Hanwha Systems is accelerating efforts to secure proprietary defense semiconductor technology in partnership with academia.
Hanwha Systems (272210.KS) said on the 15th that it held a defense semiconductor technology workshop with Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University and signed detailed contracts to develop semiconductor chips for radar, seekers, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, satellite and tactical communications, and high-power microwave (HPM) applications. Following the establishment of a "Defense Semiconductor Joint Research Center" with these universities in March this year, the company plans to further accelerate strategic cooperation and development through this workshop and the contracts.
At the workshop, the joint research centers of Hanwha Systems and each university held in-depth discussions on developing core semiconductor chips and aligned on mid- to long-term goals for localizing defense semiconductors. They also explored ways to maximize the effectiveness of research investment through close industry-academia collaboration.
First, the joint research center of Hanwha Systems and Seoul National University will begin developing a "high-linearity semiconductor chip for satellite terminals" that minimizes signal distortion and disruptions during data transmission between space and the ground. High-linearity semiconductor chip technology is one of the core technologies that improves communication quality between space and the ground and enables the miniaturization and weight reduction of equipment such as satellite communication terminals.
With the joint research center at Sungkyunkwan University, the focus will be on securing "monolithic microwave integrated circuit" (MMIC) design technology. MMIC is a technology that integrates multiple essential components needed for radar transmission and reception, such as signal amplification and conversion, into a single fingernail-sized semiconductor chip (one-chip). It can dramatically reduce volume and weight compared to conventional methods while maximizing radar performance.
Hanwha Systems expects that this industry-academia cooperation will allow it to internalize core semiconductor components that have been heavily dependent on imports and lay the groundwork to respond swiftly to the rapidly changing demands of modern warfare. Kwak Jong-woo, head of Hanwha Systems' Basic Research Institute, said, "The cooperation with Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University goes beyond simple technology development to build a virtuous value chain leading to the design, verification, expansion, and commercialization of defense semiconductors," adding, "We will solidify our leadership in the global defense market."
