Western power IDMs are increasingly controlling more supply chain links, from in-house capacity to foundational architecture. onsemi acquired Codasip's low-end RISC-V processor business for $14.5 million, while Infineon plans to build the world's first 12-inch gallium nitride (GaN) wafer fab in Europe.
Per Czech business publication e15, onsemi completed the acquisition of Codasip's low-end RISC-V processor business for $14.5 million, with about 90% of the purchase price paid. The deal covers only 27 of Codasip's roughly 260 employees and a license to use its Studio processor design tool. Codasip first announced the divestiture in April as part of its shift toward security-centric processor architectures. onsemi gains low-end RISC-V processor technology and development expertise to support its automotive and industrial semiconductor businesses.
onsemi has actively acquired and licensed external technology. It has licensed WeebitNano's ReRAM for its Treo analog and mixed-signal platform; other deals include Qorvo's SiC JFET business and Aura Semiconductor's Vcore power technology. In October, it announced a planned $5.7 billion acquisition of Synaptics to combine power and sensing with connected computing, edge AI, and control. Its September investor report outlined a roadmap covering automotive, industrial automation, AI data centers, and physical AI—consistent with these deals.
Infineon announced on October 27 it will build the world's first large-scale 300mm GaN power semiconductor production base in Europe. It plans to invest about €1.1 billion by 2034 in existing cleanroom facilities at its Villach, Austria site, with production planned for end-2027.
Infineon processed its first 300mm GaN wafers in 2024, proving the technology yields about 2.3x more chips per wafer than traditional 200mm processes. The new fab will leverage Villach's existing cleanroom infrastructure, combining upgraded capacity with proven operations to lower expansion costs. For power electronics designers, larger wafers promise better manufacturing costs and faster GaN adoption in AI data centers, EVs, and industrial systems. As AI infrastructure, energy systems, EVs, and robotics demand efficient power conversion, GaN power semiconductor demand is expected to accelerate.
ICgoodFind Summary: onsemi buys RISC-V to fill foundational architecture, while Infineon uses 12-inch wafers to push GaN from niche to scale. Both power IDM moves point the same way: supply chain controllability is becoming the core barrier in power semiconductors. With 300mm GaN boosting output per wafer 2.3x, the falling cost curve will determine GaN penetration in AI data centers and EVs.
