everything PE recently interviewed TH Koay, Product Marketing Director, and Roberto Pérez Islas, FAE Manager at Micro Commercial Components. Micro Commercial Components designs and manufactures discrete semiconductor devices that serve various industries including consumer electronics, automotive, and telecommunications.

Q. Can you tell us about Micro Commercial Components (MCC)? When was the company formed and what were the objectives?

TH Koay / Roberto Pérez Islas: Micro Commercial Components (MCC) is a prominent manufacturer specializing in high-quality discrete semiconductors for consumer and industrial markets. Founded in 1991, the company aimed to produce reliable semiconductor components such as diodes, MOSFETs, voltage regulators, and protection devices.

As an integrated device manufacturer (IDM), MCC leverages its capabilities to maintain complete control over the semiconductor manufacturing process, from chip design to fabrication. This allows the company to ensure high quality and efficiency throughout its operations.

Today, MCC focuses on innovation and strategic expansion to meet the evolving demands of the market while delivering high quality and exceptional service. Well-positioned as a reliable partner in the semiconductor industry, the company offers reliable solutions for a diverse range of applications worldwide - from automotive and industrial to computing and consumer electronics.

Q. Which market segments do you cater to? Which segment is the largest for you?

TH Koay / Roberto Pérez Islas: MCC serves a variety of market segments, including automotive, industrial, computing & personal electronics, and consumer markets. The industrial sector is our largest segment, and we are focused on expanding our automotive portfolio. Currently, 25% of our products are automotive grade and AEC-Q101 qualified. 

Q. Can you tell us about your product portfolio? What product segment within this portfolio is the largest for you? Which one has been growing the fastest?

TH Koay and Roberto Pérez Islas: MCC offers a diverse product portfolio that includes diodes, MOSFETs, bipolar transistors, IGBTs, and a range of voltage regulators and protection devices. Among these, TVS and diodes represent the largest segment, mainly because of their extensive application across various industries. Meanwhile, the fastest-growing segment is MOSFETs, fueled by innovations in power management technologies.

Q. Can you tell us about the advanced MOSFET technologies of MCC? How do these technologies enhance the performance of demanding power electronics applications?

TH Koay / Roberto Pérez Islas: MCC's advanced MOSFET technologies incorporate features such as low on-resistance and good FOM (Figure of Merit) values. These improvements significantly enhance efficiency and thermal performance in demanding power electronics applications. As a result, they minimize conduction and switching loss and enable more compact designs, meeting the needs of modern power management systems.

Q. What are Fast Recovery Epitaxial Diode (FRED) rectifiers? How do MCC's FRED rectifiers cater to the needs of industrial and commercial applications? 

TH Koay / Roberto Pérez Islas: Fast Recovery Epitaxial Diode (FRED) rectifiers are specifically engineered for high-speed switching applications. MCC's FRED rectifiers provide rapid recovery times, and a low forward voltage drop, ensuring they meet the demands of industrial and commercial applications where they reduce conduction loss and increase system efficiency and reliability. These features make our FRED rectifiers ideal for applications requiring quick response times and dependable performance.

Q. Can you tell us about the ESD protection solutions offered by MCC? What are the advantages of low clamping voltage in MCC's ESD protection diodes?

TH Koay / Roberto Pérez Islas: MCC offers a comprehensive range of ESD protection solutions featuring diodes specifically designed to safeguard sensitive electronic components from electrostatic discharge. The key advantage of low clamping voltage in these diodes is that it significantly reduces the risk of damage to the protected devices during ESD events, ensuring the voltage across these components does not exceed their maximum rating, thereby enhancing reliability and overall performance. These characteristics guarantee critical components remain safe and operational, even in challenging environments.

Q. What are Schottky barrier rectifiers? How do MCC's Schottky barrier rectifiers upgrade automotive and industrial power systems?

TH Koay / Roberto Pérez Islas: Schottky barrier rectifiers are semiconductor devices known for their low forward voltage drop and fast switching speed. MCC's Schottky barrier rectifiers significantly enhance the performance of automotive and industrial power systems by increasing efficiency, reducing heat generation, and enabling higher switching frequencies. 

These advancements are crucial for meeting the demands of modern power electronics and ensuring reliable operation across various applications. With a comprehensive portfolio of automotive-grade components that meet AEC-Q101 and PPAP standards, MCC provides solutions engineers can depend on.

Q. How does MCC's product range cater to the specific needs of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure?

TH Koay / Roberto Pérez Islas: MCC's product range is tailored to address the specific needs of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, offering components that ensure efficient power conversion and management. This includes high-performance MOSFETs, silicon carbide (SiC) solutions for switching applications, and diodes for rectification. Together, these elements contribute to charging systems that are not only efficient and reliable but also capable of handling high power levels, which are essential for modern EV charging solutions. Furthermore, MCC provides a robust portfolio of automotive-grade components that meet AEC-Q101 and PPAP standards, ensuring quality and reliability for your applications.

Q. How will MCC's new production facility in Vietnam enhance MCC's global supply chain?

TH Koay / Roberto Pérez Islas: The new production facility in Vietnam is expected to enhance MCC's global supply chain by increasing manufacturing capacity and enabling quicker response times to customer demands. This expansion will strengthen supply chain resilience, allowing MCC to better navigate market fluctuations and potential disruptions.  

The new facility will specifically focus on SMA, SMB, SMC, and SOD-123FL packages for TVS and rectifiers as we execute Phase 1 of the production plan in 2025. In 2026, we will add small signal capacity growth across high-demand SOD and SOT packages as we implement Phase 2 of our production plan. With package capacity projected to continue growing through 2024, this initiative positions MCC to efficiently meet the needs of various markets while fostering growth opportunities through strategic investments.

Q. What does 2024 hold for MCC? Are there any new solutions or products expected to be released?

TH Koay / Roberto Pérez Islas: In 2024 (and beyond), MCC is set to enhance its commitment to innovation by launching new solutions and products, particularly in the MOSFET and ESD protection categories. The company is dedicated to staying ahead of emerging technology trends and evolving customer needs, which will drive the expansion of its product offerings. This proactive approach ensures that MCC not only meets current market demands but also positions itself as a key discrete supplier for the future.

About TH Koay and Roberto Pérez Islas

TH Koay serves as the Product Marketing Director at Micro Commercial Components (MCC), where he has been instrumental in driving innovative marketing strategies and expanding the company’s global footprint in the semiconductor industry. With over a decade of experience in IC Design, FAE, Technical Sales, and Marketing background, TH has a deep understanding of the complexities and demands of different market segments. TH is passionate about the semiconductor sector and is committed to fostering collaboration within the industry. He actively participates in regional conferences to advocate for advancements in technology and talent development in Malaysia's burgeoning semiconductor ecosystem. Based in Penang, Malaysia, TH is dedicated to promoting MCC’s mission of delivering high-performance electronic components that meet the evolving needs of customers worldwide.

Roberto Pérez Islas is a dedicated and skilled FAE Manager at Micro Commercial Components (MCC), leading the Guadalajara Hub, which supports the Americas. With a decade of experience in the electronics in automotive sectors and 2 years in the semiconductor industry, Roberto combines technical expertise with a passion for innovation. Roberto holds a degree from the Universidad de Guadalajara and is known for his commitment to high-quality deliverables and collaborative approach. He is fluent in native Spanish and has basic proficiency in German, allowing him to connect with diverse teams and clients.