• JEDEC Seeks Industry Contribution to Advancing Thermal Characterization Standards for Semiconductor Packages

    1 Min Read

    JEDEC Solid State Technology Association announced that its JC-15 Committee for Thermal Characterization Techniques for Semiconductor Packages welcomes interested companies to join JEDEC and participate in committee meetings and activities. 

    Near-term plans for the committee include the evolution of standards that cover the provision of electronic thermal models in neutral file formats (e.g. JEP181JEP30 T101), as well as the review and improvement of several key standards previously developed by the committee.  For more information about JC-15 activities and JEDEC membership visit the JEDEC website.

    Activities within JC-15’s scope include the standardization of thermal characterization techniques, both testing and modeling, for electronic packages, components, and materials for semiconductor devices. 

    “The activities of JC-15 reflect JEDEC’s commitment to evolving alongside the dynamic microelectronics industry,” said Robin Bornoff, Acting Chair of the JC-15 Committee.  He added, “The wide range of subjects covered by JC-15 standards provides our members with diverse opportunities to contribute their knowledge and expertise to further enhance the efficacy of the electronics thermal supply chain.”

    Original – JEDEC

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  • Qorvo® Announced Q1 FY2025 Financial Results

    Qorvo® Announced Q1 FY2025 Financial Results

    2 Min Read

    Qorvo® announced financial results for the Company’s fiscal 2025 first quarter ended June 29, 2024.

    Strategic Highlights

    • Grew quarterly revenue 36% year-over-year and exceeded mid-point of revenue guidance by $37 million
    • Transitioned Beijing and Dezhou operations to Luxshare and integrated Anokiwave into Qorvo

    On a GAAP basis, revenue for Qorvo’s fiscal 2025 first quarter was $887 million, gross margin was 37.5%, operating income was $4.6 million, and diluted earnings per share was $0.00. On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin was 40.9%, operating income was $98.1 million, and diluted earnings per share was $0.87.

    Bob Bruggeworth, president and chief executive officer of Qorvo, said, “During the June quarter, we fully integrated Anokiwave into Qorvo, adding silicon beam-forming ICs and IF-RF conversion products. We are investing in technology leadership to broaden our market exposure and drive growth, and we are executing on cost and productivity initiatives to structurally enhance our gross margin.”

    Financial Commentary and Outlook

    Grant Brown, chief financial officer of Qorvo, said, “Qorvo exceeded the mid-point of June quarterly guidance for revenue, gross margin and EPS. For the September quarter, we expect sequential increases in revenue, gross margin and EPS. We are leveraging internal factories which are critical differentiators for each of our operating segments, while outsourcing to our robust foundry and OSAT partner network where we benefit from their scale and R&D investments.”

    Qorvo’s current outlook for the September 2024 quarter is:

    • Quarterly revenue of approximately $1.025 billion, plus or minus $25 million
    • Non-GAAP gross margin between 46% and 47%
    • Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share between $1.75 and $1.95

    Original – Qorvo®

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  • Toshiba Expanded Lineup of 600V N-channel Power Super Junction MOSFETs

    Toshiba Expanded Lineup of 600V N-channel Power Super Junction MOSFETs

    2 Min Read

    Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation has expanded its lineup of 600V N-channel power MOSFETs “DTMOSVI series” fabricated with Toshiba’s latest-generation process, with a super junction structure. These new products are suitable for high efficiency switching power supplies used for data centers and power conditioners of photovoltaic generators. Nine products of “TK40N60Z1, TK080N60Z1, TK080A60Z1, TK085V60Z1, TK125N60Z1, TK125A60Z1, TK130V60Z1, TK155A60Z1 and TK165V60Z1” have been added to the lineup in terms of packages and drain-source On-resistance.

    By optimizing the gate design and process, 600V DTMOSVI series products have reduced the value of drain-source On-resistance per unit area by approximately 13%, and drain-source On-resistance × gate-drain charge ―the figure of merit for MOSFET performance― by approximately 52% compared to Toshiba’s current generation DTMOSIV-H series products with the same drain-source voltage rating. This means new products have a better trade-off between conduction loss and switching loss than current products. New products of DTMOSVI series will contribute improving efficiency of power supplies.

    Toshiba offers tools that support circuit design for switching power supplies. Alongside the G0 SPICE model, which verifies circuit function in a short time, highly accurate G2 SPICE models that accurately reproduce transient characteristics are now available.

    Toshiba will continue to expand its DTMOSVI series lineup, and support energy conservation by reducing power loss in switching power supplies.

    Original – Toshiba

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  • WeEn Unveiled Second Generation Super Junction MOSFET

    WeEn Unveiled Second Generation Super Junction MOSFET

    3 Min Read

    According to a survey by Global Market Insights, Super Junction MOSFETs captured over 30% market share in the energy and power sector in 2023. Their applications span multiple domains, including electric vehicle charging stations, server and data center power supplies, LED drivers, solar inverters and home appliance controls.

    The global Super Junction MOSFET market is projected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 11.5% by 2032. Super Junction MOSFETs offers robust assurance to customers seeking exceptional performance and stability backed by WeEn’s well-established reliability standards, comprehensive supply chain systems and continuously evolving technological roadmaps.

    WeEn currently offers two series of Super Junction MOSFETs: G1 and G2. G2 Super Junction MOSFETs feature advanced design improvements, such as reduced cell pitch, low-resistance epitaxial layers, and shorter P-column depths. These innovations significantly reduce the device’s on-state resistance.

    Simultaneously, WeEn precisely controlled the charge balance of the super junction structure, ensuring excellent avalanche ruggedness and low capacitive losses. This results in a balanced, outstanding performance in both hard and soft-switching applications that demand high efficiency, reliability, and superior thermal management.

    Second-Generation Super junction MOSFET: Beginning of a New Era

    The WSJ2M60R065D is one of the flagship products in WeEn’s G2 Super Junction MOSFET lineup. Available in various packages including TO-220, TO-220F, TO-247, and TOLL. It particularly excels in terms of on-state resistance. Compared to competitors’ products, the WSJ2M60R065D maintains more stable on-state resistance across different current densities. Within its maximum continuous current range, the resistance variation does not exceed 10%. This stability provides customers with reliable performance data. Furthermore, the WSJ2M60R065D adapts well to applications with varying power requirements, demonstrating exceptional performance across diverse and complex operating environments.

    Second-Generation Super junction MOSFET: Beginning of a New Era

    WeEn’s G2 MOSFETs are at the forefront of performance, with their Figure of Merit (FOM) on par with top global competitors. While ensuring stringent yield and process control, WeEn reserves more breakdown voltage margin for customers. 600V devices approach the standards of 650V devices available on the market, thoroughly safeguarding the reliability of customer applications. Moreover, the G2 MOSFET integrates a finely tuned fast recovery body diode, with a reverse recovery time (Trr) of only 123 ns. The body diode can withstand a commutation speed of 1000 A/μs without damage. This makes the WSJ2M60R065D particularly suitable for Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) applications in soft-switching topologies, delivering high efficiency while handling irregular operating conditions.

    However, the WSJ2M60R065D is not limited to soft-switching applications. It also demonstrates excellent performance in hard-switching applications. The WSJ2M60R065D offers significant advantages in terms of lower capacitive losses (Eoss) compared to top competitors. Additionally, its normalized ruggedness is significantly higher than the industry standard, enabling it to withstand higher overvoltage and oscillation. It also demonstrates stable and safe performance in hard-switching topologies such as Power Factor Correction (PFC) circuits.

    Second-Generation Super junction MOSFET: Beginning of a New Era

    WeEn consistently adheres to rigorous and reliable quality assessment practices. In accelerated aging tests, the company maintains a zero-tolerance policy for product failures. WeEn MOSFET products demonstrate excellent consistency in performance during high-temperature stress aging tests at 168, 500, and 1000 hours. Furthermore, WeEn conducts additional reviews of the ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) capability of the device to minimize quality issues during production, packaging, and transportation. The WSJ2M60R065D demonstrates a robust quality level with a CDM (Charged Device Model) capability exceeding 2000V and an HBM (Human Body Model) capability of over 4000V.

    Second-Generation Super junction MOSFET: Beginning of a New Era

    Original – WeEn Semiconductors

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  • MCC Semi Unveiled a New 100V N-Channel MOSFET

    MCC Semi Unveiled a New 100V N-Channel MOSFET

    1 Min Read

    MCC Semi is unleashing the ultimate component for high-power switching — 100V N-Channel MOSFET, MCP2D6N10Y. Leveraging advanced split-gate-trench (SGT) technology and low on-resistance of 2.6mΩ, this MOSFET is made to slash conduction losses while enhancing thermal efficiency.

    Demanding power electronics get an extra boost of efficiency from its ultra-low junction-to-case thermal resistance of 0.6K/W. The TO-220 package only enhances its performance thanks to its high surge capability.

    An ideal combination of robust current handling, superior heat dissipation, and optimal efficiency ensures this N-channel MOSFET delivers unwavering operation in high-power applications ranging from battery management systems and motor drives to DC-DC converters.

    Features & Benefits:

    • High-performance 100V N-channel MOSFET
    • Utilizes SGT technology
    • Low on-resistance of 2.6mΩ
    • Impressive junction-to-case thermal resistance of 0.6K/W
    • Maximizes thermal efficiency and minimizes power losses
    • Excellent thermal capabilities
    • Robust current handling capacity
    • Designed for TO-220 package with high surge capability

    Original – Micro Commercial Components

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  • Maspower Semiconductor Announced a New IGBT Module

    Maspower Semiconductor Announced a New IGBT Module

    2 Min Read

    Maspower Semiconductor announced the launch of its latest IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) module, the MSG140T120HLF4. This advanced device is designed to meet the rigorous demands of high-power applications, including electric vehicle (EV) charging, string converters, industrial uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and other power-train systems requiring high-efficiency power switching.

    Features and Specifications

    The MSG140T120HLF4 boasts a remarkable set of features that make it an ideal choice for high-voltage and high-current applications.

    • High Voltage and Current Capability: With a collector-emitter voltage (VCE) of up to 1200V and a continuous collector current (IC) of 140A at 100°C, this IGBT module can handle demanding power loads with ease.
    • Very Low Saturation Voltage: The device offers an ultra-low saturation voltage (VCE(sat)) of just 1.94V at 100A, ensuring high efficiency in power conversion.
    • High Thermal Tolerance: The maximum junction temperature (TJ) is rated at 175°C, allowing for operation in harsh environments without compromising performance.
    • Positive Temperature Coefficient: The device exhibits a positive temperature coefficient, improving thermal stability and reducing the risk of thermal runaway.
    • Fast Switching Speeds: With rapid turn-on and turn-off delays, rise times, and fall times, the IGBT module ensures high-speed switching for efficient power conversion.
    • High Power Handling: With a maximum collector current of 280A at 25°C and 140A at 100°C, this IGBT module can effortlessly handle high-current demands.
    • Tight Parameter Distribution: Ensures consistent performance across multiple units, simplifying design and manufacturing processes.
    • High Input Impedance: Minimizes gate drive requirements, reducing system complexity and cost.

    Versatile Applications

    With its exceptional electrical and thermal performance, the MSG140T120HLF4 is well-suited for a wide range of applications that require high-power switching capabilities.

    • Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging: Its high power handling capability and fast switching speeds make it ideal for EV charging stations.
    • String Converters: Suitable for solar and other renewable energy systems requiring efficient power conversion and efficient energy management.
    • Industrial UPS Systems: Ensures uninterrupted power supply to critical industrial equipment, minimizing downtime and maintaining operational continuity.
    • Other High-Power Train Applications: Suitable for a variety of high-power switching applications, including motor drives, inverters, and power conversion systems.

    Original – Maspower Semiconductor

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  • onsemi Announced Financial Results for Q2 of 2024

    onsemi Announced Financial Results for Q2 of 2024

    1 Min Read

    onsemi announced results for the second quarter of 2024 with the following highlights:

    • Revenue of $1,735.2 million
    • GAAP gross margin and non-GAAP gross margin of 45.2% and 45.3%, respectively
    • GAAP operating margin and non-GAAP operating margin of 22.4% and 27.5%, respectively
    • GAAP diluted earnings per share and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.78 and $0.96, respectively
    • Returned ~$650 million of free cash flow over last twelve months to shareholders through stock repurchases

    “We remain dedicated to driving growth through market share gains, doubling down on investments in strategic markets, and expanding the breadth of our portfolio of industry-leading products with analog and mixed-signal solutions,” said Hassane El-Khoury, president and CEO, onsemi. “As reflected by our recent supply agreement with Volkswagen Group, we also continue to strengthen our silicon carbide leadership position in automotive as we ramp production with leading global OEMs in Europe, North America and China.”

    Original – onsemi

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  • VisIC Technologies Partners with Heraeus and PINK to Deliver Advanced D3GaN Power Module

    VisIC Technologies Partners with Heraeus and PINK to Deliver Advanced D3GaN Power Module

    3 Min Read

    VisIC Technologies Ltd. has partnered with Heraeus Electronics and PINK to develop an advanced power module utilizing D3GaN technology. This groundbreaking power module is based on a silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) ceramic substrate, an innovative silver (Ag) sintering process and advanced top side interconnect, promising unprecedented reliability and performance for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

    The collaboration brings together VisIC’s expertise in GaN-based devices, Heraeus Electronics’ cutting-edge packaging materials know-how, and PINK’s state-of-the-art sintering technology. The synergy of these industry leaders has culminated in the development of a power module that is setting new standards for GaN based power modules to revolutionize the EV industry.

    VisIC’s D3GaN technology is at the heart of this power module, offering significant improvements in efficiency, thermal management, and power density. This technology leverages the superior electrical properties of gallium nitride to deliver faster switching speeds and higher power handling capabilities compared to traditional silicon-based devices.

    The use of a Si₃N₄ metal ceramic substrate is a key innovation in this power module. Si₃N₄ is known for its excellent thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and reliability under high-temperature conditions. These properties are crucial for the demanding environment of electric vehicle applications, ensuring the power module can withstand the rigors of everyday use while maintaining optimal performance.

    The adoption of the silver sintering process by PINK enhances the thermal and electrical conductivity of the module. Silver sintering is a low-temperature bonding process that creates robust and reliable connections between components, improving the module’s overall durability and efficiency. This process is critical for the high reliability required in EV powertrains, where consistent performance is non-negotiable.

    The resulting power module is designed to meet the stringent reliability and performance standards of the electric vehicle industry. Its advanced materials and innovative construction techniques ensure it can deliver the high-power density of over 500Arms/650V and efficiency needed for modern BEVs, while also offering long-term reliability and durability at a cost point near silicon devices.

    This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the advancement of power electronics for electric vehicles. The integration of VisIC’s D3GaN technology with Heraeus Electronics’ sintering paste and PINK’s Ag and Cu sintering process and flexible sintering equipment sets a new benchmark for power module performance in the EV market. This innovation is expected to drive the adoption of GaN technology in EV applications, paving the way for more efficient, reliable, and sustainable electric transportation solutions.

    Tamara Baksht, CEO of VisIC, state: “We are thrilled to work with the leading manufacturer of sintering processes of Heraeus Electronics and PINK and adapt their experience into GaN based power modules to develop the next generation of power module for high volume automotive inverter applications.”

    PINK, Andrea Pink, CEO of PINK statement: “We are excited to work with such a future driven company as VisIC together with our long-term partner Heraeus Electronics, supporting the newest product innovation for GaN applications.”

    Heraeus Electronics Dr. Michael Jörger, EVP Head of Business Line Power Electronic Materials added: “With our materials, application know-how and engineering services we are glad to work with our partners on speeding up the innovative approach of highly efficient GaN modules for automotive applications.”

    Original – VisIC Technologies

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  • Toshiba Developed Technology That Mitigates Parasitic Oscillation in SiC Power Modules Connected in Parallel

    Toshiba Developed Technology That Mitigates Parasitic Oscillation in SiC Power Modules Connected in Parallel

    3 Min Read

    Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation and Toshiba Corporation (Toshiba Group) have developed technology that mitigates the parasitic oscillation that occurs during switching operations by power modules with silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs connected in parallel, even with a 60% smaller gate resistance than is typical. The technology reduces power loss in power modules, mitigates oscillation, and realizes highly reliable switching operations.

    The drive for carbon neutrality is stimulating demand for technologies that improve energy efficiency in many areas, including renewables, railways, and industrial equipment. In these sectors, the application of power modules built around SiC MOSFETs is seen as a solution that supports high-speed switching at high voltages and large currents—which is particularly important for the miniaturization of power converters, where higher switching frequencies result in higher rates of switching losses against power consumption.

    Connecting multiple chips in parallel in power modules can form oscillation circuits, the result of wiring inductance between the chips and their parasitic capacitance. It can reduce module reliability if not countered, which is usually done by increasing gate resistance. However, this approach slows switching speed, resulting in a trade-off with switching losses. For power modules with SiC MOSFETs to perform high-speed switching, another approach is needed.

    Toshiba Group used an equivalent circuit model of the power module (Figure 1) to determine the theoretical condition that triggers parasitic oscillation, and developed a wiring layout less likely to cause it. This was done by analyzing simulations of parasitic oscillation occurs when Lg/Ls, the ratio of gate-to-gate inductance Lg and source-to-source inductance Ls of parallel chips, is below a certain value (Figure 2). As increasing Lg/Ls is an effective means of mitigating parasitic oscillation, Toshiba Group fabricated prototype modules with different Lg/Ls and measured switching. This confirmed that increasing Lg/Ls mitigated oscillation, even with a 60% smaller gate resistance than that required by the alternative approach of increasing gate resistance (Figure 3).

    Applying this approach to oscillation mitigation in power modules now under development has realized a power module less likely to cause parasitic oscillation, even with minimal gate resistance, that achieves low power loss with mitigated oscillation, and delivers highly reliable switching operation. Toshiba Group will continue to make refine the modules toward an early product launch.

    Toshiba Group presented the details of this technology on June 6 at the 36th International Symposium on Power Semiconductor Devices and ICs (ISPSD) 2024, an international power semiconductor conference held in Bremen, Germany from June 2 to 6.

    Figure 1. Model equivalent circuit of two MOSFETs connected in parallel
    Figure 1. Model equivalent circuit of two MOSFETs connected in parallel
    Figure 2. Simulation of oscillation in two MOSFETs with zero gate resistance connected in parallel
    Figure 2. Simulation of oscillation in two MOSFETs with zero gate resistance connected in parallel
    Module (a), at 100 A, Module (b), at 600 A, Module (c), at 600 A

    Vgs: Gate-Source voltage, Vds: Drain-Source voltage, Id: Drain current

    Figure 3. Switching waveforms and switching losses of the prototype modules (Source: Toshiba Group tests)
    Figure 3. Switching waveforms and switching losses of the prototype modules (Source: Toshiba Group tests)

    Original – Toshiba

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  • Infineon Technologies Expanded Lawsuit against Innoscience

    Infineon Technologies Expanded Lawsuit against Innoscience

    2 Min Read

    Infineon Technologies AG expanded the lawsuit pending before the District Court for the Northern District of California on 23 July 2024, adding claims against Innoscience (Zhuhai) Technology Company, Ltd., and Innoscience America, Inc. and affiliates based on the infringement of three additional patents referring to gallium nitride (GaN) technology owned by Infineon. In addition, Infineon today filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) containing legal claims referring to the same four patents covered by the lawsuit.

    Infineon seeks a permanent injunction for the infringement of United States patents referring to gallium nitride (GaN) technology owned by Infineon. The patent claims cover core aspects of GaN power semiconductors encompassing innovations that enable performance and reliability of Infineon’s proprietary GaN power transistors.

    Already, on 14 March 2024, Infineon filed a patent infringement suit against Innoscience in the United States with the District Court for the Northern District of California. On 4 June 2024, Infineon filed a corresponding lawsuit with the District Court Munich, Germany. Additional lawsuits were filed against distributors of Innoscience in Germany.

    Furthermore, Infineon successfully filed for a preliminary injunction (court order), which the District Court Munich issued on 12 June 2024. According to this court order Innoscience was obligated to remove all infringing product from their booth at the international power electronics trade show PCIM Europe.

    Infineon leads the industry with its GaN patent portfolio, comprising approximately 350 patent families. Infineon’s portfolio of silicon, silicon carbide, gallium nitride power transistors and complementary drivers and controllers was enhanced with the October 2023 acquisition of GaN Systems Inc. The acquisition boosted Infineon’s GaN offering and further expanded its leading position in power semiconductors.

    Original – Infineon Technologies

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