Chipmaker eyes full-fledged entry into gallium nitride chips for EVs
The acquisition by Renesas will be completed in the second half of 2024. (Photo by Ryo Mukano)
RYO MUKANO, Nikkei staff writer
January 11, 2024 23:57 JST
January 11, 2024 23:57 JST
TOKYO — Japanese chipmaker Renesas Electronics will acquire U.S. power semiconductor company Transphorm for $339 million, the buyer said on Thursday, looking to boost its presence in advanced gallium nitride (GaN) chips for electric vehicles.
The acquisition will be completed in the second half of 2024. Transphorm will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Renesas.
Power semiconductors, which are used to control motors and convert electrical power, are undergoing a shift from conventional silicon materials to new materials with higher efficiency.
The acquisition of Transphorm will give Renesas the opportunity to fully enter the GaN field, having sought to expand in the field since last year.
GaN semiconductors have high thermal conductivity and excellent heat dissipation. They offer less than half the power loss of conventional chips and can extend the range of electric vehicles. They are also suited for data centers, small power supplies and other products.
Transphorm has technology that meets international standards for automotive GaN semiconductors and expects synergies by partnering with Renesas, which has many automotive customers.