Global Technology 與 ADST 合作開發 CPO 主動對準設備用本土化 UV 光源

Global Technology is partnering with ADST, a subsidiary of Sungho Electronics, to localize components used in co-packaged optics (CPO) process equipment.

​Global Technology said on Oct. 12 that it has begun co-developing ultraviolet (UV) curing light source units for ADST's active alignment equipment. The equipment is used to manufacture CPO systems and high-speed optical transceivers. The project will cover UV-curing light-emitting diode (LED) driver integrated circuits (ICs), UV LED light source modules, and control units.

​Active alignment equipment performs optical alignment in CPO mass-production processes. Optical alignment involves positioning fibers, lenses, and optical devices with sub-micrometer accuracy before securing them with UV-curable adhesive. UV output and exposure time must be precisely controlled to minimize shrinkage and positional displacement during curing. Global Technology noted that domestic equipment manufacturers have largely relied on imports for these UV curing light sources.

​CPO is a next-generation interconnect technology that packages optical engines alongside graphics processing units (GPUs) or switch chips. It reduces power consumption and signal loss in artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. Industry participants expect commercialization to accelerate in 2027 or 2028 when 1.6T-class equipment adoption begins.

​Global Technology is extending its core LED driver IC (LDI) technology into components for CPO equipment. The company integrates LDI design with chip-scale package (CSP) LED packaging, optical lenses, modules, and firmware tuning.

​This marks the companies' second collaboration, following their partnership in micro-LEDs for next-generation displays. The two companies plan to build a domestic mass-production ecosystem and localize key equipment components. After development is completed, they are considering deploying the light source units in ADST's equipment. Sungho Electronics, ADST's parent company, is a strategic investor in Global Technology.

​Kim Min-sun, chief executive officer of Global Technology, said, "Driven by our 13-year track record in high-precision LED driving, our competitive advantage lies in offering end-to-end solutions spanning from ICs to light source modules. We aim to localize UV curing light sources with ADST and establish a meaningful role in the CPO supply chain."

​Song Kwang-yeol, vice chairman of ADST, said, "As the industry shifts toward the CPO era, the number of alignment points increases significantly, making curing precision a key determinant of equipment competitiveness. Partnering with a domestic player capable of both LED driving and optical design will enhance both supply stability and cost competitiveness."