Dongbu HiTek’s specialized analog CMOS process dramatically shrinks Enpirion’s dc/dc converter chip footprint

Dongbu HiTek’s specialized analog CMOS process dramatically shrinks Enpirion’s dc/dc converter chip footprint by 40%

Innovative RF-LDMOS implementation to be reviewed in a technical paper at International Symposium on Power Semiconductor Devices (ISPSD ‘12)

Seoul, Korea – June 14, 2012 – Dongbu HiTek today announced that its specialized Analog CMOS Process (AN180X) is being used to manufacture dc/dc converters for Enpirion Inc., a leading developer of integrated power IC solutions. Specifying a chip area that is 40 percent smaller than competing alternatives at comparable performance, the new 12-V converter family underscores Enpirion’s focus on miniaturizing dc/dc power systems for telecommunications, enterprise, industrial, embedded computing and storage applications.

Enpirion reports that its new EN2300 converter family, implemented with Dongbu HiTek’s AN180X process, achieves the industry’s best Figure of Merit (FOM = Gate Charge x On-state Resistance) to operate at high frequencies while reducing switching losses. Significantly, the 12-V RF-LDMOS transistors used in the AN180X process specify a cut-off frequency of 37.7 GHz, the highest level ever reached for this class of converters.

Innovative Analog CMOS techniques such as those embodied in Dongbu HiTek’s specialized AN180X process at the 180nm node promise to drive higher levels of power integration in the dc/dc converter market, and thereby expand market opportunities. According to iSuppli, the worldwide market for dc/dc converter ICs is forecast to grow from approximately $9.5 billion in 2011 to about $13.2 billion in 2016, representing a CAGR of about 6.8% over the five year period.

Dongbu HiTek recently presented a technical paper on the innovative RF-LDMOS structures developed for its AN180X process at the 24th annual International Symposium on Power Semiconductor Devices (ISPD ’12) which took place last week in Belgium.

About Enpirion

The leader of integrated power IC solutions driving the miniaturization of dc/dc power systems. Enpirion’s products are leading the discrete-to-integrated transition in the multi-billion dollar power IC market. Its integrated power IC solutions simplify design complexity while addressing the space constraints and efficiency needs faced by designers of enterprise, telecom, storage, industrial and embedded applications. In engineering complete power-systems-on-a-chip (PowerSoC), Enpirion is the only semiconductor company that owns all key enabling analog power technologies: high-frequency MOSFET, magnetics and packaging. Enpirion’s extensive portfolio of dc/dc converter PowerSoCs with integrated inductors enable the industry’s smallest solution footprints and are recognized for their high efficiency, low noise, exceptional thermal performance, high reliability and ease of use. Unlike discrete power products, Enpirion’s turnkey solutions give designers complete power systems that are fully simulated, characterized, validated and production qualified. For more information about Enpirion, please visit www.enpirion.com.

About Dongbu HiTek

As the World Leader in Specialty Foundry, Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd. specializes in delivering superb analog and mixed-signal processing technologies. The leading specialty foundry adds high value to advanced ICs with a processing portfolio that encompasses Analog CMOS, BCDMOS, High Voltage CMOS, CMOS RF, CMOS Image Sensor (CIS), Display Driver IC (DDI), and NOR Flash technologies. The Analog POWERhouse company’s best-in-class BCDMOS technology enables power management chip designs that serve numerous applications ranging from home and handheld electronics to automotive and industrial systems. Currently processing technologies at nodes ranging from 0.35 microns to 90 nanometers, the company complements its world class foundry capabilities with top quality design support, prototype verification and packaging/module development. Headquartered in Seoul, Dongbu HiTek publicly trades its stock under 000990 on the Korea Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.dongbuhitek.com.

■