Win Semiconductors was established in 1999 and is located in the Hwa Ya Technology Park in Linkou. It is the world’s first specialized wafer foundry to produce Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) Microwave Monolithic Integrated Circuits (MMICs) using six-inch wafers. Win Semiconductors has a complete technical team, advanced GaAs microwave transistor and MMIC manufacturing technologies, and production equipment. Its customer base includes global RFIC design companies, and it also seeks to attract partnerships with major Integrated Device Manufacturers (IDMs). In terms of process technology development, Win Semiconductors follows a principle of diversity and leadership, aiming to provide the most comprehensive services to its clients. In the high-tech fields of wireless broadband communications, Win Semiconductors currently offers two major GaAs transistor process technologies: Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT) and Pseudomorphic Heterojunction High Electron Mobility Transistor (pHEMT), both of which are cutting-edge process technologies. In the fields of optical communications and 3D sensing, Win Semiconductors further provides product development and manufacturing based on MMIC production technology.
 
To develop Technical Development Capabilities
Steve Chen, the General Manager, stated that Win Semiconductors’ strategy is not to engage in design but to be a 100% pure foundry. Therefore, strong technical development capabilities are crucial for the company’s success. From a few billion dollars in revenue in the past, Win Semiconductors has now grown to hundreds of billions of dollars, with R&D expenses accounting for over 5% of its revenue. The scale of its R&D capacity continues to expand, as technological investment requires both time and resources. Over the years, the company has accumulated strong technical capabilities, which have become a key factor that sets it apart from its competitors. Currently, Win Semiconductors holds a market share of about 60-70% in the global wafer foundry industry, and its key clients are almost all top-tier international communication companies.
 
By emphasizing technology, Win Semiconductors has earned the trust of its clients.
Steve Chen stated that the company entered the mobile phone PA (power amplifier) field in 2007, and since then, it has continuously invested resources in this area. Over the past decade, the company has been working with clients from the iPhone 4S to the iPhone 16 era. He said, “The compound semiconductor wafers we produce for our clients have always accounted for a significant portion of their products.” The partnership with clients has been in place for over a decade, and the relationship is very close. Some clients even shut down their plants in the U.S. and allowed Win Semiconductors to take over production and technical development. This close interaction has created a barrier that makes it difficult for competitors to enter.
 
Future Plans for Broadband Wireless Communication and Optical Communication
Steve Chen emphasized that to discuss broadband wireless communication, one must first understand compound semiconductors, which have far superior high-frequency characteristics compared to silicon semiconductors. In the future, compound semiconductors will play a vital role in wireless, wired, and optical communications. For example, in wireless communications like GSM, 5G, and 6G, the frequency needs are constantly increasing. The higher the frequency, the more compound semiconductors will outperform silicon semiconductors in terms of material properties. In the future, compound semiconductors will become even more crucial in 6G and satellite communications. This trend of increasing frequency across communication generations will highlight the advantages of compound semiconductor materials.
 
To understand optical communication, one must first know that silicon semiconductors do not emit light. Thus, in fiber-optic communications and silicon photonics, no matter how much silicon semiconductors are used, the crucial laser light source will still rely on compound semiconductors. As is well known, the development of optical communication, especially with the growing popularity of AI, is making data centers increasingly important. High-speed computation requires faster and larger data transmission, which makes optical fiber communication increasingly critical. As a result, compound semiconductors will play an even more significant role in laser light sources.
 
Involvement in Silicon Photonics Development Plans and Thoughts on AI
With the rise of various silicon photonics development plans in the industry and the growth of AI, Win Semiconductors is committed to being part of these developments. Steve Chen stated that the company is one of the founding members of the Silicon Photonics Alliance established in 2024. “We are also considering how to better integrate silicon semiconductors with laser light sources.” He further explained that, based on over 20 years of experience in compound semiconductors, the company will continue to provide better technological development suggestions. In other words, Win Semiconductors will invest more in the research and development of silicon photonics.
 
Regarding AI, Steve Chen pointed out that the most important aspect for the company is data transmission. The company already has AI professionals within its IT department, as well as AI experts assisting in the manufacturing department. He further explained that as the demand for computing power continues to grow, large computing centers will need to process large amounts of data continuously. The speed at which servers transmit data to each other must be faster. This is where silicon photonics comes into play, as it will enable more efficient data transmission in AI computations. As a result, AI-related computations will become more efficient.
 
Corporate Culture: Integrity, Accountability, Foresight, and Innovation
Win Semiconductors places great importance on its corporate culture, with the top value being “integrity.” Whether it’s internal management or external customer service, the company emphasizes integrity. Externally, the company aims to produce products that meet customer satisfaction, building trust with clients.
 
“Accountability” means encouraging employees to do a little extra, going beyond being merely responsible. In cross-departmental collaboration, after each department completes its tasks, there may be gray areas or gaps between departments. The company encourages employees to proactively fill in these gaps, reflecting the spirit of accountability.
 
As for “foresight” and “innovation,” they are fundamental. As a technology services company, Win Semiconductors must always see further into the future and possess the innovation to stay ahead of both customers and competitors. This is a critical factor for success.