United Microelectronics Corp. launched a 55-nanometer power management chip platform, joining competitors who have offered similar technology for several years. The Taiwanese foundry’s new bipolar-CMOS-DMOS platform targets mobile devices, consumer electronics, automotive and industrial applications.
The company acknowledged the technology node has been in mass production across the industry for years, positioning its offering as a comprehensive solution with competitive device performance. Steven Hsu, UMC’s vice president of technology development, said the platform rounds out the firm’s specialty process portfolio and strengthens its position in power management markets.
UMC trails larger rival Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. in advanced semiconductor production. The new platform integrates analog, digital and power functions on a single chip, addressing growing complexity in electronics power management.
The foundry said its solution delivers smaller chip area, lower power consumption and improved noise reduction. Applications span smartphones, wearable devices, automotive systems and smart home technology.
UMC’s BCD portfolio now ranges from 0.35-micrometer to 55-nanometer nodes. The company competes with STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments and other established suppliers in a power management market valued at over $1 billion and growing at roughly 8% annually.
