Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

ROHM Develops an Ultra-Compact MOSFET Featuring Industry-Leading* Low ON-Resistance Ideal for Fast Charging Applications

Santa Clara, CA and Kyoto, Japan, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ROHM Semiconductor today announced the development of the AW2K21, a 30V N-channel MOSFET in a common-source configuration that delivers an industry-leading ON-resistance of just 2.0mΩ (typ.) in a compact 2.0mm × 2.0mm package.

With the rise of compact devices featuring large-capacity batteries, such as smartphones, the need for fast charging functionality to shorten charging times continues to grow. These applications require bidirectional protection to prevent reverse current flow to peripheral ICs and other components when not actively supplying or receiving power. What’s more, fast charging involves high current power transfer, leading smartphone manufacturers to demand stringent specifications for MOSFETs, including a maximum current rating of 20A, breakdown voltage between 28V and 30V, and an ON-resistance of 5mΩ or less. However, meeting these requirements with standard solutions typically necessitates the use of two large low ON-resistance MOSFETs, increasing board space along with mounting complexity.

In response, ROHM developed an ultra-compact low ON-resistance MOSFET optimized for fast high-power charging. The AW2K21 adopts a proprietary structure that enhances cell density while minimizing the ON-resistance per unit chip area. Two MOSFETs are integrated into a single package, allowing a single part to support bidirectional protection applications (commonly required in power supply and charging circuits).

The proprietary structure also places the drain terminal on the top surface, unlike on the backside in standard vertical trench MOS structures. This enables the use of a WLCSP, which achieves a larger chip-to-package area ratio that further reduces ON-resistance per unit area. As a result, the new product not only minimizes power loss but also supports high current operation, making it ideal for high-power fast charging applications despite its ultra-compact size.

For example, in power supply and charging circuits for compact devices, standard solutions typically require two 3.3mm × 3.3mm MOSFETs. In contrast, the AW2K21 can achieve the same functionality with a single 2.0mm × 2.0mm unit, reducing the footprint and ON-resistance by approximately 81% and 33%, respectively. Even compared to similarly sized GaN HEMTs, ON-resistance is decreased by up to 50%, contributing to lower power consumption and increased space savings across a variety of applications.

The AW2K21 is also suitable for use as a unidirectional protection MOSFET in load switch applications, where it maintains the industry’s lowest ON-resistance. At the same time, ROHM is further pushing the limits of miniaturization with the development of an even smaller 1.2mm × 1.2mm model.

Going forward, ROHM remains dedicated to supporting the miniaturization and energy efficiency of electronic systems through compact, high-performance solutions that contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

Online Sales Information
Sales Launch Date: April 2025
Online Distributors: DigiKey™, Mouser™ and Farnell™
Applicable Part No: AW2K21
The product will be offered at other online distributors as it becomes available.

Note: DigiKey™, Mouser™ and Farnell™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
*ROHM July 2025 study

Attachments


Heike Mueller
ROHM Semiconductor
+1-408-720-1900
hmueller@rohmsemiconductor.com
Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.