Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd, a global opto-semiconductor technology company, has announced that its “world's first High Voltage (HV) opto-semiconductor technology” has entered mass production with four of the world's top automotive brands across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, with plans to expand supply to ten models by the end of the year.
The technology combines micro-scaled opto-semiconductor chips capable of 12V single-chip operation — as opposed to conventional 3V LEDs — with a high-voltage (HV) driver technology. This, it is claimed, enables a reduction of more than 10% in the number of driver-related components used in hybrid and electric vehicles, while lowering power consumption by approximately 10%, contributing to cost reduction and simplification of automotive electrical systems.
Seoul Semiconductor aims to leverage this global mass production rollout as a springboard to lead 'HV Opto-Semiconductor' as the next-generation standard technology in the hybrid and electric vehicle sectors, backed by its already-secured portfolio of hundreds of HV opto-semiconductor chip patents and more than 50 HV driver patents.
The core of 'HV Opto-Semiconductor' technology is based on a Multi-Junction P-N structure within a single chip. Conventional 3V drive systems required voltage step-down conversion by a factor of 1/100 when applied to hybrid and electric vehicles equipped with 300V high-voltage batteries. By contrast, applying a 30V HV chip reduces the voltage conversion ratio to just 1/10, significantly cutting conversion losses.
Previously, bridging such large voltage differences required multiple conversion circuits and components, resulting in substantial power loss, heat generation, and design complexity. Seoul Semiconductor's 'HV Opto-Semiconductor' technology minimizes the need for separate components, simplifying PCB design and reducing component count, while also lowering heat generation and improving durability. Compared to conventional 3V LEDs, it reduces driver costs by 20% and power consumption by 10%.
Matthew Fras, COO of North America Sales at Seoul Semiconductor, stated: "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."
Seoul Semiconductor says it is the world’s third-largest global optoelectronics (LED) company, specializing in LED technology for over 30 years.
