Silicon carbide (SiC) wafers, as third-generation semiconductor materials, have garnered significant attention due to their excellent performance in high-temperature, high-frequency, and high-power applications. The demand for SiC wafers continues to rise, particularly in electric vehicles, photovoltaic power generation, and high-frequency electronic devices. However, the price of SiC wafers remains high and volatile. This article will delve into the main factors influencing the price of silicon carbide wafers.

1. Raw Material Costs

The production of SiC wafers requires high-purity carbon and silicon raw materials. The prices of these materials directly impact the production cost of wafers. Fluctuations in the market demand and supply of these raw materials will also affect their prices, subsequently influencing the market price of SiC wafers.

2. Production Processes and Technology

The production process of SiC wafers is complex, involving long high-temperature growth periods (e.g., Physical Vapor Transport (PVT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods), cutting, polishing, and inspection. The high technical difficulty and equipment requirements in the production process significantly raise production costs. Additionally, any minor error in process control can decrease yield, further driving up wafer production costs.

3. Wafer Size and Specifications

The larger the size of the SiC wafer, the higher the manufacturing difficulty. Currently, mainstream SiC wafer sizes are 100mm, 150mm, and 200mm. As the size increases, so does the requirement for defect density control. For example, the production difficulty and technical requirements for 150mm and 200mm wafers are much higher than for 100mm wafers, leading to higher prices.

4. Quality and Defect Density

The quality of SiC wafers is a key factor determining their price. High-quality SiC wafers feature low defect density, high electrical conductivity, and excellent lattice integrity. However, producing high-quality SiC wafers is complex and costly. Reducing defects such as micropipes and dislocations requires advanced technology and equipment, which increases prices.

5. Market Demand and Supply

The relationship between market demand and supply directly affects SiC wafer prices. With the rapid development of electric vehicles, photovoltaic power generation, and high-frequency high-power electronic devices, the demand for SiC wafers continues to grow. In cases of supply shortages, prices will rise significantly. Conversely, if supply exceeds demand, prices may fall. Cyclical market fluctuations also impact price stability.

6. Technological Advancements and Production Scale

As production technology advances and production scales expand, the unit production cost of SiC wafers may decrease. Technological advancements not only improve production efficiency but also reduce defect rates. For instance, improvements in growth techniques and equipment can lower the cost of producing high-quality, large-size SiC wafers. Additionally, the cost-sharing effect of large-scale production helps reduce market prices.

7. Policies and Subsidies

Government support policies and subsidies for the silicon carbide industry also influence market prices. Governments in regions such as China, the United States, and Europe have implemented policies to support the development of third-generation semiconductor materials, including tax incentives, financial subsidies, and technological research and development support. These policies help reduce production costs for companies, thereby indirectly affecting the price of SiC wafers.

8. Supply Chain Factors

The production of SiC wafers involves multiple stages, including raw material supply, production equipment, and logistics. Any issues in the supply chain can increase production costs. For example, shortages or price increases in raw material supply, insufficient supply or rising costs of production equipment, and increased logistics costs can all impact the final price of SiC wafers.

Conclusion

The factors influencing SiC wafer prices are multifaceted, including raw material costs, production processes, wafer size, quality, market demand, technological advancements, policy support, and supply chain considerations. As market demand continues to grow and technology advances, SiC wafer prices may gradually decrease, but they will still be subject to various influencing factors in the short term. Understanding these factors can help related enterprises make more informed decisions in production and market planning.