News: Microelectronics
31 January 2024
Wolfspeed expands long-term 150mm silicon carbide wafer supply agreement
Wolfspeed Inc of Durham, NC, USA — which makes silicon carbide (SiC) materials and power semiconductor devices — has announced the expansion of an existing long-term silicon carbide wafer supply agreement with a “leading global semiconductor company”. Now worth about $275m in total, the expanded agreement calls for Wolfspeed to supply 150mm SiC bare and epitaxial wafers, reinforcing both companies’ visions for an industry-wide transition from silicon to silicon carbide power devices.
“Wolfspeed is uniquely positioned to be a critical supplier of high-quality and advanced silicon carbide materials at scale. We will continue to be an important partner to power device manufacturers who need the highest-quality silicon carbide wafers to service their customers,” says Dr Cengiz Balkas, senior VP & general manager of Materials for Wolfspeed. “This agreement further strengthens our long-time partnership with a best-in-class power semiconductor manufacturer,” he adds. “Our collective efforts are helping to address the rapidly expanding opportunity for silicon carbide and better address the unfulfilled demand that exists in the marketplace today.”
The adoption of SiC-based power solutions is rapidly growing across multiple markets, including industrial and electric vehicles (EVs). Silicon carbide solutions enable smaller, lighter and more cost-effective designs, converting energy more efficiently to unlock new applications in electrification. Wolfspeed reckons that the supply agreement will enable silicon carbide applications in a broad range of industries, such as: renewable energy and storage, electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, industrial power supplies, traction and variable-speed drives.
Infineon and Wolfspeed expand and extend multi-year 150mm SiC wafer supply agreement
