South Korea’s LG Innotek has developed a high-performance ferrite material that can be applied to make TVs slimmer and electric vehicles lighter, the high-tech parts maker under LG Group said Wednesday.

Ferrite made of iron oxide power is used to change voltage in power modules for TVs and chargers in vehicles, ensuring stably power supply to TV display, vehicle air conditioner and audio systems.

Ferrite was invented by Dr. Yogoro Kato and Dr. Takeshi Takei at the Tokyo Institute of Technology Department of Electrochemistry in 1930. To commercially develop ferrite, the researchers established TDK in 1935, and Japanese companies have since monopolized the global ferrite market.

LG Innotek said its product is more efficient and price competitive compared to Japanese products, with a high potential to replace those imported from Japan.

LG Innotek said its ferrite can make TV power modules as thin as 9 millimeters and raise the power module’s energy efficiency by 5 percentage points.

The company plans to begin mass production of its ferrite in the first half of next year to deliver it to global home appliance and electric vehicle brands.

By Lee Jong-hyuk and Minu Kim

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]