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Bourns, Inc. announced it has signed Fruition as the company’s new full line distributor in China. Fruition is known for having a wide variety of components experience and Bourns selected the company for its reputation for excellent technical and customer support.
“Because of the increase in product demand for designs in China, we sought to expand our strategic sales channel. Fruition gives Bourns the product line expertise to support our growing customer base in the region. I am confident in the Fruition team’s technical knowledge and commitment to superior customer service will help us meet our sales goals in China,” said James Harrington and Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales at Bourns.
“On behalf of the Fruition organization, it is a privilege to represent Bourns’ broad line of advanced electronic components in China. Bourns’ innovative technologies are ideal for the vehicle, industrial and consumer markets we serve. Further cementing our strong customer relationships, we look forward to giving them local support for the Bourns solutions they need for their next-generation application designs,” said Ethan Tang, Fruition CEO.
Original – Bourns
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The National Science Foundation has given a $300,000 grant to Xiaoqing Song, an assistant professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department, to support his research project focused on advancing high density and high-operation-temperature traction inverters. Song’s project explores the integration of gallium oxide packaged power modules to enhance the power density and temperature range of electric vehicles.
Collaborating with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the project sets out to innovate power module packaging, establish reliable strategies for gallium oxide power devices and demonstrate the capabilities of a high density, high temperature traction inverter.
“By eliminating technical barriers for gallium oxide device integration, this project will foster the development of next-generation, high density and high-operation-temperature power converters,” Song said.
The traction inverter, responsible for converting stored direct current (DC) power into alternating current (AC) power to drive electric motors, stands to benefit significantly from gallium oxide technology. Song said, “Gallium oxide can make the traction inverter smaller, lighter, more efficient and capable of operating across a wider range of temperatures.
“Gallium oxide has a larger band gap energy compared to conventional silicon and wide band gap semiconductors. It enables high breakdown electrical strength, low intrinsic carrier concentration and correspondingly high operation temperatures,” Song said.
One challenge addressed in the project is the low thermal conductivity of gallium oxide, which hinders efficient heat removal. Song outlines the plan to develop advanced power module packaging techniques that enable low thermal resistance, low parasitic inductances and high-temperature operation capability.
“National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has significant experience in power module simulation, fabrication and characterization, as well as world-class experimental and lab capabilities for evaluating and designing efficient and reliable power electronics systems. The PI will collaborate with them to design and develop a gallium oxide-based high density and operation-temperature traction inverter for automotive applications. This project will help establish a long-term partnership with NREL that can catalyze further research and development of ultra-wide bandgap power semiconductor devices,” Song said.
Song shared that the collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory aims to design and develop a gallium oxide-based high density and high-operation-temperature traction inverter for automotive applications, fostering a long-term partnership that can drive further research in ultra-wide bandgap power semiconductor devices.
“Other applications include power grids, data centers, renewable energy, space and defense, etc.,” Song added.
The success of the project, he believes, will provide valuable insights into gallium oxide device modeling, packaging, gate driving, protection and application in power converters. These advancements are expected to catalyze progress in transport electrification and the deployment of gallium oxide technology in challenging environments.
“The research achievements and experiences gained in the fellowship will sustain and promote the PI’s future multi-disciplinary research activities in semiconductor devices, multiphysics analysis, power module packaging and high performance power electronics. Other broader impacts also include the education and development of the next generation workforce in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), the encouragement of more women and underrepresented minorities in electrical engineering, especially in the area of wide and ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor devices, power module packaging and power electronics with hands-on lab experiences,” Song said.
Original – University of Arkansas
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DENSO announced global financial results for its third quarter, ending December 31, 2023, for its 2024 fiscal year, ending March 31, 2024:
- Consolidated revenue totaled 5,354.9 billion yen (US$37.8 billion), a 15.5 percent increase from the previous year.
- Consolidated operating profit totaled 238.6 billion yen (US$1.7billion), a 11.0 percent decrease from the previous year.
- Consolidated profit attributable to owners of the parent company totaled 175.6 billion yen(US$1.2billion), a 11.2 percent decrease from the previous year
“Revenue in the third quarter increased compared to the previous year due to the strong vehicle sales mainly in Japan and North America, foreign exchange gains and expansion of products for electrification, safety and peace of mind areas. Operating profit in the third quarter decreased compared to the previous year due to the continuing rise in the cost of materials, especially electronic components, and the adding provision for quality, though production volume, foreign exchange gains and improvement.” said Yasushi Matsui, CFO, Vice President and member of the Board of Directors of DENSO CORPORATION.
“In this fiscal year, we forecast 7,120.0 billion yen (US$50.2 billion) in revenue and 495.0 billion yen (US$3.5 billion) in operating profit. Forecast of revenue will be based on actuals of foreign exchange gains in the third quarter and forecast in the fourth quarter. Forecast of operating profit will be based on the adding provision for quality.”
In Japan, revenue increased to 3,148.3 billion yen (US$22.2 billion), up 17.0% from the previous year, and operating profit was 22.4 billion yen (US$157.6 million), down 84.8% from the previous year.In North America, revenue increased to 1,286.0 billion yen (US$9.1 billion), up 18.8% from the previous year, and operating profit was 27.5 billion yen (US$194.0 million) (Operating loss of 15.0 billion yen in the same quarter of the previous year).
In Europe, revenue increased to 570.4 billion yen (US$4.0 billion), up 16.2% from the previous year, and operating profit was 22.4 billion yen (US$157.9 million), up 145.6% from the previous year.
In Asia, revenue increased to 1,521.2 billion yen (US$10.7 billion), up 3.5% from the previous year and operating profit was 149.4 billion yen (US$1,053.6 million), up 31.6% from the previous year.
In other areas, revenue increased to 81.9 billion yen (US$0.6 billion), up 6.6% from the previous year, and operating profit was 15.1 billion yen (US$106.3 million), down 2.3% from the previous year.Forecast for Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2024
Full-Year Forecast Changes from Previous Forecast Revenue 7,120.0 billion yen
[US$50.2 billion]+120.0 billion yen
(+1.7 percent)Operating profit 495.0 billion yen
[US$3.5 billion]-135.0 billion yen
(-21.4 percent)Profit before profit taxes 548.0 billion yen
[US$3.9 billion]-136.0 billion yen
(-19.9 percent)Profit attributable to owners of the parent company 380.0 billion yen
[US$2.7 billion]-90.0 billion yen
(-19.1 percent)ROE 8.1% -1.6% Original – DENSO
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Infineon Technologies AG announced that Infineon and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build a strategic collaboration. Honda selects Infineon as semiconductor partner to align future product and technology roadmaps.
The two companies also agreed to continue discussions on supply stability, as well as to encourage transferring mutual knowledge and collaborate on projects aimed at accelerating the time to market of technologies.
“Infineon’s system understanding, our broad product portfolio and outstanding quality have made us an appreciated partner to Japan’s automotive industry,” said Peter Schiefer, President of the Automotive Division at Infineon. “We are honored to be the semiconductor partner for a strategic collaboration with Honda. Intensifying a long-standing partnership even further is always a confirmation of the added value created and at the same time an expression of the trust in contributing to future successes.”
Infineon will support Honda with technologies to enable competitive and advanced vehicles. The technical support will focus on the area of power semiconductors, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and E/E architectures, where both parties will collaborate on new architecture concepts.
Original – Infineon Technologies
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The true beauty of a car isn’t in the way that it looks, but in the way it makes you feel. With the growing demand for smarter vehicles, in-vehicle systems are evolving to provide more seamless experiences. More and more vehicles are incorporating in-vehicle infotainment systems to provide drivers and passengers a combination of entertainment and information to enhance their experiences.
The infotainment system enables radio, navigation, multimedia and Internet-based applications to be centrally controlled. Furthermore, a range of vehicle status messages can be displayed through the infotainment system.
The most popular communication mechanism in modern vehicles is the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. CAN and other network protocol support: In order to facilitate interaction between microcontrollers and gadgets, the electrical hardware elements of infotainment systems are coupled via standardised communication protocols like CAN. It is a bi-directional serial communication bus that allows Infotainment system to communicate with ECU, without using any complex wiring. One of the wires is called the CAN_Low (CAN_L) and the other, CAN_High (CAN_H), with a data transfer rate of 1Mbit/s.
ESD protection can be achieved by placing Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) diodes on a data line to protect the interface during the fast rise time transient events like ESD in less than a nanosecond. The Diotec NUP2105L-AQ protection diode is designed to protect high speed data lines from ESD.
Ultra−low capacitance 30pf and high level of ESD protection up to 30KV, 350 W Peak Power Dissipation per Line (8/20 sec Waveform) and very low reverse leakage current <100nA. This device provides bidirectional protection for each data line with a single compact SOT−23 package, it is available in AEC−Q101 Qualified and PPAP Capable.
Original – Diotec Semiconductor
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Wolfspeed, Inc. announced its results for the second quarter of fiscal 2024.
Quarterly Financial Highlights (Continuing operations only. All comparisons are to the second quarter of fiscal 2023):
- Consolidated revenue of $208.4 million, compared to $173.8 million
◦ Mohawk Valley Fab contributed $12 million in revenue, a 3x increase from the prior quarter - Power device design-ins of $2.1 billion
- Quarterly record design-wins of $2.9 billion – over 75% related to automotive applications
- GAAP gross margin of 13.3%, compared to 32.6%
- Non-GAAP gross margin of 16.4%, compared to 35.8%
◦ GAAP and non-GAAP gross margins for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 include the impact of $35.6 million of underutilization costs, representing approximately 1,700 basis points of gross margin - Completed sale of our RF Business to MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc. (MACOM) for $75 million in cash and 711,528 shares of MACOM common stock (the RF Business Divestiture)
“We’re proud of our results this quarter, which reflect robust execution of our strategy and fortify our vision for the future of Wolfspeed and silicon carbide,” said Wolfspeed CEO, Gregg Lowe. “We have made considerable progress at our Mohawk Valley facility, tripling revenue sequentially. Our successful scale-up of 200mm wafer production and continued qualification of high-quality EV products on 200mm substrates are critical steps in meeting the continued customer demand. This is demonstrated by a record $2.9 billion of design-wins, predominantly in the EV sector across multiple OEMs.”
Lowe continued, “Our steadfast commitment to our long-term goals is bolstered by the conversion of our design-ins into significant design-wins. This solidifies our confidence in the electrification trend, which increasingly depends on the widespread adoption of silicon carbide technology. We are pioneers in this transformative era, steering towards a more electrified and efficient future.”
Business Outlook:
For its third quarter of fiscal 2024, Wolfspeed targets revenue from continuing operations in a range of $185 million to $215 million. GAAP net loss from continuing operations is targeted at $134 million to $155 million, or $1.07 to $1.23 per diluted share. Non-GAAP net loss from continuing operations is targeted to be in a range of $71 million to $87 million, or $0.57 to $0.69 per diluted share.
Targeted non GAAP net loss from continuing operations excludes $63 million to $68 million of estimated expenses, net of tax, primarily related to stock-based compensation expense, amortization of discount and debt issuance costs, net of capitalized interest, project, transformation and transaction costs and loss on Wafer Supply Agreement. The GAAP and non-GAAP targets from continuing operations do not include any estimated change in the fair value of the shares of MACOM common stock that we acquired in connection with the RF Business Divestiture.
Original – Wolfspeed
- Consolidated revenue of $208.4 million, compared to $173.8 million
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Siltronic AG has achieved its annual targets for 2023 according to preliminary, unaudited figures. The company achieved preliminary sales of EUR 1,514 million, a decrease of approximately 16 percent compared to the record sales of EUR 1,805 million in 2022. The target for the year was a decline in sales of 15 to 17 percent.
The main reason for the year-on-year decline was significantly weaker demand from the semiconductor industry due to increased inventories in the value chain. Since Siltronic nevertheless succeeded to keep sales prices stable, a preliminary EBITDA of EUR 434 million was achieved in 2023, resulting in a continued solid EBITDA margin of 29 percent. This was also within the expected target range of 28 to 30 percent.
The EBITDA for the record year 2022 amounted to EUR 672 million, though it should be noted that this included a one-off compensation payment of EUR 50 million as a result of the failed tender offer by GlobalWafers. The adjusted comparative figure for the EBITDA margin in 2022 was therefore 34.4 percent.
“We achieved our 2023 targets in a challenging environment. In particular, the EBITDA margin of 29 percent is very solid given the sharp decline in sales. The year 2023 was also marked by the construction of our new 300 mm fab in Singapore, which is on schedule to start operations at the beginning of 2024. The new state-of-the-art fab will contribute to Siltronic’s significant profitable growth in the medium and long term,” commented Dr. Michael Heckmeier, CEO of Siltronic AG.
Compared to the previous year, cost of sales decreased at a slower rate than sales due to a reduction in fixed costs, higher depreciation and inflationary cost increases, particularly for raw materials, supplies and labor.
Preliminary earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) were also significantly lower than in the previous year at EUR 231 million (2022: EUR 496 million, adjusted: EUR 446 million). Accordingly, the preliminary EBIT margin was 15 percent compared to an adjusted 24.7 percent in 2022.
Solid financial situation despite record investments
In the reporting year, Siltronic made record investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets of preliminary EUR 1,316 million (2022: EUR 1,074 million). This was mainly due to the new 300 mm wafer fab in Singapore and the expansion of the crystal pulling hall in Freiberg.
Considering the high future investments mentioned above, the preliminary net cash flow of EUR -664 million in 2023 is in line with expectations (2022: EUR -395 million). The high cash payments for capex and the dividend payment of EUR 90 million resulted in net financial debt of EUR 356 million by December 31, 2023 (2022: net financial assets of EUR 374 million).
Business development in Q4 2023
As announced, preliminary sales of EUR 357 million in Q4 2023 were slightly above the level of Q3 2023 (EUR 349 million). As expected, at a preliminary EUR 91 million, the EBITDA for Q4 2023 did not reach the level of the previous quarter (EUR 99 million), mainly due to a lower foreign exchange result, which is included in the balance of other operating income and expenses.
The preliminary quarterly EBIT amounted to EUR 37 million (Q3 2023: EUR 46 million). The EBIT margin reached 10 percent (Q3 2023: 13.3 percent). Despite increased investments, the preliminary net cash flow for Q4 2023 improved significantly to EUR -32 million (Q3 2023: EUR -215 million). This was mainly due to investment grants received in Q4 2023 and positive working capital effects.
Upcoming events
The audited financial results and the Annual Report 2023 will be published on March 12, 2024. On this day, the Management Board of Siltronic AG will hold a conference call with analysts and investors (in English only) at 10:00 am (CET). This call will be streamed over the Internet. The audio webcast will be available live and on demand on Siltronic’s website.
- March 12, 2024 Publication of the Annual Report 2023
- May 2, 2024 Quarterly Statement Q1 2024
- May 13, 2024 Annual General Meeting
- July 25, 2024 Half Year Report 2024
- October 24, 2024 Quarterly Statement Q3 2024
Original – Siltronic
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Qorvo® announced financial results for the Company’s fiscal 2024 third quarter ended December 30, 2023.
Strategic Highlights
- Grew quarterly revenue 44% year-over-year and exceeded high-point of revenue guidance by $49 million
- Recognized by top four China-based Android 5G OEMs with 2023 awards for innovation, quality, supply, technology and strategic partnership
- Signed definitive agreement to acquire Anokiwave, a leading supplier of high-performance silicon integrated circuits for intelligent active array antennas for D&A, SATCOM and 5G applications
On a GAAP basis, revenue for Qorvo’s fiscal 2024 third quarter was $1.074 billion, gross margin was 36.1%, operating loss was $42 million, and loss per share was $1.31. On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin was 43.8%, operating income was $237 million, and diluted earnings per share was $2.10.
Bob Bruggeworth, president and chief executive officer of Qorvo, said, “Strong execution by the Qorvo team resulted in robust December quarterly financial performance. During the quarter we continued to bring channel inventories down, and Qorvo shipments are now more closely aligned to end market demand. We are seeing incremental improvement in end market demand in the Android ecosystem, and we expect to achieve year-over-year revenue growth in all of Qorvo’s operating segments in the March quarter.”
Financial Commentary and Outlook
Grant Brown, chief financial officer of Qorvo, said, “Qorvo exceeded the mid-point of December quarterly guidance for revenue, gross margin and EPS, reflecting strong content on customer programs and improving channel inventories. During the quarter, Qorvo generated record cash flow from operations of $493 million and free cash flow of $467 million. Looking forward, we are capitalizing on global macro trends and multiyear technology upgrade cycles, and we expect this to support durable long-term growth.”
Qorvo’s current outlook for the March 2024 quarter is:
- Quarterly revenue of approximately $925 million, plus or minus $25 million
- Non-GAAP gross margin of approximately 42%
- Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of approximately $1.20 at the midpoint of revenue
Original – Qorvo
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Wolfspeed, Inc. announced the expansion of an existing long-term silicon carbide wafer supply agreement with a leading global semiconductor company. The expanded agreement, which is now worth approximately $275 million in total, calls for Wolfspeed to supply the company with 150mm silicon carbide bare and epitaxial wafers, reinforcing both companies’ visions for an industry-wide transition from silicon to silicon carbide semiconductor power devices.
“As the global leader in silicon carbide wafer production, 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,” said Dr. Cengiz Balkas, SVP and GM of Materials for Wolfspeed.
“This agreement further strengthens our long-time partnership with a best-in-class power semiconductor manufacturer. 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 silicon carbide-based power solutions is rapidly growing across multiple markets, including industrial and EVs. Silicon carbide solutions enable smaller, lighter and more cost-effective designs, converting energy more efficiently to unlock new applications in electrification. This 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.
Wolfspeed is the global leader in the manufacturing of silicon carbide wafers and epitaxial wafers. The company is currently expanding its manufacturing capacity in the United States and has plans to open a new, automated materials factory in Siler City, North Carolina later this year that will produce 200mm silicon carbide wafers. The new materials factory will increase Wolfspeed’s current materials production capacity by ten times.
Original – Wolfspeed
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JEDEC Solid State Technology Association announced the publication of JEP198: Guideline for Reverse Bias Reliability Evaluation Procedures for Gallium Nitride Power Conversion Devices. Developed by JEDEC’s JC-70.1 Gallium Nitride Subcommittee, JEP198 is available for free download from the JEDEC website.
JEP198 presents guidelines for evaluating the Time Dependent Breakdown (TDB) reliability of GaN power transistors. It is applicable to planar enhancement-mode, depletion-mode, GaN integrated power solutions, and cascode GaN power transistors.
This publication covers suggested stress conditions and related test parameters for evaluating the TDB reliability of GaN power transistors using the off-state bias. The stress conditions and test parameters for both High Temperature Reverse Bias Stress and Application Specific Stress-Testing are designed to evaluate the reliability of GaN transistors over their useful lifetime under accelerated stress conditions.
“We are becoming more dependent on power electronics in all facets of our daily lives. As such, the technologies behind those systems are advancing and so too must the device-specific qualification processes. The new GaN-focused Guideline for Reverse Bias Reliability Evaluation is a critical step toward achieving that goal,” said Ron Barr, VP of Quality and Reliability, Transphorm and Co-Chair of the Task Group 701_1.
“This was a collaborative effort conducted by both GaN semiconductor and end product manufacturers. I’m proud of the work the task group delivered. It is an important framework to ensure cross-industry uniformity that will, in the end, provide power system manufacturers the necessary confidence when designing with GaN devices.”
“With the rise of renewable energy and electrification of our lives, the efficiency of power semiconductors is becoming more critical. This is where GaN power semiconductors have proven to be a valuable technology. The Guideline for Reverse Bias Reliability Evaluation is another step in improving confidence in GaN Technology and the products that are on and being brought to market,” said Dr. Kurt Smith, VP of Reliability and Qualification at VisIC Technologies and Chair of JC-70.1.
“This document was developed through collaboration of the multi-corporation team of industry experts to represent the best practices for evaluating GaN devices. It was a long multi-year process to reach consensus and the team is to be commended for the quality document and all of the hard work that went into it.”
Original – JEDEC
