AI又带火了一类芯片

Core Insights - The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving increased attention towards foundries producing Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMIC) as market demand diversifies into areas like data centers and electric vehicles (EV) [2] - DB HiTek, a South Korean 8-inch wafer foundry, projects revenues and operating profits of 1.4 trillion KRW (approximately 954.85 million USD) and 277.3 billion KRW respectively for 2025, reflecting year-on-year growth of 24% and 45% [2] - Despite a decline in revenue for 2023 and 2024 due to weak IT equipment demand, DB HiTek anticipates a rebound in 2025 driven by a recovery in power semiconductor demand and growth in AI and EV markets [2] - The average utilization rate of DB HiTek's wafer factories is expected to rise significantly from 76% in 2024 to 96% in 2025 [2] Industry Trends - The demand for 8-inch wafers is continuing to grow despite major foundries like Samsung Electronics and TSMC reducing their 8-inch wafer production capacity [3] - The automotive voltage systems are transitioning from traditional 12 volts to 48 volts, while AI data centers are increasing operational voltages from 380 volts to as high as 800 volts, necessitating technologies capable of handling higher voltages [3] - DB HiTek plans to expand its business through high-voltage process technology, while SK Hynix's subsidiary SK Keyfoundry aims to strengthen its position in the PMIC market by introducing new high-voltage processes and collaborating closely with customers on product development [3]