The term “K-Semiconductor” has been coined to describe the dynamic and influential business activities of Korean semiconductor companies in the global arena. One of the most notable examples of this is the recent establishment of a new foundry by Samsung Semiconductor in Texas, which covers an area of five million ㎡ and will produce high-tech semiconductors for 5G, HPC AI, and other applications.

The new foundry, which is expected to start operating in the second half of this year, comes at a time when South Korea’s semiconductor exports have bounced back from a slump since August 2022. Experts predict that the new foundry will create significant synergy with Samsung Electronics’ growth trajectory and strengthen its position in the U.S. market.

But the success of Korean semiconductor companies is not limited to the chipmakers themselves. The equipment and safety devices that are essential for the operation of semiconductor factories are also gaining recognition as Korean-made. In particular, in the gas detection market, which was once dominated by foreign companies, a Korean company called Gastron is leading the way.

Gas detection is a vital aspect of semiconductor manufacturing, as there are various types of gases, some of which are toxic and corrosive, in the industrial site. The accuracy and timeliness of gas detection can prevent potential disasters and ensure the safety of the workers and the environment. However, ordinary gas detectors are not suitable for the semiconductor industry, as they can be affected by interference from other gases, such as ethanol, which is used for cleaning the equipment. This can result in false or delayed alarms, which can compromise the efficiency and reliability of the foundry.

Gastron has developed a gas detector that uses an infrared sensor and an interference gas filtering algorithm, which can precisely detect only the target gas by analyzing its wavelength band. This feature not only enhances safety but also improves the operation efficiency of the foundry. Gastron has been supplying its products to various sites in the U.S., including Samsung Electronics’ new foundry in Texas. Gastron’s business and technology performance is largely attributed to its experience in collaborating with leading semiconductor companies in Korea, such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.

Korea has been a dominant force in the semiconductor industry, both in the past and in the present, and it is likely to remain so in the future. As the Korean semiconductor companies expand their presence in the U.S., the world’s largest semiconductor market, the potential for synergy and innovation is enormous.

Deirdre Hanford to lead Natcast, a new center for U.S. semiconductor technology