEDs, enable 12V single-chip operation, with high-voltage (HV) driver technology. This allows for a reduction of more than 10% in the number of driver-related components used in hybrid and electric vehicles, while simultaneously reducing power consumption by approximately 10%, thus contributing to cost reduction and simplification of electric vehicle systems. Seoul Semiconductor intends to use this global mass production launch as a springboard to establish high-voltage opto-semiconductors as the next-generation standard technology in the hybrid and electric vehicle sector, supported by its already secured portfolio of hundreds of patents for high-voltage opto-semiconductor chips and more than 50 patents for HV drivers.
Seoul Semiconductor intends to use this global rollout of mass production as a springboard to lead the next generation of standard technology in the hybrid and electric vehicle sector. The core of its high-voltage opto-semiconductor technology is based on a multi-junction PN structure within a single chip. Conventional 3V drive systems required a voltage step-down of 1/100 when used in hybrid and electric vehicles with 300V high-voltage batteries. In contrast, the use of a 30V HV chip reduces the voltage step-down ratio to just 1/10, significantly reducing conversion losses.
Previously, bridging such large voltage differences required multiple conversion circuits and components, resulting in significant power losses, heat generation, and a complex design. Seoul Semiconductor’s high-voltage opto-semiconductor technology minimizes the need for separate components, simplifies PCB design, and reduces the number of components, while simultaneously lowering heat generation and improving lifespan. Compared to conventional 3V LEDs, it reduces driver costs by 20% and power consumption by 10%.
Matthew Fras, COO for North American Sales at Seoul Semiconductor, explained: “With global sales of electric vehicles – including hybrids – expected to exceed 20 million units this year, that number is projected to double to 40 million units in five years. As vehicles become increasingly functionally advanced, the value of opto-semiconductors per vehicle is expected to increase from $100 to $200, meaning the overall opto-semiconductor market will quadruple. We aim to significantly expand our market share through our high-voltage opto-semiconductor technology, with the goal of being among the top 10 global automotive brands by year-end, and we plan to make the automotive sector the largest business unit within the Seoul Group this year.”
According to the International Energy Agency ( IEA ), by 2025 one in four (25%) new vehicles sold worldwide will be a hybrid or electric vehicle, with this share expected to more than double to over two-fifths by 2030. Global demand for opto-semiconductors for the automotive industry is also expected to quadruple, driven by new functional requirements such as stylish lighting and vehicle-to-vehicle communication ( TrendForce ).
About Seoul Semiconductor
Seoul Semiconductor is the world’s third-largest optoelectronics (LED) company and has specialized in LED technology for over 30 years. With the vision of “making the world clean, healthy, and beautiful through light,” the company is leading a new lighting paradigm across various industries, including lighting, automotive, IT (e.g., backlighting), and its subsidiary Seoul Viosys, which specializes in MicroLEDs, UV, sensors, and data communication (SD).
Its groundbreaking technologies include the world’s first innovative wireless LED technology WICOP , the SunLike LED which replicates the natural sunlight spectrum, the high-voltage LED Acrich , the ultra-bright nPola LED (10 times brighter than conventional LEDs), the RGB single-chip MicroLED WICOP Pixel , and the UV sterilization technology Violeds .
Seoul Semiconductor boasts an impressive portfolio of over 15,000 patents and has won over 100 patent disputes in eight countries over the past 20 years. Believing that the patent system gives hope to young people and serves as a foundation for building a better world, the company is actively committed to protecting intellectual property. For more information, please visit our official website ( www.seoulsemicon.com or www.seoulviosys.com ) and our social media channels ( LinkedIn ).
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