DB HiTek Renews 'IATF 16949' Automotive Quality Management System Certification

Passed renewal audits across all processes at Bucheon and Sangwoo campuses
Expanding the share of high-value automotive semiconductors

DB HiTek has renewed its certification under IATF 16949, the international quality management system standard for the automotive industry.

DB HiTek said on Oct. 26 that it passed renewal audits for IATF 16949 at both its Bucheon Campus and Sangwoo Campus. The certification covers all areas of semiconductor wafer foundry manufacturing.

A view of DB HiTek's Bucheon Campus. DB HiTek

IATF 16949, established by the International Automotive Task Force, is a quality management system standard tailored to the automotive industry and jointly developed by global automakers and major industry associations. It sets requirements to prevent defects throughout the parts supply chain and maintain consistent production quality.

In 2003, the company became the first foundry in Korea to obtain certification under the predecessor standard, ISO/TS 16949. It has since continued to pass renewal audits every three years, maintaining its certification for 23 years.

The automotive industry is rapidly shifting toward electrification and autonomous driving. As a result, requirements for the safety and durability of automotive semiconductors have become more stringent. These chips must withstand harsh conditions, including vibrations while driving and rapid temperature changes. They are subject to stricter quality standards than semiconductors used in home appliances or information technology (IT) devices.

DB HiTek operates its own Automotive Program to improve the reliability of automotive semiconductors. Through systematic analysis of defect causes and process improvements, it meets the stringent quality requirements of the global automotive industry. The company manages production-related quality records so they are retained for at least 25 years.

The company is also accelerating efforts to upgrade its business portfolio. DB HiTek is moving away from a business structure centered on mobile devices and home appliances. It is steadily increasing the share of industrial and automotive semiconductors, which offer higher added value and are suitable for long-term supply. Following this certification renewal, the company plans to expand orders for automotive electronics semiconductors and improve profitability.

A DB HiTek official said, "This certification renewal demonstrates that DB HiTek's quality management system meets global standards. We will continue to manage and improve our quality system with greater precision to further strengthen customer trust."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.