Date Founded: 2006
About ABOV Semiconductor
ABOV Semiconductor, formed in 2006 as a spin-off from MagnaChip Semiconductor, has rapidly become a key player in the semiconductor industry. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing microcontrollers (MCUs), advanced non-volatile memory, and various other semiconductor solutions. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation, ABOV has established itself as a significant contributor to both the industrial and consumer appliance markets. Its integrated solutions, which combine MCU technology with sensor and connectivity capabilities, are driving advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) during the 5G era.
The success of ABOV derives from its unwavering focus on technological innovation and its ability to create new markets. The company has successfully established a foundry-fabless collaboration model in Korea, fostering a supportive ecosystem that connects academia and industry. By concentrating on the Smart MCU market—enhanced by sensors and connectivity—ABOV has positioned itself as an innovation leader within the rapidly evolving embedded systems landscape. The emphasis on delivering value to customers has been a major factor in ABOV’s growth and its recognition as a global MCU leader.
ABOV’s core strengths include in-house design capabilities for high-performance analog intellectual properties (IPs), remarkable resistance to noise issues such as electrostatic discharge (ESD) and electrical fast transient (EFT), extensive industry experience, and dedicated Field Application Engineer (FAE) support across various applications. This commitment to quality and reliability is evidenced by the company’s history of shipping over 5 billion MCU units. ABOV’s customer-centric approach prioritizes understanding and addressing customer needs, ensuring comprehensive support and satisfaction.
The journey of ABOV has been highlighted by key milestones, including its founding in 2006, its KOSDAQ listing in 2009, and its 2011 merger with remote control MCU manufacturer Etachips. The company has garnered numerous accolades, such as being recognized as a global star in fabless intensive development, earning the status of KOSDAQ Rising Star, and receiving the $70 Million Export Tower Prize. ABOV’s dedication to innovation is further exemplified through participation in national R&D projects, including the development of a self-identification parking assistant for automotive applications and an ultra-low power Smart MCU designed for IoT.
The management philosophy of ABOV focuses on customer-oriented challenges and innovation to drive technological advancement and customer satisfaction. The company aims to become a Global Top Smart MCU Innovator by 2025, with a revenue goal of $500 million. Its core values—customer focus, talent growth, leading technologies, passion, and enjoyment—guide interactions with customers, employees, and partners alike. Through its commitment to customer-centricity, innovation, and employee development, ABOV has cemented its presence in the semiconductor industry. As it continues to expand its product offerings and pursue its vision, ABOV is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in the MCU market and contribute significantly to the advancement of embedded systems technology.
