On December 31, 2024, the China Electronics Materials Industry Association announced that Shanxi Shok Science Crystal Co., a subsidiary of CETC Semiconductor Materials Co., has successfully developed 12-inch (300mm) high-purity semi-insulating silicon carbide (SiC) single-crystal substrates. Simultaneously, the company achieved a milestone with the successful development of 12-inch N-type SiC single-crystal substrates.
Milestones in Production Capacity Expansion
Shok Science Crystals recently completed its Phase II SiC project, which passed the final acceptance test in October 2024, marking the official commencement of production. This expansion is expected to add an annual capacity of 200,000 pieces of 6-8 inch SiC substrates. The breakdown includes:
200,000 N-type SiC substrates per year
25,000 high-purity semi-insulating substrates per year
Advancing Large-Diameter SiC Wafers
Shok Science has consistently pushed boundaries in large-diameter wafer production. In August 2021, the company developed its first 8-inch SiC crystals. By January 2022, it achieved small-scale production of 8-inch N-type SiC polished wafers.
Large-diameter wafers, such as 8-inch and 12-inch wafers, offer significant economic and technological advantages:
Increased Efficiency: Larger wafers yield more chips per unit, boosting manufacturing throughput.
Cost Reduction: By producing more chips on a single wafer, the per-unit cost of chip production decreases.
Competitiveness: Manufacturers leveraging larger wafers benefit from reduced manufacturing costs, gaining a competitive edge.
The shift toward larger wafers is becoming a focal point in the SiC industry, with major players accelerating their development in this area.
Industry Landscape: Moving Toward 12-Inch SiC Wafers
Shok Science Crystals is not alone in its pursuit of large-diameter wafers. In November 2024, Tianyue Advanced Materials announced its own 12-inch N-type SiC substrate, signaling that the SiC industry is entering the era of ultra-large substrates.
While the industry is currently transitioning from 6-inch to 8-inch wafers, the roadmap toward 12-inch wafers is becoming increasingly clear. Larger substrates promise enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness, positioning manufacturers to meet the growing demand from sectors like electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and high-power electronics.
Conclusion
The successful development of 12-inch SiC substrates by Shok Science Crystals represents a significant milestone for China's semiconductor materials industry. This achievement not only strengthens China's position in the global SiC market but also accelerates the industry's transition toward larger wafer sizes. As demand for SiC-based applications continues to grow, manufacturers capable of scaling up to 12-inch substrates will lead the next wave of innovation and industrial expansion.
