[Edaily Reporter Shin Ha-yeon ] #GlobalTechnology announced on the 12th that it is partnering with ADST, a subsidiary of SUNGHO ELECTRONICS CORP.(043260), to develop ultraviolet (UV) curing light sources for co-packaged optics (CPO) equipment, a next-generation optical communication technology.

Global Technology has begun developing UV-curable light-emitting diode (LED) driver integrated circuits (ICs) for ADST’s active alignment equipment used in CPO and high-speed optical transceivers. The company plans to expand the scope of development to include UV LED light source modules and control units, thereby establishing a system capable of supplying the entire light source unit.

CPO is a technology that packages an optical engine—which processes optical signals—together with a graphics processing unit (GPU) or a switch chip. It is gaining attention as a next-generation communication technology for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers because it can reduce power consumption and signal loss compared to conventional optical transceiver methods.

The CPO manufacturing process requires an optical alignment process in which the positions of the optical fiber, lens, and optical devices are precisely aligned and then secured with UV-curable adhesive. In particular, consistent control of light source output and exposure time is essential to minimize shrinkage or positional errors that may occur during the adhesive curing process.

ADST is a company that develops active alignment and inspection equipment for optical transceivers, silicon photonics, and CPOs. Since its establishment in 2000, it has supplied approximately 1,300 units of equipment worldwide and became a subsidiary of SUNGHO ELECTRONICS CORP. in February of this year.

Global Technology plans to apply the constant-current control, time-division drive, and real-time temperature compensation technologies it has secured through its existing LED driver IC business to this development. The goal is to reduce variations in curing quality by controlling changes in light output caused by heat generated by high-power UV LEDs.

The company has been supplying Mini and RGB LED backlights for TVs and monitors, as well as Micro LED driver ICs. Recently, it has been expanding its product lineup to include transparent LED display modules, automotive interior lighting solutions, and RGB backlight modules.

In this collaboration, the companies will adopt a development approach that integrates not only IC design but also LED packaging, optical lenses, modules, and firmware tuning. Through this initiative, Global Technology plans to expand its business scope—which has traditionally focused on displays and automotive applications—into the fields of optical communications and semiconductor equipment.

Once development is complete, the two companies plan to explore ways to sequentially integrate these light source units into ADST’s optical alignment equipment.

Kim Min-seon, CEO of Global Technology, stated, “Driving LEDs with the highest precision is what GT has been doing for 13 years, and transforming this into a complete solution—from ICs to light source modules—is GT’s competitive edge.” He added, “The UV-curing light source is the first instance of extending this capability beyond displays into the optical communication processes of AI data centers. Together with ADST, we will achieve localization and play a meaningful role in the CPO supply chain.”

Song Gwang-yeol, Vice Chairman of ADST, remarked, “As CPO generations advance, the number of alignment points increases, making the precision of the curing process a decisive factor in equipment competitiveness.” He added, “By developing core light sources with a domestic partner that possesses both LED drive and optical design capabilities, we will be able to simultaneously enhance supply stability and cost competitiveness.”