SK keyfoundry has entered mass production of a bi-directional silicon controlled rectifier (Bi-SCR) on-chip protection technology designed to address electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) demands in automotive semiconductors. Applied to the firm’s 0.13-micron BCD process, the solution manages system-level electrical stress without external protection components, meeting automotive standards including ISO 10605.

The Bi-SCR structure offers flexible trigger-voltage adjustment and high-current handling capability, with high area efficiency suited to automotive power ICs where space is constrained. Unlike conventional electrostatic discharge protection devices limited to manufacturing and assembly phases, the technology addresses continuous electrical stress during vehicle operation.

By managing EMC internally, SK keyfoundry says customers can eliminate external transient voltage suppressor diodes previously required in system designs, reducing component count and improving circuit integration. The firm plans to expand the portfolio across high-voltage LDMOS, BJT, SCR, and diode-based protection devices, targeting automotive power management ICs, motor drivers, and power control ICs.

In a statement, Derek D. Lee, Chief Executive of SK keyfoundry, said: “In the recent automotive semiconductor market, beyond simple component-level ESD performance, ‘EMC robustness’ under actual harsh automotive electronic system environments is emerging as a core competitive edge. The successful mass production and application of this Bi-SCR-based On-Chip EMC protection technology is a significant technological milestone that has elevated the reliability and system stability of automotive semiconductor products to the next level.”

Source: SK keyfoundry