Description
Rohm Semiconductor, a global company, specialises in the design and production of electronic components, notably integrated circuits (ICs) and semiconductors. Originating in Kyoto, Japan, in 1958 as Toyo Electronics Industry Corporation, it transitioned to its current identity as Rohm. The company has garnered acclaim for its significant contributions across multiple sectors, including wireless communication, computing, automotive, and consumer electronics.
The products manufactured by Rohm are pivotal to the dynamic landscape of modern technology. Emphasizing innovation and quality, they offer an extensive array of components indispensable in contemporary high-tech devices and systems. Maintaining a prominent position in the semiconductor sector, Rohm remains a vital force in propelling global electronic advancements.
The name "Rohm" is a reflection of the company's foundational product, resistors, with the "R" symbolising resistors and "ohm" representing the unit of resistance measurement. Initially incorporated as "R.ohm" in 1958, the name was formally changed to "Rohm" in 1979, and further to "Rohm Semiconductor" in January 2009, underscoring its stature as a premier semiconductor provider.
Associated Companies:
Panasonic Semiconductor Solutions
In 2019, Rohm Semiconductor acquired a part of Panasonic Semiconductor Solutions' diode and transistor business. The strategic move was aimed at enhancing Rohm's product lineup as well as strengthening its market position in the semiconductor industry. The acquisition allowed Rohm to integrate Panasonic's advanced technologies with its own. The announcement came in April 2019 with the transfer scheduled for the October of the same year. The acquisition was officially announced on the 1st December 2019.
Kionix
In 2009 Rohm Semiconductor acquired Kionix, a provider of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) inertial sensors based in the United States. The acquisition was announced as part of Rohm's strategic move to expand its portfolio into the burgeoning market of motion sensing technology.
Lapis Semiconductor
On the 7th November 2023, Rohm acquired Lapis Semiconductor as a strategic move to expand their capabilities in the semiconductor industry by expanding their production capacity for SiC (Silicon Carbide) power devices. As part of the acquisition, Rohm acquired its Miyazaki Plant No.2 which is to become the group's main production site for SiC power devices. The acquisition and the subsequent operation of this site are in response to the growing demand for analog and power semiconductors, particularly in the automotive and industrial equipment sectors. The plant is located in Miyazaki city, Japan and has obtained ISO9001 and IAT16949 certificates. The Miyazaki Plant No.2, was previously the site of Solar Frontier's former Kunitomi Plant.
OKI Semiconductor
The formal agreement for the aquisition of OKI Semiconductor by Rohm was concluded on the 24th July 2008 and the transfer of shares was completed on the 1st October 2008. This acquisition was a calculated step by Rohm to diversify its product lineup and enhance its technological capabilities in the semiconductor industry.
Renesas Electronics Corporation
In February 2016, Rohm acquired a factory from Renesas. The acquisition involved the transfer of partial assets of the Shiga Factory's 8-inch wafer fabrication line. This strategic acquisition allowed Rohm to enhance its production capabilities, particularly in the manufacturing of IGBTs, MOSFETs and piezoelectric MEMS devices.
Significant Agreements:
SiCrystal and STMicroelectronics Supply Agreement
In April 2024, Rohm's SiCrystal and STMicroelectronics expanded their existing long-term agreement for the supply of 150mm silicon carbide (SiC) substrate wafers. The new multi-year deal, valued at a minimum of $230 million, aims to increase the supply of SiC substrate wafers. The expansion reflects the growing importance of SiC power semiconductors in enabling efficiency and sustainability across various sectors, including automotive, industrial and data centres.
Vitesco Technologies Supply Agreement
In June 2023, Vitesco Technologies secured a long-term supply partnership with Rohm, valued at over $1 billion until 2030, for energy-efficient silicon carbide power semiconductors. This collaboration, stemming from a development partnership since 2020, focuses on integrating Rohm's SiC chips into Vitesco Technologies' advanced inverters for electric vehicles. The strategic partnership ensures Vitesco Technologies' SiC capacity for future market demands, with SiC devices expected to dominate with over 30% market share, catalysing the global shift towards more efficient electric mobility.
Kyoto City Partnership Agreement
In July 2022, Rohm concluded a partnership agreement with Kyoto City to create a decarbonised society. This agreement includes cooperation in the fight against climate change and support for the installation of solar panels at local schools.
Headquarters: Kyoto, Japan
Founded: September 17, 1958
Founder: Kenichiro Sato
Area Served: Worldwide