DB HiTek renews automotive semiconductor quality certification

DB HiTek announced Monday that it has renewed its IATF 16949 certification, the international quality management system standard for the automotive industry.

The company passed recertification audits conducted separately at its Bucheon campus and Sangwoo campus. The certification covers all areas of semiconductor wafer foundry manufacturing.

IATF 16949 is the international automotive quality management standard established by the International Automotive Task Force. It sets out requirements for building and maintaining a consistent quality management framework across the entire automotive parts supply chain.

Semiconductors used in vehicles are subject to stricter quality standards than those used in other industries, as they must withstand harsh driving conditions and meet demanding durability and reliability requirements.

DB HiTek first obtained ISO/TS 16949 certification — the predecessor to IATF 16949 — in 2003, becoming the first foundry in South Korea to do so, and has renewed the certification every three years since.

Building on the IATF 16949 framework, the company operates a proprietary program called "Automotive Program" to further strengthen the quality and reliability of its automotive semiconductors. The program requires quality-related records to be retained for a minimum of 25 years and involves systematic defect analysis and continuous quality improvement activities to meet the automotive industry's stringent standards.

DB HiTek has been gradually increasing the share of industrial and automotive semiconductors in its product mix, as these segments carry higher added value than consumer electronics and mobile applications. The company expects the renewed certification to support profitability improvements by expanding its high-value-added product lineup.

"This recertification demonstrates that DB HiTek's quality management system meets global standards," a company official said. "We will continue to refine and improve our quality systems to further strengthen customer trust."