CDIL: An Indian Semiconductor Pioneer Lighting the Way for India's Electronics Future

CDIL: A Legacy of Semiconductor Innovation

CDIL, or Continental Device India Limited, has been at the forefront of India's semiconductor industry for an impressive sixty years. As one of the country's oldest and most respected electronics manufacturers, CDIL has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of semiconductor technology in India. From its inception, the company has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to innovation and quality, establishing itself as a key player in the sector.

Early Days and Evolution

CDIL's journey reflects the evolution of India's electronics industry. With a focus on manufacturing diodes, transistors, and other discrete components, the company has consistently adapted to changing market demands and technological advancements. This long-standing presence has not only contributed to the growth of the domestic electronics ecosystem but has also reduced reliance on imports.

Future Prospects and Strategies

Looking ahead, CDIL is poised to leverage its extensive experience and expertise to capitalize on new opportunities. The company's future strategy likely involves expanding its product portfolio, investing in research and development, and forging strategic alliances to stay competitive in the global semiconductor market. As India aims to become a semiconductor hub, CDIL's continued contributions will be vital in driving innovation and growth in the industry. The next chapter for CDIL promises to be one of continued leadership and adaptation in the ever-evolving world of semiconductor manufacturing.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Leadership

CDIL's legacy is a testament to its enduring commitment to innovation and excellence. As the semiconductor industry continues to evolve, CDIL's role will remain crucial in shaping India's electronics future. With its rich history and forward-thinking approach, CDIL is well-positioned to continue leading the way in semiconductor manufacturing for years to come.

CDIL Pioneers Silicon Carbide Production in India

In a significant milestone, CDIL Semiconductors has become the first Indian company to commence the production of Silicon Carbide (SiC) devices. The inauguration of a new surface mount semiconductor packaging line at its Mohali-based plant marks a major step forward for the company and the Indian electronics industry.

Silicon Carbide: A Game-Changer

Silicon Carbide is an emerging technology that offers enhanced efficiencies and power-handling capabilities, particularly in high-power charging applications and battery management systems. This makes it ideal for applications in electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, and other power management devices.

Expanding Production and Capacity

The new packaging line is scaled to manufacture auto-grade devices, including Silicon Carbide MOSFETs, Silicon Carbide Schottky Diodes, Rectifiers, Zeners, and TVS Diodes. These components will serve both domestic and global markets. The expansion of assembly lines will increase CDIL's total capacity at the Mohali facility to an impressive 600 million units annually.

Government Support and Collaboration

The establishment of the new semiconductor packaging lines was supported by the government's Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors, which aims to boost CDIL's annual capacity by 100 million units. The first phase of production, featuring a surface mount packaging line capable of producing 50 million devices, has already been initiated.

CDIL has also forged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a research institute under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. This collaboration aims to leverage the institute's expertise and wafer fabrication facilities to produce indigenized wafers for CDIL’s discrete semiconductor devices, using its proprietary manufacturing processes.

High Reliability and Testing

To ensure the quality and reliability of its products, CDIL has established an advanced high reliability (HiRel) and testing laboratory in Mohali, in addition to its existing accredited facility in Delhi. The HiRel laboratory is designed to qualify CDIL’s devices for use in demanding sectors such as automotive, defense, and aerospace.

CDIL Semiconductors to add new assembly lines, boost capacity by 100 million units

Further Capacity Expansion Underway

CDIL Semiconductors is set to further expand its production capabilities by adding new semiconductor packaging lines through the government's support scheme. This expansion aims to bolster the company's annual capacity by an additional 100 million units.

"CDIL Semiconductors (Continental Device India)…will be adding new semiconductor packaging lines via Government of India and MeitY’s SPECS scheme," it said. According to the release, CDIL aims to increase its annual capacity by 100 million units with the new lines. According to the release, CDIL aims to increase its annual capacity by 100 million units with the new lines. The company has long-term customers spread across the US, UK, Germany, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, and Egypt, as per the release.

New Production Lines and Inauguration

The first phase of this capacity expansion involves a surface-mount packaging line with a capacity of 50 million devices. The inauguration of this new line marks a significant milestone in CDIL's growth and its contribution to the 'Make in India' initiative.

CDIL to make silicon carbide devices for EVs, solar panels

Till 2015, it exported 70% of what it made in India to countries like the US, the UK, Germany, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, South Africa and Egypt. However, due to the rising local production of electronics since 2016, CDIL’s share of local consumption has risen to about 65% of what it produces today.

CDIL also signed a MoU with the Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL), a research institute in Mohali under MeitY, undertaking research and development in the field of semiconductor technology. Both parties will aim to establish a comprehensive framework wherein SCL's specialised knowledge and wafer fabrication facilities are utilised to produce indigenised wafers for discrete semiconductor devices, using proprietary manufacturing processes.

Global Reach and Customer Base

CDIL has cultivated a strong global presence, serving long-term customers across various regions, including the US, UK, Germany, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, and Egypt. This expansion will enable CDIL to meet the increasing demands of its international clientele and further solidify its position in the global semiconductor market.