The collaboration aims to ensure a secure, domestic supply of power semiconductors critical to automotive, electric grids, robotic manufacturing, and data centers, the companies said.
HSINCHU, Taiwan and BLOOMINGTON, Minn.—United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) and Polar Semiconductor, LLC, recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore collaboration to deliver “scalable U.S.-based 8-inch production of high-quality wafers that are essential across pillar industries, including automotive, data centers, consumer electronics, and aerospace and defense,” according to a joint release by the companies.
United Microelectronics Corporation is a global semiconductor foundry that provides high-quality integrated circuit (IC) fabrication services. Focusing on logic and various specialty technologies, UMC serves all major sectors of the electronics industry. The company’s comprehensive IC processing technologies and manufacturing solutions include logic/mixed-signal, embedded high-voltage, embedded non-volatile-memory, RF-SOI (radio frequency-semiconductor on insulator), and BCD (bipolar-CMOS-DMOS).
Polar Semiconductor is a U.S.-owned and operated foundry specializing in high-voltage, power, and sensor semiconductor manufacturing for automotive, industrial, aerospace and defense, data center, and consumer applications.
Under the MOU, Polar Semiconductor and UMC will identify devices for Polar to manufacture at its recently expanded facility in Minnesota for 8-inch wafer manufacturing. By combining Polar’s proven manufacturing capabilities with UMC’s comprehensive 8-inch technology portfolio and global customer base, the partnership aims to drive growth for both companies while supporting customers’ multi-sourcing strategies, the release stated.
In addition, the collaboration will strengthen 8-inch wafer manufacturing in the U.S., contributing to supply chain resilience amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. In doing so, it will work to ensure a secure domestic supply of power semiconductors that are critical to automotive, electric grids, robotic manufacturing, data centers, and more.
“This partnership is aligned with Polar’s strategy to meet the growing demand for domestic manufacturing, including the need to onshore semiconductor solutions from U.S. and global customers,” said Polar Semiconductor Vice President of Marketing Ken Obuszewski, in a statement. “With deep foundry customer relationships and a robust portfolio of specialized technologies, partnership with UMC is proof of Polar’s capability to be a value-added silicon foundry in specialized technologies focused on power and sensors.”
United Microelectronics Corporation Senior Vice President of Global Sales Oliver Chang said that UMC is committed to enabling the success of its customers “through a broad range of foundry technologies and geographically diverse manufacturing options.”
“We are excited to collaborate with Polar to explore new applications and markets,” Chang said in the release. “This partnership directly addresses our customers’ needs for more made-in-USA chips, reflecting UMC’s dedication to delivering value through innovative solutions and mutually beneficial partnerships.”