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Aehr Test Systems has received an initial production order from a top tier automotive semiconductor supplier for a FOX-XP™ wafer level test and burn-in system with fully integrated FOX WaferPak™ Aligner for production test of their gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductor devices. The FOX-XP system with integrated WaferPak Aligner is scheduled to ship immediately.
Gayn Erickson, President and CEO of Aehr Test Systems, commented, “We have been working closely with this customer for over a year to support their evaluation and qualification process for delivering GaN power semiconductor devices to their customers. We are thrilled to receive this initial production purchase order, signaling their commitment to move forward with volume production wafer level burn-in of their GaN devices on our FOX-XP platform.
“This customer has extensively utilized a FOX-NP system under an evaluation agreement for production qualification and reliability testing of their devices over the past year. As part of the evaluation, they purchased a significant number of our proprietary WaferPak full wafer Contactors to successfully qualify a wide range of GaN device types designed for multiple end use applications including industrial, solar, data center, and automotive markets.
“Our FOX-P platform allows customers using the FOX-NP for device qualification and reliability testing of power semiconductors like GaN and silicon carbide (SiC) to transition seamlessly to the FOX-XP multi-wafer fully automated system, which is capable of testing up to nine wafers in parallel and is specifically designed to handle high-voltage testing and high temperature Gate and Drain stress test requirements. By leveraging our FOX-XP system and our proprietary WaferPak full wafer Contactors, customers can easily test wafers of varying sizes from 6 to 12 inches by simply purchasing new WaferPaks, while utilizing the same FOX-XP system and FOX WaferPak Aligner.
“Like SiC, GaN semiconductor MOSFETs are wide bandgap devices that offer significantly higher power conversion efficiency than silicon. GaN is particularly well suited for lower power applications such as sub-1000-watt power converters (fast chargers) used in consumer electronics like cell phones, tablets, and laptops. Additionally, it is increasingly being adopted for automotive power converters, supporting electrical systems in both electric and traditional gasoline-powered cars, as well as being targeted at data center power applications where power efficiency and delivery are critical to support the massive amount of computing power and data storage being installed over the next decade. Along with the increased usage in automotive and data centers, many industry experts and analysts predict that GaN MOSFETs will eventually replace silicon as the preferred technology for power conversion in photovoltaic (solar panel) applications.
“We view GaN as a transformative and rapidly growing technology in the power semiconductor market. With an anticipated compound annual growth rate of more than 40%, the GaN market is projected to reach $2.5 billion in annual device sales by 2029 according to Yole Group’s Power SiC/GaN Compound Semiconductor Market Monitor. In addition, Frost & Sullivan estimates GaN semiconductors will account for over 10% of the worldwide power semiconductor industry by the year 2028. This represents a significant growth opportunity for Aehr’s wafer level test and burn-in solutions.”
The FOX-XP and FOX-NP systems, available with multiple WaferPak Contactors (full wafer test) or multiple DiePakTM Carriers (singulated die/module test) configurations, are capable of functional test and burn-in/cycling of devices such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride power semiconductors, artificial intelligence processors, silicon photonics as well as other optical devices, 2D and 3D sensors, flash memories, magnetic sensors, microcontrollers, and other leading-edge ICs in either wafer form factor, before they are assembled into single or multi-die stacked packages, or in singulated die or module form factor.
Original – Aehr Test Systems
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X-FAB Silicon Foundries SE has launched XSICM03, its next-generation XbloX platform, advancing Silicon Carbide (SiC) process technology for power MOSFETs, delivering significantly reduced cell pitch, enabling increased die per wafer and improved on-state resistance without compromising reliability.
XbloX is X-FAB’s streamlined business process and technology platform designed to accelerate the development of advanced SiC MOSFET technology. It integrates qualified SiC process development blocks and modules for planar MOSFET production, simplifying the onboarding process and significantly reducing design risks and product development time.
By combining proven process modules with robust design rules, control plans, and FMEAs, XbloX enables faster prototyping, easier design evaluation, and shorter time to market. This approach gives customers a competitive edge, allowing designers to create a diverse product portfolio while achieving production timelines up to nine months faster than traditional development methods.
This next generation platform provides active area design cell size reduction while maintaining robust process controls, as well as leakage and breakdown device performance. The XSICM03 platform with robust design rules allows customers to create SiC planar MOSFETs with a cell pitch that is over 25% smaller than the previous generation.
This improvement allows for up to a 30% increase in die per wafer compared to the previous generation. Leveraging proven process blocks, the platform ensures exceptional gate oxide reliability and device robustness. The enriched PCM library and enhanced design support allow for fast customer tape-out, resulting in faster product development.
Rico Tillner, CEO, X-FAB Texas explains: “With its streamlined approach, our next-generation process platform addresses the increasing demand for high-performance SiC devices in automotive, industrial, and energy applications. We enable existing and new customers in creating application-optimized product portfolios through accelerated prototyping and design evaluation, significantly reducing time to market.”
The next generation platform XSICM03 is now available for early access.
Original – X-FAB Silicon Foundries
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Bosch has signed a preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) under the CHIPS and Science Act with the U.S. Department of Commerce (DoC). It includes up to $225 million in proposed direct funding to support the transformation of the Bosch production facility in Roseville, California. The proposed investment would support the development of semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. Bosch plans to invest up to $1.9 billion to transform the Roseville site into a facility that produces and tests silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors. The Roseville site currently employs around 250 associates with potential to grow in the future.
In April 2023, Bosch announced its intention to acquire the assets of an existing wafer fab in Roseville. The acquisition was closed in August 2023 and since that time Bosch has begun the process to transform the site. Starting in 2026, the first chips will be produced on 200-millimeter wafers based on the pioneering SiC Bosch technology.
“Production of SiC chips in the United States is a key part of our strategic plan to reinforce our semiconductor portfolio and support our local customers,” said Michael Budde, president of Mobility Electronics for Bosch. “Silicon carbide chips help to enable greater range and more efficient recharging in battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles to provide affordable electromobility options for consumers.”
The Roseville location has nearly 40 years of extensive experience in the design and production of semiconductors for automotive and industrial applications.
“We took the unique approach to transform an existing wafer fab rather than build a new facility,” said Thorsten Scheer, plant manager in Roseville and regional president of the Bosch Mobility Electronics division in North America. “A major reason was the talented workforce in place at Roseville. Already they have shown their skill and resolve as we transform the site for future production of silicon carbide chips.”
Since the acquisition of the site, Bosch has retained nearly all of the 250 associates during the transformation process as it prepares for the 2026 launch of SiC production. The company has provided advanced training where the Roseville team learns from other sites within the Bosch global manufacturing network.
In addition to training its current workforce, Bosch is also investing locally to help build up semiconductor expertise for the future. The Bosch Community Fund provided a $100,000 grant to the Sierra College Foundation in Rocklin, California for its Career Technical Education Support Fund. The grant has helped to support associated costs with certification fees, microcontroller kits, development material, software, protective gear, tools, entry and travel fees for STEM competitions, project supplies for STEM Clubs and more.
The Roseville site represents the first semiconductor production site in the United States for Bosch. Over the next years, the company intends to invest around $1.9 billion USD in the Roseville site and upgrade the manufacturing facilities to state-of-the-art processes. Proposed investment from the CHIPS and Science Act would help support the transformation of the site. Already the site has received a $25 million California Competes Tax Credit incentive from the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development (GO-Biz) to support redevelopment and investment in Roseville.
Bosch has indicated it plans to claim the Department of the Treasury’s Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit (CHIPS ITC), which is 25% of qualified capital expenditures. Click here to learn more about the tax credit. In addition to the proposed direct funding of up to $225 million, the CHIPS Program Office would make approximately $350 million in proposed loans – which is a part of the $75 billion in loan authority provided by the CHIPS and Science Act – available to Bosch under the PMT.
As explained in its first Notice of Funding Opportunity, the Department of Commerce may offer applicants a PMT on a non-binding basis after satisfactory completion of the merit review of a full application. The PMT outlines key terms for a potential CHIPS incentives award, including the amount and form of the award. The award amounts are subject to due diligence and negotiation of award documents and are conditional on the achievement of certain milestones. After a PMT is signed, the Department of Commerce begins a comprehensive due diligence process on the proposed projects and continues negotiating or refining certain terms with the applicant. The terms contained in any final award documents may differ from the terms of the PMT being announced.
Original – Bosch
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onsemi has unveiled plans to acquire Qorvo’s Silicon Carbide (SiC) JFET business, a strategic move that enhances its portfolio in high- and mid-voltage power semiconductors. The $115 million deal includes Qorvo’s United Silicon Carbide subsidiary and is expected to close in Q1 2025. This acquisition is projected to expand onsemi’s market opportunity by $1.3 billion by 2030, focusing on AI, data centers, EVs, and industrial markets. By leveraging its vertically integrated SiC supply chain, onsemi aims to boost efficiency, profitability, and innovation across key technology areas.
SiC JFET technology offers superior power efficiency, reduced costs, and versatility in advanced applications, including EV battery systems, AI-driven data centers, and renewable energy solutions. It promises to disrupt traditional silicon-based and GaN technologies, with its superior switching speed, lower on-resistance, and smaller die size. This acquisition positions onsemi to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance power solutions in a wide range of industries.
Moreover, SiC JFETs are designed to enable transformative advancements in industrial applications such as power supplies, solar power converters, and energy storage systems. These innovations align with market trends emphasizing higher efficiency and reliability. The technology also offers critical advantages in EV battery safety, ensuring quicker response and long-term dependability through solid-state switches that surpass conventional electromechanical solutions.
By integrating Qorvo’s business, onsemi also strengthens its presence in the competitive AI and data center markets. The shift to higher voltages and power capacities in these areas provides a unique opportunity for SiC JFETs to reduce costs and improve performance, establishing onsemi as a leader in next-generation semiconductor solutions.
Original – onsemi
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ROHM and TSMC have entered a strategic partnership on development and volume production of gallium nitride (GaN) power devices for electric vehicle applications.
The partnership will integrate ROHM’s device development technology with TSMC’s industry-leading GaN-on-silicon process technology to meet the growing demand for superior high-voltage and high-frequency properties over silicon for power devices.
GaN power devices are currently used in consumer and industrial applications such as AC adapters and server power supplies. TSMC, a leader in sustainability and green manufacturing, supports GaN technology for its potential environmental benefits in automotive applications, such as on-board chargers and inverters for electric vehicles (EVs).
The partnership builds on ROHM and TSMC’s history of collaboration in GaN power devices. In 2023, ROHM adopted TSMC’s 650V GaN high-electron mobility transistors (HEMT), whose process is increasingly being used in consumer and industrial devices as part of ROHM’s EcoGaN™ series, including the 45W AC adapter (fast charger) “C4 Duo” produced by Innergie, a brand of Delta Electronics, Inc.
“GaN devices, capable of high-frequency operation, are highly anticipated for their contribution to miniaturization and energy savings, which can help achieve a decarbonized society. Reliable partners are crucial for implementing these innovations in society, and we are pleased to collaborate with TSMC, which possesses world-leading advanced manufacturing technology” said Katsumi Azuma, Member of the Board and Senior Managing Executive Officer at ROHM. “In addition to this partnership, by providing user-friendly GaN solutions that include control ICs to maximize GaN performance, we aim to promote the adoption of GaN in the automotive industry.”
“As we move forward with the next generations of our GaN process technology, TSMC and ROHM are extending our partnership to the development and production of GaN power devices for automotive applications,” said Chien-Hsin Lee, Senior Director of Specialty Technology Business Development at TSMC. “By combining TSMC’s expertise in semiconductor manufacturing with ROHM’s proficiency in power device design, we strive to push the boundaries of GaN technology and its implementation for EVs.”
Original – ROHM
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VisIC Technologies announced a new partnership aimed at advancing high-efficiency GaN inverter technology for the EV market. This collaboration will provide automotive OEMs with power semiconductors that exceed silicon carbide (SiC) performance, while offering lower costs at device and system level.
In a recent test conducted at AVL’s state-of-the-art facilities in Germany, an inverter based on VisIC’s GaN-on-Silicon D³GaN components proved an outstanding performance. Mounted on AVL’s e-motor test bench and controlled by AVLs SOP eDrive controls algorithm, the system achieved a benchmark efficiency level of 99.67% at 10kHz, stunningly climbing to over 99.8% efficiency at 5kHz — which outperforms comparable SiC inverters by up to 0.5% and is cutting energy losses by more than 60%.
This breakthrough positions the AVL and VisIC partnership as a compelling option for automakers striving to balance high efficiency with affordability in EV design. It is worth noting that VisIC’s GaN-on-Silicon power devices require significantly less energy and therefore CO2 during the chip production process compared to SiC. They can be produced in widespread 200mm and 300mm silicon foundries, which makes scaling production a straightforward process.
“With AVL, we’re making cutting-edge GaN inverter technology accessible for even more electric vehicles, establishing a new benchmark for efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the industry,” said Gregory Bunin, CTO of VisIC Technologies. “Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to driving EV innovation that’s both impactful and accessible, bringing GaN’s unparalleled performance to a broader market.”
“Working with VisICs new GaN power module for high-power systems enables us to offer our customers cutting-edge solutions that are optimally aligned with the requirements of next-generation drive systems. These include, among other things, high power density combined with reduced overall system costs,” added Dr. Thomas Frey, Head of Segment E-Mobility & E-Drive System at AVL Software and Functions GmbH. “Together, we can significantly advance e-mobility and help reduce the carbon footprint.”
Looking ahead, AVL and VisIC plan to expand their GaN-on-Si platform to include 800V GaN power modules, ensuring that their technology remains scalable and adaptable to the needs of the growing BEV market. This collaboration places AVL and VisIC Technologies at the forefront of GaN inverter technology, establishing new standards for energy efficiency and performance across the EV industry.
Original – VisIC Technologies
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ROHM has announced the adoption of its EcoSiC™ products, including SiC MOSFETs and SiC Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) in the HFA/HCA series of 3.5kW output AC-DC power supply units for 3-phase applications from COSEL, a leading power supply manufacturer in Japan. Incorporating ROHM SiC MOSFETs and SiC SBDs into the forced air-cooled HFA series and conduction-cooled HCA series achieves up to 94% efficiency. The HCA series has been mass produced since 2023, while the HFA series began mass production in 2024.
Many industrial applications that handle high power in the industrial sector, including MRI machines and CO2 lasers, require 3-phase power supplies that differ from the single-phase power supplies used in households. COSEL’s AC-DC power supply units – equipped with ROHM’s EcoSiC™ technology that excels in high-temperature, high-frequency, high-voltage environments – are compatible with 3-phase power supplies from 200VAC to 480VAC, contributing to improved power supply efficiency across a wide range of industrial equipment worldwide.
Jun Uchida, General Manager, New Product Development Dept. 2, COSEL Co., Ltd.
“The HFA/HCA series achieve high efficiency despite delivering a high-power output of 3.5kW by incorporating ROHM’s low-loss SiC power devices. Operating at high input voltages typically poses a challenge in reducing losses in high-voltage power devices, but using SiC power devices translates to significantly lower losses compared to conventional solutions, resulting in power supplies that maintains high efficiency and power density even under demanding high-power conditions.”
Akihiro Hikasa, Group General Manager, Power Devices Business Unit, SiC Business Section, ROHM Co., Ltd.
“We are delighted to support COSEL, an industry leader in power supply systems, by providing SiC power devices. A leading company in SiC power devices, ROHM also provides comprehensive power solutions that combine peripheral components. In addition, by addressing customer issues, we also improve device performance by incorporating the insights gained into our products. Going forward, we will continue to collaborate with COSEL to contribute to a sustainable society by enhancing the efficiency of industrial equipment that handle large amounts of power.”
The HFA/HCA series are 3.5kW power supplies featuring a wide input range (200VAC to 480VAC) that meets global power supply requirements. This allows them to be used anywhere in the world without the need to modify the power supply for each region, contributing to the standardization of application designs. Both forced air-cooled (HFA series) and conduction-cooled (HCA series) models – selectable based on operating environment – are available in 48V and 65V output voltage variants that can be used as power sources for a variety of high-power applications such as laser generation and MRI.
Original – ROHM
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Ampere, the intelligent electric vehicle pure player born from Renault Group and STMicroelectronics announced the next step in their strategic co-operation, starting in 2026, with a multi-year agreement between STMicroelectronics and Renault Group on the supply of Silicon Carbide (SiC) power modules, as part of their collaboration on a powerbox for the inverter for Ampere’s ultra-efficient electric powertrain.
Ampere and STMicroelectronics worked together on the optimization of the power module, the key element in the powerbox, to get the highest performance and best competitiveness in the e-powertrain, leveraging Ampere’s expertise in EV technology and STMicroelectronics’ expertise in advanced power electronics.
“This agreement is the result of the intensive work carried out with STMicroelectronics. By working upstream together, we were able to optimize and secure the supply of key components for our electric powertrains, to offer high performance EVs with increased range and optimized charging time. It perfectly aligns with Ampere’s strategy to master the entire value chain of power electronics for its e-powertrain, leveraging STMicroelectronics’ expertise in power modules,” said Philippe Brunet, SVP Powertrain & EV engineering, Ampere.
“ST is at the cutting edge of the development of advanced power electronics enabling the mobility industry to improve the performance of electrified platforms. With the optimization of these higher-efficient products and solutions to meet Ampere’s performance requirements, and our vertically integrated silicon carbide supply chain, we are supporting Ampere’s strategy for its next generation of electric powertrain,” said Michael Anfang, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing, Europe, Middle East and Africa Region, STMicroelectronics. “ST and Ampere share a common vision for more sustainable mobility and this agreement marks another step forward in improved power performance to further contribute to concrete improvements to carbon emissions reduction by the mobility industry and its supply chain.”
Power modules, composed of numerous silicon carbide chips, manage and convert electrical power from the battery to drive the electric motor. They play a crucial role in the efficiency of the electric powertrain and battery range, as well as energy regeneration features, making them a key element of the efficiency of an electric car. They also contribute to the smoothness and responsiveness of driving.
STMicroelectronics and Ampere have collaborated on a powerbox for the supply of energy to Ampere’s new generation of electric motors. The powerbox is designed for optimum performance-size ratio across Ampere’s line-up, on 400 Volt battery EV vehicles and for Segment C-EVs with 800 Volt batteries, enabling greater autonomy and faster charging. 800 Volts is one of the key levers to achieve the 10%-80% quick charge in 15 minutes or less. This agreement is fully aligned with Ampere’s strategy to master the entire value chain of the electric vehicle, particularly by working further upstream with its partners and ensuring the best efficiency at each step.
As an integrated device manufacturer (IDM), STMicroelectronics ensures quality and security of supply to serve carmakers’ strategies for electrification. The collaboration with Ampere on the silicon carbide power modules and powerbox demonstrates STMicroelectronics’ leadership and system level experience of advanced power electronics, including its packaging expertise.
Original – Ampere
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Power Master Semiconductor has announced the expansion of its e SiC MOSFET family with introduction of new AEC-Q101 qualified, high-performance top-side cooling packages. These include the TSPAK DBC version and LF version, specially designed for automotive and industrial applications.
The TSPAK offers superior thermal performance, high efficiency, power density and reliability, making it ideal for a variety of automotive applications such as on-board chargers (OBCs), DC-DC converters, and e-compressors. This innovative packaging leverages Power Master Semiconductor’s latest generation of 1200V eSiC MOSFET (Gen2), employing cutting-edge technology to decouple a trade-off between specific on-resistance (Rsp) and short-circuit withstand time (SCWT). Compared to the previous generation, the new 1200V eSiC MOSFETs deliver 20% reduction in RDS(ON) and a 15% improvement in SCWT, as well as a 45% reduction in switching losses.
Key Features and Benefits of TSPAK
TSPAK LF version
- Top-side cooling package with an exposed drain at the surface, allowing direct heat dissipation to the heatsink.
- Offers superior thermal performance and supports high current capabilities.
- High temperature capability : Tj (max)= 175°C
TSPAK DBC version
- Integrates an isolated DBC ceramic pad on the surface, providing premium thermal performance and enhanced design flexibility.
- Features 3.6kV isolation voltage, extended creepage distance (5.23mm), and flexible mounting by directly connected to an external heatsink with thermal grease.
- High temperature capability : Tj (max)= 175°C
With an industry-standard footprint of 14mm x 18.58mm, the TSPAK packages provide superior thermal performance and Kelvin source configuration to minimizes gate noise and reduces turn-on losses by 60%, enabling higher-frequency operation and improved power density.
The PCR120N40M2A (LF version) and PCRZ120N40M2A (DBC version) are automotive-grade 1200V/40mΩ eSiC MOSFETs in TSPAK packages, leveraging Power Master Semiconductor’s 2nd-generation eSiC MOSFET technology to deliver optimized performance for the automotive systems.
- E-compressors, vital for efficient thermal management, extended battery life, enhanced charging efficiency, and improved driving range.
- Totem-Pole PFC and CLLC/DAB (Dual Active Bridge) topologies, essential for bidirectional power conversion in 800V battery systems used in electric vehicles.
“Cooling is one of the greatest challenges in high power design and successfully addressing it is the key enabler to reducing size and weight, which is critical in modern automotive design” said Namjin Kim, Senior Director of Sales & Marketing. “Our new top-side cooling package offer better system efficiency and minimize heat thermal path on the PCB, the system design will be simplified and compacted. We are confident that this innovative solution will be the optimal choice for high-performance automotive applications.”
“Efficient cooling is a critical challenge for reducing size and weight of high-power automotive systems,” said Namjin Kim, Senior Director of Sales & Marketing. “Our new top-side cooling package enhances system efficiency and minimizes the thermal path on the PCB, enabling simpler, more compact system designs. We believe this innovative solution will drive the high performance automotive applications.”
Original – Power Master Semiconductor
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DENSO Corporation and Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. announced that a semiconductor supply plan submitted jointly by the companies has been approved by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Under this plan, the companies will take part in joint investment and production of silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors to develop and strengthen frameworks for the supply of said semiconductors.
Power semiconductors are vital to the efficient supply of electric power. Demand for power semiconductors has been rising rapidly given that they are used in electrified vehicles, which are being adopted at an accelerated pace amid the push for the decarbonization of society. In comparison to prior silicon semiconductors, SiC power semiconductors are able to deliver superior performance under high temperature, high-frequency, and high-voltage conditions.
These devices are therefore anticipated to make large contributions to reductions in power loses as well as to more compact and lighter-weight designs for battery electric vehicle systems and other power electronics. Accordingly, growth in demand is projected for SiC power semiconductors.
In response to electrification trends, DENSO has advanced SiC technology development projects targeting increased quality and efficiency in relation to everything from wafers and element devices to modules and inverters. Meanwhile, Fuji Electric has constructed extensive frameworks encompassing all tasks spanning from the development of SiC power semiconductor elements that enable increased efficiency and more compact designs for power electronics equipment to mass production of the related modules.
Based on the approved plan, these companies will combine their respective automotive product development and production technology capabilities in a joint effort to expand their capacity for the efficient and stable supply of SiC power semiconductors throughout Japan.
Through this partnership, the companies will contribute to the development of semiconductor supply frameworks within Japan and to the improvement of the international competitiveness of Japan’s domestic semiconductor and automotive industries. In addition, this partnership is anticipated to help advance the decarbonization of society.
Original – Fuji Electric
