Dongbu HiTek Announces Joint Development of LED Driver IC for Back Light Unit (BLU) Applications in Laptop Computers

SEOUL, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dongbu HiTek today announced the joint development of an LED driver chip for Back Light Unit (BLU) applications in laptop computers. Developed in collaboration with ADDtek, a Taiwanese fabless company specializing in analog and mixed-signal chip solutions, the new LED driver is being manufactured with Dongbu HiTek’s advanced BCDMOS (Bipolar CMOS DMOS) process. The ramp to volume production at the 0.35-micron node is scheduled to begin as early as the fourth quarter of this year.

Today’s announcement further highlights Dongbu HiTek’s commitment to BCDMOS leadership as it closely follows the Korean company’s launch of the world’s first 0.18 micron-level BCDMOS process in June. In addition to supporting a wide range of high-voltages from 12V to 60V, Dongbu HiTek’s BCDMOS technology enables a diversity of highly compact mixed-signal chip solutions. The attractiveness of BCDMOS comes from integrating analog circuits (using Bipolar), logic circuits (using CMOS) and high-voltage circuits (using DMOS) all on the same chip.

“We are committed to becoming the preferred source for BCDMOS chip solutions,” asserted Jae Song, EVP of marketing for Dongbu HiTek. “You can expect us to support the broadest range of voltages at both the 0.18- and 0.35-micron process nodes.” He disclosed that future support could extend the operating range of 0.35 micron-level chips up to 85V. “We will ultimately focus our BCDMOS expertise on developing System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions that meet the demanding power management requirements in the high-growth mobile and display markets.”

Dr. Song expects Dongbu HiTek to steadily increase LED chip driver production volume for ADDtek next year to meet customer demand, adding, “We also look forward to expanding upon our collaboration with ADDtek in other areas.” He noted that his company will begin manufacturing LED light sources that are used not only in BLU applications for laptops, desktops, mobile handsets and flat panel TVs, but in other growth markets as well.” According to iSuppli, an independent market research firm, the worldwide market for LED driver ICs will grow from approximately $650 million this year to more than $800 million in 2011.

About Dongbu HiTek

Headquartered in Seoul, Korea, Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd. offers advanced products and services across two major business areas: Agriculture and Semiconductor. The Semiconductor Business provides specialized chip foundry services that add high value to display, mobile and various analog applications. The company’s two world-class fabs currently process 200mm wafers at nodes ranging from 0.35 microns to 110 nanometers. This wafer processing is supported by comprehensive design support (IP and design libraries), prototype development/verification, and packaging/module development. The Semiconductor Business specializes in developing best-in-class CMOS Image Sensor (CIS) and Display Driver IC (DDI) chips as well as chips that incorporate either High Voltage or Flash memory functions. Dongbu HiTek’s stock is publicly traded under 000990 on the Korea Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.dongbuhitek.com.

Dongbu HiTek HQ
Kevin Lee, +82-2-550-1542
kevin.lee@dongbu.com
or
Dongbu HiTek USA/Europe
Elizabeth Estrella-Basilio, +1-408-238-8822
elizabeth@crossborderpr.com