Industrial Electronics to Be Expanded

Optical sensors create a large wave at MEMS

In the field of wideband gap materials, ST is currently active in SiC-MOSFETs. What are the plans for the future?
ST has been working on silicon carbide for a long time, so a few years ago the technology was mature enough to be discussed with customers, especially one customer. In the automotive sector, for example, we have demonstrated the added value of SiC-MOSFETs for optimizing the performance of an inverter, so that ranges of 450 to 500 km are possible. Together with the customer, we thought the technology was mature enough and also worked on power modules together - and we decided to continue.
Today, one year after the roll-out of the program, ST is the only semiconductor company to mass produce SiC MOSFETs and SiC diodes for inverters and on-board chargers. We are already manufacturing the second generation and have established the supply chain with several material suppliers. We have built up a lot of know-how to overcome two major challenges, one of which could only be solved with high volume. We are currently developing the 3rd generation and a trench technology. With trench technology, power MOSFETs can be reduced in size to reduce the cost of ownership. We are currently working on over 30 programs with customers. In 2018, our SiC-related revenue will be approximately $100 million, and we aim to achieve a leading position in a market we estimate to be more than $3 billion in 2025.

Acquisitions would also be an opportunity to expand activities in the field of power semiconductors. What do you think?
Our plan and priorities are to focus on organic growth. Nevertheless, our strong financial position enables us to consider strategic acquisitions to strengthen our offering, especially in the automotive and industrial sectors.

ST plays an absolutely dominant role in the field of optical ToF sensors. How could you work out this advantage?
We learned from two things: It did not make sense to develop a camera solution for smartphones at the beginning of this decade because Sony dominated this segment for Apple and Samsung did the same for their own devices. At the same time, we learned our lesson from the Nokia case - never be the bottleneck. Against this backdrop, we put all our energy into the development of proximity sensors and implemented the roadmap point by point. Today, we employ around 650 people in this area. Since we now have the corresponding know-how, IP, and the necessary established process and manufacturing technology in the field of ToF sensors, we can also use this technology for 3D sensing solutions or transfer it to automotive and industrial applications.

Optical sensors represent the second major wave in the field of MEMS and sensors. What do you think will be the next big thing: MEMS actuators for autofocus, environmental sensors, or something else?
The next big megatrend is the introduction of 5G and the ongoing digitalization of the industry. I do not see any particular trend towards a new type of MEMS sensor. Rather, I am convinced that MEMS technology will be a decisive enabler in the implementation of a number of megatrends in the future. This also applies to the implementation of the next smartphone generations.

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4. Optical sensors create a large wave at MEMS