KEY PERSON: Setting development themes on a trajectory

SN (Si₃N₄*) AMB substrates for power semiconductor modules contribute to stable operations for the power semiconductors used in EVs. These are a future growth product developed using advanced technology unique to the NGK Group. We are aiming for sales of roughly 20 billion yen in FY2030, and will pursue further business development as we work towards achieving NV1000 and realizing the NGK Group Vision.

*SN：Si₃N₄ (SN, silicon nitride)

AMB and DCB substrates for power modules to fulfill role towards achieving NV1000.

The NGK Group AMB and DCB substrates business started in 2015 when our Group company, NGK ELECTRONICS DEVICES, INC., launched a business for aluminum-based DCB substrates for power modules. At that time, we focused on a new technology called silicon nitride. With the advancement of EVs, we predicted that demand for silicon nitride-based substrates for power semiconductor modules in electric vehicles was certain to increase in the future. Based on this projection, the New Business Planning Dept., (the predecessor of Corporate NV Creation) took the lead in developing an SN AMB substrates for power semiconductor modules.

In the past, NGK conducted product development driven by technology. The AMB and DCB substrates business represents an example of NGK creating a theme based on a market-oriented approach and then working towards new business creation from the onset. The New Business Planning Department coordinated operations, acting as a command center to supervise the entire process. The department actively was collecting information on silicon nitride, collaborating with other companies and research institutes such as universities. The department also promoted the incorporation and repurposing of existing technologies by strengthening collaborations between various internal departments. Various proprietary technology of the NGK Group was incorporated. For example, know-how from New Metals Div. was applied towards copper layering technology and technology from the New Metals Div. and High Performance Ceramics Dept. were utilized for bonding. We also sent human resources to Europe, our main target market, from an early stage with the intent of pursuing future market expansion. We took the initiative to approach auto parts manufacturers and gain market share. We received a positive response from customers thanks to our strengths in the global production of auto parts and a proven track record in the market. Under the motto of capturing half of global share, we smoothly advanced the development of our sales network. In this way, the engineering side and the sales side worked towards a common direction while simultaneously fulfilling their respective roles. This enabled us to accelerate product development and build a social implementation system. This method is being fully adopted by Corporate NV Creation, which is in charge of our NV1000 strategy. This approach is becoming firmly established as a new business format for the NGK Group.

In the future, we will achieve NV1000 by expanding our market share through a focus on distinguishing ourselves from the competition for our technical capabilities. We will also work to stabilize our supply capabilities. R&D and marketing will work together to develop this business and lead the way towards achieving this goal. There are numerous possibilities for the ceramic business in the field of power semiconductors. We will take on the challenge of developing products that will support the future of power electronics, starting with the AMB and DCB substrates business.

Note: This interview was conducted in May 2024.