Jan 27, 2025

Image Credit : Power Diamond Systems Power Diamond Systems (PDS), which conducts research and development of next-generation power devices and high-frequency devices, announced on the 17th that it has raised approximately 100 million yen in a second close of its Series A round through third-party allocation of shares to a fund managed by Mitsubishi UFJ Capital. In the same round conducted last November, JIC Venture Growth Investments, Waseda University Ventures, QB Capital, and Mizuho Capital participated in the investment. As such, it is considered the most promising candidate for next-generation power semiconductors and high-frequency semiconductors following SiC, GaN, and gallium oxide (Ga2O3). Furthermore, they are also considering applications in harsh environments such as space, leveraging its radiation resistance and high-temperature operation capabilities. In terms of applications, power devices are expected to enable energy savings and miniaturization of existing systems in renewable energy fields such as solar and wind power generation, and next-generation mobility (electric aircraft, eVTOL, electric vessels) including electric vehicles. For high-frequency devices, applications are anticipated in 5G/6G mobile phone base stations, various radar systems, next-generation wireless power transfer, and next-generation satellite systems. The company’s technical distinction lies in its world-first development of vertical diamond MOSFETs. In addition to conventional lateral structures, they are developing vertical structures to achieve high current and high voltage resistance, better utilizing the physical characteristics of diamond semiconductors. They have also developed normally-off technology, a crucial requirement for power electronics applications. While diamond semiconductor devices using hydrogen-terminated structures are basically normally-on (transistor is on at 0V gate voltage), the company has established normally-off technology using silicon oxide termination structures to meet fail-safe requirements. The raised funds will be allocated to development investment in diamond semiconductor devices and modules, strengthening organizational structure, and building cooperation and partnership frameworks with domestic and international partners. The company was founded in August 2022 by Tatsuya Fujishima, who has extensive experience in power semiconductor development, based at the Waseda University Entrepreneurship Center, utilizing diamond semiconductor technology long led by Professor Kawarada of Waseda University.