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SemiQ Inc announced the addition of an S7 package to its QSiC™ family of 1200V, half-bridge MOSFET and Schottky diode SiC power modules. The parts further enhance design flexibility for power engineers by providing compact, high-efficiency, high-performance options for new designs while supporting drop-in-replacement in legacy systems that require more efficient operation.
This latest announcement sees the availability of a 529A MOSFET module (GCMX003A120S7B1), a 348A MOSFET module (GCMX005A120S7B1), and two low-noise SiC Schottky diode half-bridge modules (GHXS300A120S7D5 and GHXS400A120S7D5) in an S7 package with industry-standard 62.0mm footprints and a height of just 17.0mm.
The new package addresses the size, weight and power requirements of demanding applications ranging from induction heaters, welding equipment and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to photovoltaic and wind inverters, energy storage systems, high-voltage DC-DC converters and battery charging systems for electric vehicles (EVs). As well as the compact form factor of the modules themselves, high-efficiency, low-loss operation helps to reduce system heat dissipation and supports the use of smaller heatsinks.
“Our aim is to provide a comprehensive portfolio of SiC technologies that allow designers to optimize the efficiency, performance and size of today’s demanding applications,” says Dr. Timothy Han, President at SemiQ. “Adding new package option to our 1200V QSiC MOSFET and SiC diode module families further extends the choices available to designers who need to create completely new applications or who are looking to upgrade legacy systems without significant redesign.”
Crafted from high-performance ceramics, SemiQ’s modules achieve exceptional performance levels and support increased power density and more compact designs – especially in high-frequency and high-power environments.
To guarantee a stable gate threshold voltage and premium gate oxide quality for each module, SemiQ conducts gate burn-in testing at the wafer level. In addition to the burn-in test, which contributes to mitigating extrinsic failure rates, various stress tests – including gate stress, high-temperature reverse bias (HTRB) drain stress, and high humidity, high voltage, high temperature (H3TRB) – are employed to attain the necessary automotive and industrial grade quality standards. All parts have undergone testing surpassing 1400V.
Part numbers of SemiQ’s new 1200V modules in S7 packages are shown below.
Part Numbers Circuit Configuration Ratings, Packages RdsOn mΩ GCMX003A120S7B1 S7 Half-bridge 1200V/529A, B1 3.0 GCMX005A120S7B1 S7 Half-bridge 1200V/348A, B1 4.9 GHXS300A120S7D5 S7 Half-bridge 1200V/300A, D5 GHXS400A120S7D5 S7 Half-bridge 1200V/400A, D5 Original – SemiQ
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Ideal Power Inc. reported results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2024.
“Our B-TRAN™ commercial progress continued with several significant developments over the last three months. We are now collaborating with a third global automaker and achieved two more of our 2024 milestones with the addition of a second global distributor and the qualification of a second high volume production fab. We are pleased to see multiple large companies in our test and evaluation program advancing to place initial orders,” said Dan Brdar, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ideal Power. “We remain on track to achieve our 2024 milestones and look forward to more commercial announcements in the coming months.”
Key Second Quarter and Recent Business Highlights
Execution to our B-TRAN™ commercial roadmap continues, including:
- Collaborating with a third global automaker. This auto OEM is evaluating B-TRAN™-enabled contactors as a potential replacement for electromechanical contactors in its electric vehicles.
- Finalizing a distribution agreement with a second global distributor with particular strength in Asia. This distributor is already placing orders with us.
- Qualified a second wafer fabrication supplier with high-volume production capability. With the addition of this European partner, we are dual sourced for wafer fabrication in different parts of the world with ample capacity to support anticipated customer demand over the next few years.
- Secured orders for B-TRAN™ devices and circuit breaker evaluation boards from a global leader in power semiconductor and power electronics solutions in connection with its launch of a multi-year DC power distribution system program. This global leader presents multiple opportunities for us as it addresses several of our target industrial markets: solid-state circuit breakers (“SSCB”) for industrial facilities and electric utility grid infrastructure and renewable energy.
- Secured an order for B-TRAN™ devices for evaluation in solar inverter applications from a top 10 global provider of power conversion solutions to the solar industry. This customer is a previously announced participant in our B-TRAN™ test and evaluation program.
- Secured an order for SymCool® power modules and drivers from a Forbes Global 500 power management market leader initially in our B-TRAN™ test and evaluation program. This global power management market leader is evaluating SymCool® against IGBT modules for use in SSCB applications.
- Added a global leader in circuit protection, industrial fuses and power conversion technology with over a billion in annual sales to the roster of the B-TRAN™ test and evaluation program.
- Based on the results of testing, we increased the current rating of our SymCool® power module from 160A to 200A, a 25% increase. In conjunction with a power module size reduction of approximately 50%, this results in a dramatic increase in power density for the SymCool® power module.
- B-TRAN™ Patent Estate: Currently at 87 issued B-TRAN™ patents with 40 of those issued outside of the United States and 45 pending B-TRAN™ patents. Current geographic coverage includes North America, China, Japan, South Korea, India, and Europe, with pending coverage in Taiwan.
Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results
- Cash used in operating and investing activities in the second quarter of 2024 was $2.2 million compared to $1.8 million in the second quarter of 2023.
- Cash used in operating and investing and activities in the first half of 2024 was $4.2 million compared to $3.7 million in the first half of 2023.
- Raised $15.7 million in net proceeds from a public offering. Received net proceeds of $13.7 million upon initial closing in March 2024 followed by net proceeds of $2.0 million from the exercise of the underwriter’s overallotment option in April 2024.
- Cash and cash equivalents totaled $20.1 million at June 30, 2024.
- No long-term debt was outstanding at June 30, 2024.
- Commercial revenue was $1,331 in the second quarter of 2024.
- Operating expenses in the second quarter of 2024 were $2.9 million compared to $2.4 million in the second quarter of 2023 driven primarily by higher research and development spending.
- Net loss in the second quarter of 2024 was $2.7 million compared to $2.3 million in the second quarter of 2023.
2024 Milestones
For 2024, the Company has set or achieved the following milestones:
√ Successfully completed Phase II of development program with Stellantis
• Secure Phase III of development program with Stellantis
√ Complete qualification of second high-volume production fab
• Convert large OEMs in our test and evaluation program to design wins/custom development agreements
√ Add distributors for SymCool® products
• Initial sales of SymCool® IQ intelligent power module
• Begin third-party automotive qualification testingOriginal – Ideal Power
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SweGaN AB, a European semiconductor manufacturer that develops and produces custom engineered Gallium Nitride on Silicon Carbide (GaN-on-SiC) epitaxial wafers, reported orders for its benchmark QuanFINE® epiwafers worth 17 MSEK in the first half of 2024, including three large frame agreements from undisclosed major Telecom and Defense market players. The company reported a 100% YoY order increase and began deliveries from its new facility in Linköping, Sweden, marking significant progress in its scale-up journey.
In additional notable news, the semiconductor manufacturer announces a newly completed QuanFINE epiwafer customer qualification with a device manufacturer.
In the last two years, SweGaN has displayed an exciting operational transformation in alignment with its growth strategy and global demands for GaN-on-SiC epiwafers. Securing a Series A investment round, the company has scaled its organization, established a streamlined team, and deployed a new high-capacity production facility to drive its growth strategy and future KPIs.
– “Today we celebrate three significant milestones that signal SweGaN’s transition from a pure R&D company to a rigorous global semiconductor manufacturer.” says Dr. Jr-Tai Chen, CEO at SweGaN.
– “Currently, there is a strong momentum in the Telecom industry to upgrade technology from 5G to 5G Advanced, continues Chen. SweGaN’s patented QuanFINE® buffer-free GaN-on-SiC material is well-suited to meet the demanding technical requirements of the new technology, particularly in terms of device efficiency and thermal management. This applies to the new Telecom standard 5G Advanced, as well as the strong demands for enhanced sensing capability in Defense applications. The new framework orders will accelerate product development and production ramp-up enabling SweGaN to tap the market opportunities in both the Telecom and Defense sectors.”
With SweGaN’s new production facility in full swing, the company has the tools to fully embrace its ambitious scale-up strategy and significantly boost manufacturing capacity of next-generation GaN-on-SiC engineered epitaxial wafers. Simultaneously, the company aims to continue to innovate through new R&D initiatives and deepen partnerships with suppliers and customers to establish resilient supply chains.
– “I take immense pride in our synergistic team, in both successfully qualifying SweGaN’s first epiwafer product with a device manufacturer and executing on the significant undertaking of bringing the the new high-capacity wafer production facility into operation, from planning to deployment,” continues Chen.
Original – SweGaN
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CVD Equipment Corporation announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.
Manny Lakios, President and CEO of CVD Equipment Corporation, commented, “Second quarter 2024 revenue was $6.3 million, a 25.2% increase from the prior year period. We are pleased to have recently shipped a PVT 200 system which was part of the first quarter strategic order for SiC 200mm crystal boule growth. The performance of the system will be evaluated for production by our now second account. We are encouraged that our backlog at June 30, 2024 is meaningfully higher than our year-end backlog.”
“Overall, we are disappointed with CVD’s operating performance in the first half of the year, as order and revenue levels continue to fluctuate given the nature of the emerging growth end markets we serve. We’ll stay the course on strategic efforts to build critical customer relationships, achieve profitability, carefully manage our costs and cash flow while simultaneously focusing on growth and return on investment.”
Second Quarter 2024 Financial Performance
- Revenue of $6.3 million, an increase of 25.2% year over year primarily due to higher system revenues and an increase in SDC revenues
- Backlog as of June 30, 2024 of $24.0 million, a decrease from $27.1 million at March 31, 2024
- Our gross profit margin percentage declined to 25.4% as compared to the prior year quarter due to a less profitable mix of contracts
- Operating loss of $0.9 million
- Net loss of $0.8 million or $0.11 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $1.1 million or $0.16 per basic and diluted share during the prior year second quarter
- Operating loss and net loss for the prior year second quarter both included non-recurring charges of $0.3 million consisting of a loss on the sale of our Tantaline subsidiary of $0.2 million and an impairment charge of $0.1 million resulting from our decision to wind down our MesoScribe business
- Cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2024 of $10.0 million
Second Quarter 2024 Operational Performance
- Orders for the first quarter were $3.2 million primarily driven by demand in our SDC segment for gas delivery equipment. Orders for the first six months of 2024 were $16.9 million as compared to $15.8 million for the first six months of 2023.
- We continue to make investments in both research and development and sales and marketing focused on our three key strategic markets.
Original – CVD Equipment
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MCC Semi is expanding advanced silicon carbide portfolio with six new 650V SiC MOSFETs. Designed for demanding applications, these components boast high-voltage capability and an on-resistance range of 25 mΩ to 100 mΩ. They’re also equipped with avalanche ruggedness, low switching losses, and enable high-speed switching with a low gate charge.
Their efficiency-boosting design and TO247 package deliver superior thermal performance, while the 3-pin or 4-pin (Kelvin-source pin) options enhance their versatility. These new MOSFETs minimize losses without compromising power handling, making them an intelligent choice for various industrial and telecommunications systems.
Features & Benefits:
- High switching speed with low gate charge
- Low switching losses
- Wide on-resistance selection ranging from 25 mΩ to 100 mΩ
- Avalanche ruggedness for enhanced durability
- TO247 3-pin and 4-pin package options
- Kelvin-source connection for precision (4-pin only)
Original – Micro Commercial Components
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Infineon Technologies AG expands its 7th generation TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT7 product family with the CIPOS™ Maxi Intelligent Power Module (IPM) series for low-power motor drives. The new IM12BxxxC1 series is based on the new TRENCHSTOP IGBT7 1200 V and rapid diode EmCon 7 technology. Thanks to the latest micro-pattern trench design, it offers exceptional control and performance.
This results in significant loss reduction, increased efficiency, and higher power density. The portfolio includes three new products in variants ranging from 10 A to 20 A for power ratings of up to 4.0 kW: IM12B10CC1, IM12B15CC1 and IM12B20EC1.
The IM12BxxxC1 series is packaged in a DIP 36x23D housing. It integrates various power and control components to increase reliability, optimize PCB size and reduce system costs. This makes it the smallest package for 1200 V IPMs with the highest power density and best performance in its class. The IM12BxxxC1 series is particularly suitable for low-power drives in applications such as motors, pumps, fans, heat pumps and outdoor fans for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
The new IPM series offers an isolated dual-in-line molded housing for excellent thermal performance and electrical isolation. It also meets the EMI and overload protection requirements of demanding designs. In addition to the protection features, the IPM is equipped with an independent UL-certified temperature thermistor.
The CIPOS™ Maxi integrates a rugged 6-channel SOI gate driver to provide built-in dead time to prevent damage from transients. It features under-voltage lockout at all channels and over-current shutdown. With its multi-function pin, this IPM allows for high design flexibility for various purposes. The low side emitter pins can be accessed for all phase current monitoring making the device easy to control.
Original – Infineon Technologies
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DCDC converters are essential in any electric or hybrid vehicle to connect the high-voltage battery to the low-voltage auxiliary circuits. This includes 12 V power headlights, interior lights, wiper and window motors, fans, and at 48 V, pumps, steering drives, lighting systems, electrical heaters, and air conditioning compressors. In addition, the DCDC converter is important for developing more affordable and energy-efficient vehicles with an increasing number of low voltage functions.
According to TechInsights, the global automotive DC-DC converter market size was valued at USD 4 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to USD 11 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 15 percent during the forecast period. Gallium nitride (GaN) in particular plays a crucial role here, as it can be used to improve the power density in DCDC converters and on-board chargers (OBC).
For this reason, Vitesco Technologies, a leading supplier of modern drive technologies and electrification solutions, has selected GaN to improve the power efficiency of its Gen5+ GaN Air DCDC converter. The CoolGaN™ Transistors 650 V from Infineon Technologies AG significantly improve the overall system performance while minimizing system cost and increasing ease of use. As a result, Vitesco created a new generation of DCDC converters that set new standards in power density (efficiency of over 96%) and sustainability for power grids, power supplies, and OBCs.
The advantages of GaN-based transistors in high-frequency switching applications are considerable, but even more important is the high switching speed, which has been increased from 100 kHz to over 250 kHz. This enables very low switching losses, even in hard-switched half-bridges, with minimized thermal and overall system losses.
In addition, Infineon’s CoolGaN Transistors feature high turn-on and turn-off speeds and are housed in a top-cooled TOLT package. They are air-cooled, eliminating the need for liquid cooling and thereby reducing overall system costs. The 650 V devices also improve power efficiency and density, enabling an output of 800 V. In addition, they feature an ON-resistance (R DS(on)) of 50 mΩ, a transient drain-to-source voltage of 850 V, an I DS,max of 30 A, and an I DSmax,pulse of 60 A.
“We are delighted to see industry leaders like Vitesco Technologies using our GaN devices and innovating with their applications,” said Johannes Schoiswohl, Senior Vice President & General Manager, GaN Systems Business Line Head at Infineon. “The ultimate value of GaN is demonstrated when it changes paradigms, as in this example of moving from a liquid-cooled system to an air-cooled system.”
With GaN Transistors, Vitesco Technologies was able to design its Gen5+ GaN Air DCDC converters with passive cooling, which reduces the system’s overall cost. The GaN devices also allow for simplified converter design and mechanical integration. As a result, the DCDC converters can be flexibly positioned in the vehicle, reducing the workload for manufacturers.
The use of GaN also allows the power of the converters to be scaled up to 3.6 kW and the power density to be increased to over 4.2 kW/l. The Gen5+ GaN Air DCDC converters offer an efficiency of over 96 percent and improved thermal behavior compared to the Gen5 Liquid-Cooled converters. They provide a two-phase output of 248 A at 14.5 V continuous.
The phases can be combined to achieve the maximum output power. Still, it is also possible to switch off one phase under partial load conditions and interleave the switching frequency between the two phases. In addition, by switching the input of two phases in series, the converters based on the CoolGaN power transistors 650 V can be used to implement 800 V architectures without exceeding the maximum blocking voltage of the device. The converters also feature an isolated half-bridge topology consisting of a GaN-based half-bridge, a fully isolated transformer, and an active rectifier unit for each phase.
Original – Infineon Technologies
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MCC Semi introduced two 600V N-channel MOSFETs with superjunction (SJ) technology. Engineered for maximum efficiency, MSJPFR20N60 and MSJPFFR20N60 boast a low on-resistance of 193mΩ, ensuring minimal power losses. Their integrated fast recovery diode ensures rapid recovery times, dramatically optimizing overall switching performance and circuit reliability.
Superjunction MOSFET technology empowers these components to handle high currents while reducing thermal management needs due to minimal heat dissipation, enhancing efficient operation. Available in isolated (TO-220F) and non-isolated (TO-220AB) packages, these MOSFETs are an excellent and seamless upgrade for existing designs, as well as new products.
For meeting the demands of modern electronics design in high-voltage switching applications, including power supplies, AC-DC converters, and motor drives, our new 600V SJ MOSFETs are the obvious solution.
Features & Benefits:
- Advanced superjunction (SJ) MOSFET technology reduces thermal management requirements
- Low on-resistance of 193mΩ enhances efficiency
- Low conduction losses due to minimal heat dissipation
- Low gate charge improves switching speed and efficiency
- Integrated fast recovery diode empowers high-speed switching
- Seamless integration with non-isolated TO-220AB and isolated TO-220F packages
Original – Micro Commercial Components
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As global decarbonization efforts drive demand for power semiconductors, Infineon Technologies AG has officially opened the first phase of a new fab in Malaysia that will become the world’s largest and most competitive 200-millimeter silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor fab. Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Minister of the state of Kedah YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Muhammad Sanusi Haji Mohd Nor joined Infineon CEO Jochen Hanebeck, to symbolically launch production.
The highly efficient 200-millimeter SiC power fab will strengthen Infineon’s role as the global leader in power semiconductors. The first phase of the fab, with an investment volume of two billion euros, will focus on the production of silicon carbide power semiconductors and will include gallium nitride (GaN) epitaxy. SiC semiconductors have revolutionized high-power applications because they switch electricity even more efficiently and enable even smaller designs.
SiC semiconductors increase efficiency in electric vehicles, fast charging stations and trains as well as renewable energy systems and AI data centers. 900 high-value jobs will be created already in the first phase. The second phase, with an investment of up to five billion euros, will create the world’s largest and most efficient 200-millimeter SiC power fab. Overall, up to 4.000 jobs will be created with the project.
“New generations of power semiconductors based on innovative technology such as silicon carbide are an absolute prerequisite to achieving decarbonization and climate protection. Our technology increases the energy efficiency of ubiquitous applications such as electric cars, solar and wind power systems and AI data centers. We are therefore investing in the largest and most efficient high-tech SiC production facility in Malaysia, backed by strong customer commitments,” said Jochen Hanebeck, CEO of Infineon Technologies AG. “Since the demand for semiconductors will constantly rise, the investment in Kulim is highly attractive to our customers, who are backing it with their prepayments. It also increases the resilience of the supply chain for critical components needed for the green transition.”
“Infineon’s remarkable project reinforces Malaysia’s position as a rising major global semiconductor hub” says Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. “This major investment, which will locate the world’s largest and most competitive SiC power fab on our shores, will create jobs and opportunities, as well as attract suppliers, universities and top talent. Moreover, it will support Malaysia’s efforts to protect our climate by boosting electrification and increasing the efficiency of many applications, including electric cars and renewable energy. Thus, technology made in Malaysia will become a central part of global decarbonization efforts in the future.”
“Infineon’s deeply rooted presence in Kulim is a testament to the region’s potential as a hub for high-tech industries,” says Kedah Chief Minister YAB Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor. “This investment will not only create high-value job opportunities for the local community, it will also catalyze economic growth in the region. We are committed to continue providing top business conditions in Kedah and supporting Infineon’s efforts to establish a leading semiconductor facility in Kulim, which will have a positive ripple effect on the entire ecosystem.”
Infineon has secured design wins with a total value of approximately five billion euros and has received approximately one billion euros in prepayments from existing and new customers for the ongoing expansion of the Kulim 3 fab. Notably, these design wins include six OEMs in the automotive sector as well as customers in the renewable energy and industrial segments.
Kulim 3 will be closely connected to the Infineon site in Villach, Austria, Infineon’s global competence center for power semiconductors. Infineon already increased capacity for SiC and GaN power semiconductors in Villach in 2023. As “One Virtual Fab” for wide-bandgap technologies, both manufacturing sites now share technologies and processes which allow for fast ramping and smooth and highly efficient operation. The project also offers a high grade of resilience and flexibility, which will ultimately benefit Infineon’s customers.
The expansion will benefit from the excellent economies of scale already achieved for 200-millimeter manufacturing in Kulim. It will complement Infineon’s leading position in silicon, based on 300-millimeter manufacturing in Villach and Dresden. Thus, Infineon is strengthening its technological leadership across the entire spectrum of power semiconductors, in silicon as well as SiC and GaN.
In addition, the investment in wide-bandgap capacity in Kulim strengthens the local ecosystem and proves that Infineon is a reliable partner within the growing semiconductor hub Malaysia. Infineon’s operations in Malaysia started as early as 1973 in Melaka. In 2006, the company opened Asia’s first frontend fab in Kulim. Currently, Infineon employs more than 16.000 highly skilled people in Malaysia.
The Kulim 3 fab will be powered by 100% green electricity and will employ the latest energy efficiency measures to support Infineon’s goal of carbon neutrality. To avoid emissions, Infineon will use a state-of-the-art abatement system and green refrigerants that combine high efficiency with extremely low global warming potential. Other measures to ensure sustainable operations include state-of-the-art recycling of indirect materials and state-of-the-art water efficiency and recycling processes. Infineon is working towards recognition with the renowned Green Building Index certification.
Original – Infineon Technologies
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Ideal Power Inc. announced an agreement with RYOSHO U.S.A, INC., a subsidiary of RYODEN CORPORATION, for the global distribution of Ideal Power’s products. RYOSHO has already placed orders with Ideal Power from a large global customer interested in the Company’s products for solid-state circuit protection applications.
“This is a significant development in the commercialization of our B-TRAN™ technology as we add a second distributor for our products. RYOSHO has a strong technical sales team with expertise in securing sales for new technologies and global reach, with particular strength in Asia. We look forward to collaborating with RYOSHO to secure additional orders that may potentially lead to design wins and/or custom development agreements,” said Dan Brdar, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ideal Power.
Ideal Power utilizes an asset-light business model leveraging the large investment already made in silicon processing, distribution, demand creation and support infrastructure. This business model allows the Company to continue focusing on disruptive B-TRAN™ technology improvements and commercialization while minimizing capital requirements.
Original – Ideal Power
