Bosch, the renowned German multinational engineering and technology company, is making big moves to bolster its semiconductor business by investing more than $1.5 billion in the acquisition of TSI Semiconductors’ assets. Based in Roseville, California, TSI Semiconductors is a US chipmaker that specializes in the production of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) used in various sectors, including mobility, telecommunications, energy, and life sciences.
With this acquisition, Bosch aims to expand its portfolio of silicon carbide (SiC) chips, which are in high demand due to the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) and the accelerating trend towards electromobility worldwide. In particular, SiC chips consume up to 50% less energy than silicon-based chips, which enables EVs to travel longer distances and recharge faster. As the global market for SiC chips is expected to expand by an average of 30% annually, Bosch’s investment in TSI Semiconductors’ assets will help the company to meet the increasing demand for these specialized semiconductors.
Bosch’s investment in TSI Semiconductors’ assets involves upgrading the manufacturing facilities to cutting-edge techniques and transitioning to the use of SiC-based 200-millimeter wafers for chip production. The new facility in Roseville will have around 10,000 square meters of clean-room space and will start producing the first SiC chips on 200-millimeter wafers in 2026, after a retooling phase. Additionally, Bosch will expand the size of its clean-room facility in Reutlingen from about 35,000 to more than 44,000 square meters by the end of 2025.
Bosch’s expansion of its semiconductor business is part of the company’s broader efforts to advance sustainable mobility and promote a carbon-neutral future. As demand for EVs continues to rise, so does the need for more efficient and powerful chips that can help these vehicles travel further and charge faster. Bosch’s investment in TSI Semiconductors’ assets will help the company to meet the growing demand for SiC chips and strengthen its global network of semiconductor manufacturers.
The acquisition of TSI Semiconductors’ assets is subject to regulatory approval, and no financial information has been released by Bosch or TSI Semiconductors. However, the investment will be greatly influenced by federal financial opportunities made possible by the CHIPS and Science Act as well as by Californian state-level potential for economic development.
In conclusion, Bosch’s expansion of its semiconductor business with SiC chips is a significant development that is expected to benefit both the company and the wider market for EVs and other sustainable technologies. As Bosch continues to invest in the development and mass production of SiC chips, it is positioning itself as a leader in the field of electromobility and sustainable technology.
