Seoul Semiconductor Begins HV Chip Production

Seoul, South Korea- Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd., an opto-semiconductor technology company, has announced that its world-first High Voltage (HV) opto-semiconductor technology has entered mass production with four leading global automotive brands across the Americas, Europe and Asia. The company plans to expand supply to 10 vehicle models by the end of this year.

The technology combines micro-scale opto-semiconductor chips capable of 12V single-chip operation with high-voltage driver technology. Unlike conventional 3V LEDs, Seoul Semiconductor’s HV solution helps reduce the number of driver-related components used in hybrid and electric vehicles by more than 10%, while also lowering power consumption by around 10%. This supports cost reduction and simplifies automotive electrical system design.

Seoul Semiconductor aims to use this global production rollout to establish HV opto-semiconductors as a next-generation standard technology for hybrid and electric vehicles. The company has already secured hundreds of HV opto-semiconductor chip patents and more than 50 HV driver patents.

The core of the company’s HV opto-semiconductor technology is based on a Multi-Junction P-N structure within a single chip. Conventional 3V drive systems require significant voltage step-down conversion when used in hybrid and electric vehicles equipped with 300V high-voltage batteries. In comparison, a 30V HV chip reduces the voltage conversion ratio, helping cut conversion losses.

Previously, managing large voltage differences required multiple conversion circuits and additional components, increasing power loss, heat generation and design complexity. Seoul Semiconductor’s HV technology reduces the need for separate components, simplifies PCB design, lowers heat generation and improves durability. Compared with conventional 3V LEDs, the technology can reduce driver costs by 20% and power consumption by 10%.

Mr. Matthew Fras, COO of North America Sales at Seoul Semiconductor, said, "With global EV sales — including hybrids — set to surpass 20 million units this year, that number is expected to double to 40 million units in five years. As vehicles become more functionally advanced, the value of opto-semiconductors per vehicle is also projected to grow from $100 to $200, meaning the overall opto-semiconductor market will expand fourfold. We aim to significantly expand our market share through our 'HV Opto-Semiconductor' technology, with a goal of breaking into the global top 10 automotive brands by year-end, and we plan to elevate the automotive division to become the largest business unit within the Seoul Group this year."

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