iDEAL Semiconductor announced on May 16 that it has successfully secured $40 million in funding as it aims to launch cheaper electric vehicle-compatible chips from widely available materials, Reuters reports.
For context, power chips assist with tasks like converting alternating current from the electrical grid to the device’s direct current. It is also utilized in anything from washing machines to internet servers and now to electric vehicles.
What makes iDEAL Semiconductor’s chip different?
iDEAL introduced a novel method of producing power chips called SuperQ TM, which addresses the current materials-related issues in the industry.
It is worth noting that chip companies like Wolfspeed and On Semi use silicon carbide in producing power chips. According to the report, this material is more efficient, which improves the EV’s range.
However, it is expensive and limited compared to the more affordable standard silicon in common chips.
In response, iDEAL Semi claims to have developed a fresh chip recipe that draws inspiration from industries like solar panel technology in making standard silicon-based chips.
“We’ve had this drum beat for the past 10 years that silicon is dead. It’s quite frankly the lack of innovation in silicon that has enabled that drum beat.”
Mark Granahan, iDEAL Semi CEO
The company’s official website also indicated that the technology unlocks “higher efficiency and higher voltage performance” in silicon through the following:
- Asymmetrical Charge-Balanced Trench – it unlocks additional room for conduction and improves efficiency
- Thinner Epitaxy – it enables an almost ideal charge balance that supports thinner epitaxy
- Higher Doping Concentration – its blocking efficiency lessens the channel’s resistance and power loss
iDEAL Semiconductor to launch the new chips in late 2023
As mentioned, iDEAL Semi raised a new round of funding worth $40 million, boosting its capital to a total of $75 million.
The report noted that Applied Materials is among the backers of iDEAL Semiconductor on this project.
It has also formed a partnership with Minnesota-based chip maker Polar Semiconductor to produce the initial chips.
See Also:
- Microchip shortage forces vehicle production cuts in North America, as per latest statistics
- Wolfspeed, ZF partner to build a new German EV chip factory and R&D center worth $3bln
- Tesla seems to have purchased a vast number of new TSMC Self-Driving Chips
- Self-driving chip manufacturer Black Sesame Technologies announces partnership with ZTE
- Toyota lowers output target amid chip crunch as profit drops to 25%
To be fair, iDEAL Semi CEO asserted that silicon carbide chips can still outperform their newly-developed chips on particular applications like e-semi trucks.
However, he assured that iDEAL’s chips could compete for around 90% of the total market for power chips.
“We’re early days with the technology, and we’re certainly going to push the boundaries upwards.”
Mark Granahan, iDEAL Semi CEO
The company aims to release the first batch of the new chips later this year, per the report.
