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GaN / LATEST NEWS / WBG2 Min Read
Transphorm, Inc. and Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. announced a collaboration including Transphorm’s SuperGaN® FETs and Allegro’s AHV85110 Isolated Gate Driver to enable the expansion of GaN power system design for high power applications.
Transphorm’s SuperGaN FETs are designed to work in various topologies and are available in several different packages to support a wide power range while also satisfying diverse end application requirements. SuperGaN FETs are used in multiple commercial products, including higher power systems where they are proven to notably increase reliability, power density, and efficiency.
Allegro’s self-powered, single-channel isolated gate driver IC is optimized for driving GaN FETs in multiple applications and circuits. The AHV85110 is proven to enhance driver efficiency by as much as 50% compared to competitive gate drivers. This unique solution greatly simplifies the system design, reduces noise by 10x and common mode capacitance by 15 times compared to other solutions in the market.
“Allegro’s AHV85110 High Voltage Gate Driver provides a highly compact and efficient power stage implementation that helps to achieve an approximate 30 percent footprint reduction with the least number of external components and bias supply requirements around Transphorm’s power devices,” said Tushar Dhayagude, Vice President of Worldwide Sales and FAE, Transphorm.
“Combined with SuperGaN’s highest reliability and superior dynamic switching performance over competing technologies, the end result is a more efficient, more robust solution with increased power density in critical applications such as server, data centers, renewables and electric vehicles.”
“We are excited about working with Transphorm on a collaboration that further supports Allegro’s focus towards helping customers optimize GaN-based system development and design,” said Vijay Mangtani, Vice President and General Manager of High Voltage Power, Allegro MicroSystems. “We are looking forward to the opportunity to combine our high voltage isolated gate driver AHV85110 with Transphorm’s SuperGaN FET to enable higher power density, higher efficiency, and higher power output in smaller form factors and provide value to both our and Transphorm’s customers.”
Those interested in testing the collaborative solution can do so via Allegro’s APEK85110KNH-06-T evaluation board. The board incorporates both the AHV85110 designed to work in various applications along with Transphorm’s recently announced TOLL packageavailable in three devices with on-resistances of 35, 50, and 72 milliohms.
Original – Transphorm
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Today, Infineon Technologies AG is reporting results for the fourth quarter and the full fiscal year, both of which ended on 30 September 2023.
“In the 2023 fiscal year, Infineon has set new records for revenue and profitability. The results are an initial confirmation of our more ambitious course we embarked on as a company a year ago,” says Jochen Hanebeck, CEO of Infineon.
“Nevertheless, we find ourselves in an environment that continues to present challenges. We are seeing different trends in our target markets. Structural semiconductor growth in the areas of renewable energy, electromobility – especially in China – and microcontrollers for the automotive industry remains unabated. In contrast, consumer, communication, computing and IoT applications are experiencing a temporary period of low demand. Overall, we are expecting revenue growth to continue in the 2024 fiscal year but at a slower rate. We are reacting decisively to the market situation. At the same time, we are continuing to implement our strategy consistently with regard to structural growth opportunities and we are reinforcing our leading position in power systems and IoT with long-term investments.”
- Q4 FY 2023: Revenue €4.149 billion, Segment Result €1.044 billion, Segment Result Margin 25.2 percent, Free Cash Flow €614 million
- FY 2023: Revenue €16.309 billion, up 15 percent on the prior year; Segment Result €4.399 billion, up 30 percent year on year; Segment Result Margin 27.0 percent; adjusted earnings per share €2.65, up 35 percent on the prior year; Free Cash Flow €1.158 billion, adjusted Free Cash Flow €1.638 billion
- Outlook for FY 2024: Based on an assumed exchange rate of US$1.05 to the euro, revenue of around €17 billion (plus or minus €500 million) expected, with a Segment Result Margin of around 24 percent at the mid-point of the guided revenue range. Adjusted gross margin should be around 45 percent. Investments of approximately €3.3 billion planned. Free Cash Flow adjusted for investment in frontend buildings and the acquisition of GaN Systems should be around €2.2 billion and reported Free Cash Flow around €400 million
- Outlook for Q1 FY 2024: Based on an assumed exchange rate of US$1.05 to the euro, revenue of around €3.8 billion expected. On this basis, Segment Result Margin forecast to be around 22 percent
- Dividend proposal for FY 2023: Increase from €0.32 to €0.35 per share
Original – Infineon Technologies
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Ideal Power Inc., pioneering the development and commercialization of the highly efficient and broadly patented B-TRAN™ bidirectional semiconductor power switch, reported results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2023.
“We executed to plan again in the third quarter as we introduced our SymCool™ IQ intelligent power module and completed shipments to all the large companies in our test and evaluation program. We’re also thrilled with our advancement into Phase II of the program with a top 10 global automaker. The advancement into Phase II is customer validation of the performance of B-TRAN™ and its potential impact in improving EV range and cost,” said Dan Brdar, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ideal Power.
Brdar continued, “In response to customer requests, we began providing high-volume quotes to large test and evaluation program participants. Participants in the program have expanded their plans for B-TRAN™ to include additional applications for our technology. Overall, the third quarter continued to underscore our across-the-board progress on our B-TRAN™ commercialization roadmap for the IGBT market, a market expected to grow at an 11% compound annual growth rate over the next three years to reach $11 billion in 2026.”
Key Third Quarter and Recent Operational Highlights
- Secured Phase II of our development program with a top 10 global automaker. Ideal Power is ahead of schedule having completed 3 of the 5 Phase II deliverables. The delivery of production-ready B-TRAN™ based modules for this program continues to be targeted for 2025.
- Added SymCool™ IQ to our commercial product offerings. The SymCool™ IQ product provides a low-loss, bidirectional solution complete with built-in intelligent controls for several of our key market segments including renewable energy, energy storage, UPS/data center, electric vehicle charging and other industrial power control applications.
- Completed shipments to large companies in the B-TRAN™ test and evaluation program including a top 10 global automaker, a global Tier 1 automotive supplier, a leading provider in the solar industry, two Forbes Global 500 power management companies, a global provider of backup power and energy management solutions with more kits to follow for additional and new program participants.
- Added a global European-based global power conversion and energy storage supplier with over $500 million in annual sales to the roster of the B-TRAN™ test and evaluation program. This global supplier presents multiple opportunities for Ideal Power as they address three of our target markets: UPS systems for data centers, renewable energy and energy storage.
- Completed volume shipments of packaged B-TRAN™ devices to DTI, our NAVSEA program collaboration partner. We fulfilled all our obligations under our subcontract with DTI for this program.
- B-TRAN™ Patent Estate: Currently at 77 issued B-TRAN™ patents with 33 of those issued outside of the United States and 36 pending B-TRAN™ patents. Current geographic coverage includes North America, China, Japan, South Korea, India, and Europe, with pending coverage in Taiwan.
Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results
- Development revenue in the third quarter of 2023 was $1,557.
- Operating expenses in the third quarter of 2023 were $2.8 million compared to $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2022 due primarily to increased research and development spending.
- Net loss in the third quarter of 2023 was $2.7 million compared to $1.7 million in the third quarter of 2022.
- Cash used in operating and investing activities in the third quarter of 2023 was $1.9 million compared to $1.6 million in the third quarter of 2022.
- Cash used in operating and investing activities in the first nine months of 2023 was $5.6 million compared to $4.7 million in the first nine months of 2022.
- Cash and cash equivalents totaled $10.8 million at September 30, 2023.
- Ideal Power had no long-term debt outstanding at September 30, 2023.
2023 Milestones
The Company is actively engaged with multiple customers in each of its key target markets. Ideal Power completed all of its first nine months of 2023 milestones and is on track to achieve its remaining 2023 milestones. Our 2023 milestones and their status are:
- Launched first commercial product in January 2023, the SymCool™ Power Module, a B-TRAN™ multi-die module. First commercial sales later in 2023.
- Completed Phase I of multi-year development program with top 10 global automaker in the second quarter of 2023.
- Completed first engineering run with production fab in the second quarter of 2023.
- Delivered packaged B-TRAN™s to DTI under the NAVSEA program in the first half of 2023.
- Commenced customer shipments to B-TRAN™ test and evaluation participants in the second quarter of 2023.
- Introduced second commercial product, an intelligent power module, in the third quarter of 2023.
Original – Ideal Power
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LATEST NEWS / PRODUCT & TECHNOLOGY2 Min Read
Littelfuse, Inc. announced the launch of the FDA117 Optically Isolated Photovoltaic Driver. This innovative product generates a floating power source, making it an exceptional choice for isolated switching applications in a wide range of industries.
The FDA117 is specifically designed to control discrete standard power MOSFETs and IGBTs using a floating voltage source, ensuring isolation between the low-voltage drive input side and high-voltage load output side. With an input control current range of 5 mA to 50 mA, an integrated fast turn-off circuitry, and 5 kVRMS reinforced isolation, the FDA117 provides sufficient voltage and current to drive discrete power MOSFETs and IGBTs effectively.
One of the key differentiators of the FDA117 is its ability to generate a floating power source with up to 15.3 V voltage and 60 µA current, making it suitable for driving standard MOSFET devices and IGBTs. This feature allows for greater flexibility in application designs, enabling the direct driving of standard MOSFET/IGBT devices and securely turning off external power semiconductors in less than 0.5 milliseconds.
Product designs that can benefit from the FDA117 include power semiconductor applications in the following markets (to name a few):
- Industrial
- Energy
- Building Automation
- Smart Home
Whether it is used in custom solid-state relay designs, controlling electrical power and loads, or industrial process control, the FDA117 provides the necessary isolation barrier to protect equipment and individuals from electrical hazards.
“To give our customers more flexibility in their application designs, we developed the FDA117 to add a single-channel version to our existing portfolio of Photovoltaic Drivers,” said Mark P. Smith, Director, Product Management, Integrated Circuits & MCU. “High open circuit voltage and short circuit current, combined with 5 kVRMS reinforced isolation voltage, extend the design flexibility.”
The FDA117 is available in both 4-pin DIP through-hole and surface mount packages, providing pinout compatibility with other Photovoltaic Drivers available on the market. This compatibility ensures ease of integration into existing designs without any major modifications.
The FDA117 Optically Isolated Photovoltaic Driver includes the following key features:
- Operates with as low as 5 mA input control current
- Enables driving standard power MOSFETs and IGBTs
- Provides a floating output voltage ranging from 10.5 V to 15.3 V
- Integrated fast turn-off circuitry for controlled switching
- 5,000 VRMS reinforced insulation for enhanced safety
- 4-pin surface mount and through-hole package options
Original – Littelfuse
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This week the National Institute for Innovation and Technology (NIIT), the leader in developing the U.S. semiconductor talent pipeline through Registered Apprenticeships (RAs), is celebrating the U.S. Department of Labor’s 9th Annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) and the first annual National Semiconductor Day.
NAW is a national celebration to showcase the success of RAs and the instrumental role they play in rebuilding our economy, advancing diversity and equality in the workforce, creating high-quality jobs, and supporting underserved communities.
“Registered Apprenticeships change lives. The ‘learn-and-earn’ model is a key piece in solidifying the global competitiveness of our economy by increasing opportunity and providing pathways to success in the rewarding and rapidly growing semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries,” said NIIT President & CEO Mike Russo.
Throughout the week, NIIT will participate with partner organizations across the country in promoting the efficacy of RAs as part of a nationwide workforce development effort, including a live webinar event. “Emerging Industries, Inclusive Futures: DEI in Workforce Development Through Registered Apprenticeships Accelerator Roundtable,” on November 14, 2023 at 2 p.m. Eastern.
During the webinar, NIIT and industry leaders from the University of Rochester’s Advance 2 Apprenticeship Project, work2future, and Manufacturing Works will speak to strategies for intentionally building diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into workforce development efforts, the opportunities that RAs in the semiconductor industry provide to underrepresented populations, and why these programs are not just a moral imperative, but a business necessity.
Advance 2 Apprenticeship is an employment initiative though the University of Rochester’s Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities in partnership with The Manufacturers Association of Central NY and funded by The NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities, which is working to improve access for people with disabilities to apprenticeship programs.
Advance 2 Apprenticeship offers pre-apprenticeship training courses in manufacturing for people with and without disabilities who can benefit from additional support to succeed. Advance 2 Apprenticeship is paving the way for neurodiverse learners to succeed by utilizing universal design within curriculum, training for business and connecting wrap around support for students.
Manufacturing Works, a Northeastern Ohio-based nonprofit, has created opportunities for workers that take them on a pathway from student to journeyman, including certification and access to apprenticeship programs.
“Given the significant expansion of the semiconductor industry in Ohio, we know it is imperative to make investments statewide in growing the area’s skilled workforce through apprenticeships and related programs. Through a commitment of $20 billion in investment by Intel, Manufacturing Works is intensifying their focus on assisting this industry and partnering with NIIT to do so,” said Manufacturing Works President and Executive Director Ken Patsey.
On November 15, 2023, NIIT will hold the first National Semiconductor DayTM, a day created to highlight the monumental technical advances and economic benefits brought about by the semiconductor industry. The U.S. semiconductor industry employs almost 300,000 Americans and directly contributed $264.4 billion to the U.S. GDP in 2020.
“Semiconductors have revolutionized the way we live, work, and connect. From smartphones to life-saving medical equipment, the innovations powered by semiconductors have shaped our world, and our national security and global competitiveness hinge on our ability to innovate and lead in this critical sector.
At NIIT, we felt that it was important to establish National Semiconductor DayTM coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week, to call attention to the important work being done in the semiconductor industry and the role Registered Apprenticeships play in expanding the pipeline of talent to include individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life,” said Russo.
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LATEST NEWS2 Min Read
Navitas Semiconductor has announced that the company has been ranked 72nd on this year’s North American Deloitte Technology Fast 500™. This is the second year running that Navitas has been featured, improving from 75th to 72nd place, with increased revenue driven by strong demand for its advanced, high-efficiency, wide bandgap (WBG) gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) power components, across a growing number of global markets and customers.
Now in its 29th year, the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 is an independent ranking of the 500 fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech, and energy tech companies in North America. Based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2019 to 2022, Navitas achieved 2,129% growth as GaN and SiC technology enabled efficient, sustainable applications and displaced legacy silicon chips.
Commenting on this year’s ranking, Navitas founder and CEO Gene Sheridan stated: “Our next-gen power-semi technologies are creating significant growth opportunities as we displace silicon in existing multi-$B markets like data centers, consumer, appliance and mobile applications. They also enable new-energy markets that are adopting GaN and SiC from the start, like EV, energy storage and renewable segments.
When combined, the growth results are extraordinary, and we appreciate the recognition of the Deloitte Fast 500 listing. We have built a strong foundation for further growth with established 3x-5x capacity increases, technology generational upgrades every 12-18 months, and a customer-focused, complete power-system design center approach, for applications from 20 W to 20 MW addressing a $22B per year opportunity.”
Original – Navitas Semiconductor