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EVENTS / GaN / LATEST NEWS / SiC / TOP STORIES / WBG2 Min Read
If you haven’t had a chance to visit a wonderful Lake Maggiore yet, this September you can enjoy one of the most beautiful places in Italy in a company of power semiconductors superstars discussing SiC & GaN technologies. After a successful series of events across the world, International Semiconductor Executive Summits (ISES) returns to Italy with ISES EU Power 2023 edition.
With a regional focus on the power semiconductor market, the EU Power International Semiconductor Executive Summits seeks to strengthen the EU supply chain and promote key executives in the semiconductor manufacturing, design, and research through our networking and conference platform which consists of working with key industry stakeholders to encourage progress and collaboration.
With speakers coming from STMicroelectronics, Infineon Technologies, Semikron Danfoss, onsemi, Wolfspeed, Renesas, ROHM, Nexperia, SK Siltron, Soitec, Okmetic, Aehr Test Systems, Amkor Technology, Innoscience, Cambridge GaN Devices, Ferrari, Volkswagen, Volvo, Škoda, and many more leaders of power electronics and automotive industries, you are about to be a part of the power semiconductors event like never before.
During two days of the event, all participants will be discussing and disclosing the latest news and advances in silicon carbide and gallium nitride technologies, sharing the view of the future and taking a close look at the current state of the industry, supply chain, global collaboration, exhisting problems and emerging opportunities.
You can find the agenda of ISES EU Power 2023 at the event website.
International Semiconductor Executive Summit EU Power provides a unique platform for networking and expanding your knowledge base. Here are just a few topics that will be covered this September:
- SiC and GaN Manufacturability
- Variety of WBG Applications
- SiC Wafer & Materials
- Power Packaging
- Design and Reliability
The event offers various packages for participation:
- Standard Pass
- Member Pass
- Partner Pass
- Virtual Pass
- Numerous Sponsorship Packages and VIP Passes
All interested to participate can register at ISES EU Power 2023 website.
ISES EU Power 2023 will take place at Regina Palace Hotel. Overlooking the shore of Lago Maggiore, the Regina Palace Hotel is located in a favored spot in the center of Stresa, considered the pearl of Lago Maggiore. The hotel represents yesteryear’s charm and prestige enriched by the history and the grace that each epoch has donated.
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LATEST NEWS / PROJECTS / Si / TOP STORIES2 Min Read
Cars with fully or partially electrified drivetrains will account for two thirds of cars produced by 2028, as per analyst forecasts. This rapid growth of electromobility is driving the demand for power semiconductors. Against this background, Infineon Technologies AG and Semikron Danfoss have signed a multi-year volume agreement for the supply of silicon-based electromobility chips.
Infineon will supply chipsets consisting of IGBTs and diodes to Semikron Danfoss. These chips are mainly used in power modules for inverters, which are used for the main drive in electric vehicles.
“As the global leader in automotive semiconductors, Infineon enables game-changing solutions for clean and safe mobility. Already today, our IGBTs and diodes play a major role in the industry’s electromobility transformation by enabling efficient power conversion in the electric powertrain,” said Peter Schiefer, President of Infineon’s Automotive division. “Our broad product portfolio, system expertise and continuous investment in our manufacturing capabilities make us a valued partner of automotive players like Semikron Danfoss.”
Claus A. Petersen, President of Semikron Danfoss added: “Semikron Danfoss provides automotive customers with power modules based on the most advanced assembly technologies that fully exploit the capabilities of IGBTs and diodes to enable further decarbonization of the transportation sector. Automotive customers trust us as an experienced long-term partner to drive the transformation in the industry.”
The IGBTs and diodes for Semikron Danfoss will be manufactured by Infineon at its sites in Dresden, Germany, and Kulim, Malaysia. Semikron Danfoss manufactures its own automotive power modules in Nuremberg and Flensburg in Germany, in Utica, US, and as of next year, in Nanjing, China.
Original – Semikron Danfoss
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LATEST NEWS / PRODUCT & TECHNOLOGY / SiC / TOP STORIES / WBG2 Min Read
Infineon presents its new generation of 1200 V CoolSiC™ MOSFETs in TO263-7 for automotive applications. The automotive-graded silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET generation offers high power density and efficiency, enables bi-directional charging and significantly reduces system cost in on-board charging (OBC) and DC-DC applications.
The 1200 V CoolSiC family member offers best-in-class switching performance through 25 percent lower switching losses compared to the first generation. This improvement in switching behavior enables high-frequency operation, leading to smaller system sizes and increased power density. With a Gate-source threshold voltage (V GS(th)) greater than 4 V and a very low Crss/ Ciss ratio, reliable turn-off at V GS = 0 V is achieved without the risk of parasitic turn-ons. This allows for unipolar driving, resulting in reduced system cost and complexity. In addition, the new generation features a low on resistance (R DS(on)), reducing conductive losses over the whole temperature range of -55°C to 175°C.
The advanced diffusion soldering chip mount technology (.XT technology) significantly improves the package’s thermal capabilities, lowering the SiC MOSFET junction temperature by 25 percent compared to the first generation.
Moreover, the MOSFET has a creepage distance of 5.89 mm, meeting 800 V system requirements and reducing coating effort. Infineon is offering a range of R DS(on) options to cater to diverse application demands, including the only 9 mΩ type in the TO263-7 package currently on the market.
Original – Infineon Technologies
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LATEST NEWS / PROJECTS / SiC / TOP STORIES / WBG2 Min Read
Infineon Technologies AG, the global leader in automotive semiconductors, and Hon Hai Technology Group (“Foxconn”), the world’s largest electronics manufacturing services provider, aim to establish a long-term partnership in the field of electric vehicles (EV) to jointly develop advanced electromobility with efficient and intelligent features. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focuses on silicon carbide (SiC) development, leveraging Infineon’s automotive SiC innovations and Foxconn’s know-how in automotive systems.
“The automotive industry is evolving. With the rapid growth of the EV market and the associated need for more range and performance, the development of electromobility must continue to advance and innovate,” said Peter Schiefer, President of the Infineon Automotive Division. “Infineon’s commitment and passion for innovation and zero-defect quality has made us the best partner for our customers. We look forward to writing a new chapter in electromobility together with Foxconn.”
“We are pleased to be working with Infineon and are confident that this collaboration will result in optimized architecture, product performance, cost competitiveness and high system integration to provide customers with the most competitive automotive solutions,” said Jun Seki, Foxconn’s Chief Strategy Officer for EVs.
According to the MoU, the two companies will collaborate on the implementation of SiC technology in automotive high-power applications like traction inverters, onboard chargers, and DC-DC converters. Both parties intend to jointly develop EV solutions with outstanding performance and efficiency based on Infineon’s automotive system understanding, technical support and SiC product offerings combined with Foxconn’s electronics design and manufacturing expertise and the capability of system-level integration.
In addition, the two companies plan to establish a system application center in Taiwan to further expand the scope of their cooperation. This center will focus on optimizing vehicle applications, including smart cabin applications, advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving applications. It will also address electromobility applications such as battery management systems and traction inverters. The collaboration covers a wide range of Infineon’s automotive products, including sensors, microcontrollers, power semiconductors, high-performance memories for specific applications, human machine interface and security solutions. The system application center is expected to be established within 2023.
Original – Infineon Technologies
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LATEST NEWS / PROJECTS / SiC / TOP STORIES / WBG2 Min Read
Infineon Technologies AG is diversifying its silicon carbide (SiC) supplier base and has signed a long-term agreement with Chinese SiC supplier TanKeBlue to secure additional competitive SiC sources. TanKeBlue will supply the Germany-based semiconductor manufacturer with competitive and high-quality 150-millimeter SiC wafers and boules for the manufacturing of SiC semiconductors, covering a double-digit share of the forecasted demand in the long term.
The agreement between Infineon and TanKeBlue contributes to general supply chain stability, also with regard to the growing demand for SiC semiconductor products for automotive, solar and EV charging applications and energy storage systems in the Chinese market. It will also support the rapid growth of the emerging semiconductor material SiC. The agreement will focus on 150-millimeter SiC material in the first phase, but TanKeBlue will also provide 200-millimeter SiC material to support Infineon’s transition to 200-millimeter wafer diameter.
“Infineon is significantly expanding its manufacturing capacities at its production sites in Malaysia and Austria to meet the growing demand for SiC. In order to offer the most comprehensive product range possible to our customers, Infineon is currently doubling down on its investments in SiC technology and product portfolio. In this context, we are implementing a multi-supplier and multi-country sourcing strategy to increase resilience to the benefit of our broad customer base,” said Angelique van der Burg, Chief Procurement Officer at Infineon. “TanKeBlue provides excellent material performance and we are pleased to sign a competitive agreement with them.”
“We welcome the opportunity to team up with our customer Infineon, a global leader in power semiconductors. TanKeBlue plans to continuously improve its SiC material and develop its next generation of 200-millimeter wafer technology. We value Infineon as an excellent customer in this regard,” said Yang Jian, CEO of TanKeBlue.
Infineon is currently expanding its SiC manufacturing capacity in order to achieve its target of a 30 percent global market share by the end of the decade. Infineon’s SiC manufacturing capacity will increase tenfold by 2027. A new plant in Kulim, Malaysia is scheduled to start production in 2024, adding to Infineon’s manufacturing capacities in Villach, Austria. Today, Infineon already provides SiC semiconductors to more than 3,600 automotive and industrial customers worldwide.
Original – Infineon Technologies
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LATEST NEWS / PROJECTS / SiC / TOP STORIES / WBG2 Min Read
Infineon Technologies AG has signed an agreement with Chinese silicon carbide (SiC) supplier SICC to diversify Infineon’s SiC material supplier base and to secure additional competitive SiC sources. Under the agreement, SICC will supply the Germany-based semiconductor manufacturer with competitive and high-quality 150-millimeter wafers and boules for the manufacturing of SiC semiconductors, covering a double-digit share of the forecasted demand in the long term.
The agreement will focus in the first phase on 150-millimeter SiC material, but SICC SiC material supply will also support Infineon’s transition to 200-millimeter wafer diameter. This will generally contribute to supply chain stability, in particular with regard to the growing demand for SiC semiconductor products for automotive, solar and EV charging applications as well as energy storage systems in the Chinese market, and will generally support the rapid growth of the emerging semiconductor material SiC.
“Infineon is significantly expanding its manufacturing capacities at its production sites in Malaysia and Austria in order to serve the growing SiC demand. In this context, we are implementing a multi-supplier and multi-country sourcing strategy to increase resilience for the benefit of our broad customer base and are securing new competitive top-quality sources globally, matching the highest standards in the market,” said Angelique van der Burg, Chief Procurement Officer at Infineon.
“SICC’s substrates are widely used in the Power SiC field. We are pleased to team up with Infineon as our customer, a global leader in power semiconductors. SICC will continuously expand capacity to add more value for its global customers. We value Infineon as an excellent leading strategic customer and we look forward to jointly enhancing SiC industry development and promoting global digitalization, low-carbonization, and sustainable development,” said Zong Yanmin, CEO of SICC.
Infineon is currently expanding its SiC manufacturing capacity in order to achieve its target of a 30 percent global market share by the end of the decade. Infineon’s SiC manufacturing capacity will increase tenfold by 2027. A new plant in Kulim, Malaysia is scheduled to start production in 2024, adding to Infineon’s manufacturing capacities in Villach, Austria. Today, Infineon already provides SiC semiconductors to more than 3,600 automotive and industrial customers worldwide.
Original – Infineon Technologies
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LATEST NEWS / PROJECTS / TOP STORIES4 Min Read
Infineon Technologies AG has broken ground for a new plant in Dresden together with political leaders from Brussels, Berlin and Saxony. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Saxony’s Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer and Dresden’s Mayor Dirk Hilbert symbolically launched construction work together with Infineon CEO Jochen Hanebeck. With an investment volume of five billion euros, the new plant is the largest single investment in Infineon’s history.
“With this groundbreaking, Infineon is launching an important contribution to the green and digital transformation of our society,” said Hanebeck. “Global semiconductor demand will grow strongly and persistently in view of the high demand for renewable energies, data centers and electromobility. Our new plant will serve our customers’ demands in the second half of the decade. Together, we are driving decarbonization and digitalization.”
“In times of increasing geopolitical risks, it is great news for Europe that Infineon is investing massively in semiconductor manufacturing in Dresden”, said von der Leyen. “We need more such projects in Europe as demand for microchips will continue to rise rapidly. The EU Commission and member states are mobilizing 43 billion euros over the next few years under the European Chips Act to create a stronger and more resilient Europe in the digital domain.”
“Chips are the basis of any essential transformation technology – from wind farm to charging station. We welcome Infineon’s continued investment in Germany and thus further strengthening our country as one of the world’s most important semiconductor locations,” Scholz emphasized on the occasion of the groundbreaking event. “Chips made in Dresden help secure jobs and make our industry – from midsize companies to large corporations – more resilient. Dresden is where the components are created, that are needed for upcoming investments in green technologies.”
“Infineon’s investment will strengthen Europe, Germany and Saxony as an economic location,” says Kretschmer. “The construction of the new plant will both secure and create high-value jobs in Dresden. At the same time the attractiveness of Silicon Saxony as a center of expertise for the global semiconductor industry is increasing. For years, the state of Saxony has been supporting this unique ecosystem by investing in science.”
In addition, the investment by Infineon strengthens the manufacturing basis for the semiconductors that drive decarbonization and digitalization. Analog/mixed-signal components are used in power supply systems, for example in energy-efficient charging systems, small automotive motor control units, in data centers and in applications for the Internet of Things (IoT). The interaction of power semiconductors and analog/mixed-signal components makes it possible to create particularly energy-efficient and intelligent system solutions.
Expansion of production capacities at the existing Dresden site will let Infineon complete the project quickly and will also generate considerable effects of scale. Manufacturing activities are planned to begin in fall 2026. The expansion will create approximately 1,000 highly qualified jobs. Preparatory measures are currently taking place at the site of the new plant; the start of shell construction is planned for fall 2023.
The plant will be equipped with the latest in environmental technologies and will be among the most environmentally friendly manufacturing facilities of its kind. Thanks to advanced digitalization and automation, Infineon is also setting new standards for manufacturing excellence in Dresden. The new plant will be closely linked with the Infineon Villach site as “One Virtual Fab”. This manufacturing complex for power electronics is based on highly efficient 300-millimeter technology and will increase efficiency levels, giving Infineon additional flexibility in order to supply its customers faster.
In February, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) has approved an early project launch, meaning that construction can already begin before completion of the inspection of legal subsidy aspects by the European Commission. Subject to the European Commission’s state aid decision and the national grant procedure, the project is to be funded in accordance with the objectives of the European Chips Act. Infineon is seeking public funding of around one billion euros.
Original – Infineon Technologies
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LATEST NEWS / PRODUCT & TECHNOLOGY / Si / SiC / TOP STORIES / WBG2 Min Read
Infineon Technologies AG launched a new automotive power module: The HybridPACK™ Drive G2. It builds on the well-established HybridPACK Drive G1 concept of an integrated B6 package, offering scalability within the same footprint and extending it to higher power and ease-of-use. The HybridPACK Drive G2 will be available with different current ratings, voltage levels (750V and 1200V) and Infineon’s next generation chip technologies EDT3 (Si IGBT) and CoolSiC™ G2 MOSFET.
With a power range of up to 300 kW within the 750 V and 1200 V classes, the HybridPACK Drive G2 provides high ease-of-use and new features, such as an integration option for next-generation phase current sensor and on-chip temperature sensing, which enable system cost improvements. The power module achieves higher performance and power density through improved assembly and interconnect technology. The adoption of new interconnect technology (chip sintering) and of new materials (new black plastic housing) enables higher temperature rating, resulting in higher performance and longer product life.
The first generation (G1) of HybridPACK Drive was introduced in 2017, using silicon EDT2 technology. It offers a power range of 100 kW to 180 kW in the 750 V class. In 2021, Infineon expanded its product family with the first generation of HybridPACK Drive Automotive CoolSiC MOSFETs, which allowed the inverter design to achieve higher power up to 250 kW within the 1200 V class, longer driving range, smaller battery size and optimized system size and cost. With a track record of nearly 3 million units sold in various global electric vehicle platforms, the HybridPACK Drive is now Infineon’s market-leading power module.
The lead products (FS1150R08, FS01MR08, FS02MR12) of the new HybridPACK Drive G2 are in production and will be available starting May 2023, with additional product variants to follow in 2023 and 2024. More information is available at www.infineon.com/hybridpackdrive.
Original – Infineon Technologies
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LATEST NEWS / PRODUCT & TECHNOLOGY / PROJECTS / SiC / TOP STORIES / WBG2 Min Read
Infineon Technologies AG and Schweizer Electronic AG are collaborating on an innovative way to further increase the efficiency of chips based on silicon carbide (SiC). Both partners are developing a solution to embed Infineon’s 1200 V CoolSiC™ chips directly onto printed circuit boards (PCB). This will increase the range of electric vehicles and reduce the total system costs.
The two companies have already demonstrated the potential of this new approach: They were able to embed a 48 V MOSFET in the PCB. This resulted in a 35 percent increase in performance. SCHWEIZER contributes to this success with its innovative p²Pack® solution which enables power semiconductors to be embedded in PCBs.
“Our joint goal is to take automotive power electronics to the next level,” said Robert Hermann, Product Line Head Automotive High-Voltage Discretes and Chips, of Infineon. “The low-inductive environment of a PCB allows clean and fast switching. Combined with the leading performance of 1200 V CoolSiC™ devices, chip embedding enables highly integrated and efficient inverters that reduce overall system costs.”
“With Infineon’s 100 percent electrically tested standard cells (S-Cell), we can achieve high overall yields in the p² Pack manufacturing process,” said Thomas Gottwald, Vice President Technology at Schweizer Electronic AG. “The fast-switching characteristics of the CoolSiC chips are optimally supported by the low-inductance interconnection that can be achieved with the p² Pack. This leads to increased efficiency and improved reliability of power conversion units such as traction inverters, DC-DC converters, or on-board chargers.”
Original – Infineon Technologies
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Infineon Technologies AG has changed the name of its Industrial Power Control (IPC) Division to Green Industrial Power (GIP). The semiconductor manufacturer is thus highlighting its consistent alignment with the Decarbonization and Digitalization trends. For the newly named Division, green energies are key growth drivers for the business.
“Infineon is making green, cost-efficient electrical energy possible. We have a leading position in the fields of wind energy and solar power, with our power semiconductors setting the standard for higher efficiency levels throughout the entire energy conversion chain. This represents an enormous amount of growth potential, and we’re putting a name on that potential by rebranding our Division”, says Dr. Peter Wawer, President of the Green Industrial Power Division.
“The focus on industrial business has made us highly successful. This field will continue to grow in the future. At the same time the decarbonization of energy supplies and mobility will additionally accelerate the growth of renewable energies, grid expansion and charging infrastructures. Our extensive product portfolio, technologies, leading-edge expertise in power semiconductors, software and services, together with our highly experienced, global team all mean we are in a perfect position to shape the green transformation of our society.”
Traditionally, one focus of the Division’s sales has been on power semiconductors for efficient energy supplies in the industry and consumer sectors, for example drive technologies for electric motors. In the future, above-average growth will be driven primarily by the energy transformation and among other things will come from the field of renewable energies and the expansion of the necessary infrastructure.
The name change to Green Industrial Power documents the strong orientation of the Division towards its growth segments, with industrial business remaining an important part of GIP’s portfolio in the future as well. There will be no corresponding new organizational structure. The name change took effect as of 1 April 2023.
Original – Infineon Technologies