China epitaxy of semiconductors Manufacturers, Suppliers, Factory

Silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic is a type of advanced ceramic material known for its exceptional properties and wide range of applications. It is composed of silicon (Si) and carbon (C) atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure, resulting in a hard and strong material with excellent thermal and electrical conductivity.

The development of high-powered blue and UV LEDs has enabled the creation of full-color LED TV displays, as well as white LED automotive and domestic lighting. These LEDs are based on Gallium Nitride, which is deposited on substrate wafers supported by CVD SiC-coated graphite susceptor using the MOCVD process.

Within the silicon carbide (SiC) industry chain, substrate suppliers hold significant leverage, primarily due to value distribution. SiC substrates account for 47% of the total value, followed by epitaxial layers at 23%, while device design and manufacturing constitute the remaining 30%. This inverted value chain stems from the high technological barriers inherent to substrate and epitaxial layer production. Three major challenges plague SiC substrate growth: stringent growth conditions, slow growth rates, and demanding crystallographic requirements. These complexities contribute to increased processing difficulty, ultimately resulting in low product yields and high costs. Furthermore, the epitaxial layer’s thickness and doping concentration are critical parameters directly impacting the final device performance.

In the process of wafer preparation, there are two core links: one is the preparation of the substrate, and the other is the implementation of the epitaxial process. The substrate, a wafer carefully made of semiconductor single crystal material, can be directly put into the wafer manufacturing process as a basis to produce semiconductor devices, or further enhance the performance through the epitaxial process.

Thick, high-purity silicon carbide (SiC) layers, typically exceeding 1mm, are critical components in various high-value applications, including semiconductor fabrication and aerospace technologies. This article delves into the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process for producing such layers, highlighting key process parameters, material characteristics, and emerging applications.

The push for higher power density and efficiency has become a primary driver of innovation across multiple industries, including data centers, renewable energy, consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and autonomous driving technologies. In the realm of wide bandgap (WBG) materials, Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) are currently the two core platforms, viewed as pivotal tools leading power semiconductor innovation. These materials are profoundly transforming the power electronics industry to address the ever-increasing demand for power.