IQE, SK siltron Collaborate on Epiwafer Development

IQE plc, a supplier of compound semiconductor wafer products and advanced material solutions to the semiconductor industry, has entered into a strategic agreement with semiconductor technology company SK siltron for the development and commercialization of compound semiconductor products. The agreement targets business development in the Asia market, bringing together SK siltron’s expertise in substrate with epitaxy capabilities from IQE, according to the companies.

Per the agreement, IQE and SK siltron will focus on developing and delivering epiwafers based on gallium nitride (GaN) on silicon carbide (SiC) for radio frequency applications in the wireless communications market and GaN on silicon (Si) for power electronics applications across a range of markets.

The agreement marks the third business arrangement announced by IQE this month. The company signed a multiyear volume supply agreement with a global consumer electronics leader based in Asia, and entered into a partnership with MICLEDI Microdisplays focused on the large-scale commercialization of microLED technology. The supply agreement, which is to begin immediately, is focused on the high-volume production of VCSELs for advanced 3D sensing applications. The parties are also engaged in joint research and development for next-generation sensing technologies and use cases, IQE said.

In June, IQE signed a multiyear agreement with Lumentum for the supply of epiwafers, and in May entered the micro-LED market via a strategic partnership with Porotech.