5SHY4045L0004 3BHB021400R0002 3BHE039203R0101 GVC736CE101 thyristor IGCT

The provided text describes ABB’s involvement in the development of an Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) product line for traction and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) applications. It highlights the establishment of a wafer manufacturing facility for IGBTs at the Lenzburg site in cooperation with International Rectifier. Here are the key points:

Historical Development:

1. IGBT Product Line:
   • ABB, in collaboration with International Rectifier, developed an IGBT product line for traction and HVDC applications.
2. Investment in Wafer Manufacturing:
   • In 1997, ABB invested in a wafer manufacturing facility (fab) for IGBTs at the Lenzburg site.
   • The new BiMOS facility is adjacent to the existing bipolar building.
3. Unique Manufacturing Facility:
   • ABB’s Lenzburg site is the first and only facility globally where both bipolar and BiMOS technologies are manufactured under one roof.

Current Semiconductor Division:

1. Manufacturing Capacity:
   • The semiconductor division at ABB in Lenzburg consists of a bipolar wafer fab and assembly with a capacity of up to 150,000 wafers (100 mm in diameter) per annum.
   • There is also a BiMOS wafer fab and assembly for 100,000 wafers (150 mm in diameter) per annum.
2. Investments for Growth:
   • Heavy investments are being made to increase capacity for both technology branches to meet the growing demand driven by the emphasis on energy efficiency.

Power Semiconductor Applications:

1. Market Presence:
   • ABB’s power semiconductor products have more than 30 percent of the market share for high-performance welding applications.
2. Applications in Welding and Transportation:
   • ABB’s diodes are used in welding applications, contributing to the welding process in car manufacturing (welding with ABB robots).
   • ABB’s gate turn-off thyristors (GTOs) are used to power trains and metro systems, particularly in Switzerland and Germany.
3. Steel Manufacturing:
   • ABB’s integrated gate-commutated thyristors (IGCTs) are involved in milling processes for steel, used in the manufacturing of cars and trains.

Energy Efficiency:

1. Drive Toward Energy Efficiency:
   • The investments and efforts in capacity expansion are aligned with the industry’s strive toward energy efficiency.

Conclusion:

The text provides a historical overview of ABB’s involvement in semiconductor manufacturing, emphasizing its unique position in manufacturing both bipolar and BiMOS technologies. It also highlights the diverse applications of ABB’s power semiconductor products in welding, transportation, and steel manufacturing. If you have specific questions or need more information on any aspect, feel free to ask.