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STMicroelectronics’ MasterGaN1L and MasterGaN4L introduce the next generation of integrated gallium-nitride (GaN) bridge devices that simplify power-supply design leveraging wide-bandgap technology to achieve the latest ecodesign targets.
ST’s MasterGaN family combines 650V GaN high electron-mobility transistors (HEMT) with optimized gate drivers, system protection, and an integrated bootstrap diode that helps power the device at startup. Integrating these features saves designers tackling the complex gate-drive requirements of GaN transistors. Housed in a compact power package, the devices also enhance reliability, cut the bill of materials, and ease circuit layout.
The latest devices contain two GaN HEMTs connected in half-bridge configuration. The arrangement is suitable for building switched-mode power supplies, adapters, and chargers with active-clamp flyback, active-clamp forward, and resonant converter topologies.
The MasterGaN1L and MasterGaN4L are pin compatible with MasterGaN1 and MasterGaN4 respectively. Compared to the earlier devices, they have a newly optimized turn-on delay that allows working at higher frequency and higher efficiency with low load, especially in resonant topologies.
The inputs accept signal voltages from 3.3V to 15V, with hysteresis and pull-down that facilitate connecting directly to a controlling device such as a microcontroller, DSP, or Hall-effect sensors. A dedicated shutdown pin helps designers save system power and the two GaN HEMTs have accurately matched timing with an interlocking circuit to prevent cross-conduction conditions.
The MasterGaN1L HEMTs have 150mΩ RDS(on) and 10A rated current, for use in applications up to 500W. Consuming just 20mW no-load power, and enabling high conversion efficiency, they enable designers to meet stringent industry targets for standby power and average efficiency. The MasterGaN4L HEMTs target applications up to 200W, with 225mΩ RDS(on) and rated current of 6.5A.
The EVLMG1LPBRDR1 and EVLMG4LPWRBR1 demonstration boards are available to help evaluate the features of each device. These boards contain a GaN-based half-bridge power module fine-tuned to work in an LLC application. They help quickly create new topologies leveraging the MasterGaN1L and MasterGaN4L devices without needing a complete PCB design.
Original – STMicroelectronics
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LATEST NEWS / PROJECTSSTMicroelectronics Signed a 15 year Power Purchase Agreement with ERG for Supply of Renewable Energy
November 24, 2023
2 Min ReadSTMicroelectronics and ERG, a leading European independent producer of energy from renewable sources, through its subsidiary ERG Power Generation, announced that they have signed a fifteen-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the supply of renewable energy to its operations in Italy over the 2024-2038 timeframe. In Italy, ST operates two high-volume semiconductor manufacturing sites in Agrate (near Milan) and Catania as well as multiple R&D, design, and sales and marketing sites.
The agreement is based on the sale by ERG of approximately 250 GWh of renewable energy per year, equivalent to a total volume of 3.75 TWh over 15 years, produced by the Sicilian wind farms of Camporeale near Palermo and Mineo-Militello-Vizzini near Catania. Both are repowering projects – upgraded with state-of-the art technologies for better efficiency and significantly higher power generation with a total installed capacity of 151.4 MW.
Geoff West, EVP and Chief Procurement Officer, STMicroelectronics, commented: “This agreement marks yet another important step towards ST’s goal of becoming carbon neutral in its operations (Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and partially scope 3) by 2027, including the sourcing of 100% renewable energy by 2027. PPAs will play a major role in our transition. Starting in 2024, this PPA with ERG will provide a significant level of renewable energy for ST’s operations in Italy, which includes R&D, design, sales and marketing and large-volume chip manufacturing.”
Paolo Merli, Chief Executive Officer of ERG commented: “We are pleased with this agreement with STMicroelectronics, a leading global technology operator committed, like ERG, to decarbonizing the planet through the use of renewable energy in its industrial processes. This agreement allows us to enhance, following the Partinico-Monreale wind farm, two additional repowering projects through energy sales mechanisms capable of stabilizing revenues, in line with current market standards, ensuring the proper remuneration of invested capital”.
More information about ST’s energy and climate change commitments is available here.
STMicroelectronics was supported by its PPA advisory partners act renewable GmbH, renewable energy consultancy to multinational corporates, Pexapark AG, a renewables market intelligence, software and advisory company, and Parola Associati, external legal counsel.
Original – STMicroelectronics
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STMicroelectronics is holding its first-ever ST Taiwan Tech Day at the Taipei New Horizon on November 2. The event is designed to provide valued customers and partners with the most up-to-date information on ST products and solutions to facilitate innovation and achieve success.
With the theme “Our Technology Starts with You,” this extensive technology event will offer insightful speeches and showcase over 40 demonstrations centered around four mega trends: Smart Mobility, Power & Energy, IoT & Connectivity, and Sensing the World. Attendees can experience first-hand the latest innovations and learn how ST’s technologies are contributing to a safer, greener, and more connected world. It will also be a great opportunity to help developers and innovators stay ahead of the curve in today’s rapidly evolving market.
Innovation highlights
Smart Mobility
Zonal Gateway: Zonal Gateway acts as a bridge between the automotive central computer and traditional signal-based ECUs. This technology is supported by ST’s wide range of automotive-grade products and enables Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) with Data Distribution Service (DDS) protocol and Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA). The Zonal Gateway offers a solution for modernizing automotive systems, allowing for seamless communication between different components and enabling efficient and secure updates.3rd-Generation SiC Modules: The industry leader in Silicon Carbide (SiC), ST offers a wide range of solutions to help developers improve the power efficiency and reduce the size and weight of automotive inverters with its 3rd-generation SiC modules. The traction inverter is a critical component in electric vehicles as it converts energy from the battery to drive the motors in the drivetrain.
These converters must handle high power and currents, provide fail-safe operation, and handle EMC challenges. Alongside the SiC modules, ST’s range of solutions includes AEC-Q101 qualified IGBTs, silicon and silicon-carbide MOSFETs and diodes, AEC-Q100 qualified galvanically isolated IGBT and MOSFET gate drivers, and SPC5 32-bit automotive microcontrollers. These offerings enable scalable, cost-effective, and energy-efficient EV traction inverter solutions.
Power & Energy
Digital Power: ST’s digital power solution is a comprehensive set of reference designs that empower designers to create efficient, feature-rich power supplies for a wide range of applications. The demo highlights two powerful solutions: the 25kW DAB DC/DC converter with ST’s ACEPACK module, a highly efficient and reliable power converter ideal for industrial and automotive applications, and the 30kW Gen3 SiC MOSFET three-phase interleaved LLC solution with an STM32G4 MCU for ultra-high voltage EV charger — a cutting-edge power supply designed to provide ultra-fast charging for electric vehicles.With these solutions, designers can create custom power systems that are efficient, reliable, and tailored to their specific needs.
Precision Position Control: ST is a leading technology provider for motor control and servo drives, offering power device technologies, computational processing, isolated devices, industrial safety, ecosystem for industrial automation, connectivity, and predictive maintenance. With ST’s state-of-the-art motor-control technologies, the motor can precisely control movement to a specific position.
The demo consists of two small BLDC motors that can hold two shapes that do not fit together when they are in phase. The precision motor-control algorithm enables the rotation and movement of the shapes towards each other at any time, offsetting the relative position of the two shapes by 90 degrees while rotating. This unique position allows coupling between the shapes, with a rotation speed that ensures the phase shift is not noticeable, demonstrating precision position control in a harmonic movement coordinated simultaneously with other shapes.
IoT & Connectivity
Edge AI Washing Machine Solution: This solution utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve unparalleled levels of energy and water efficiency by accurately measuring the weight of clothes inside the machine. The AI model generated by ST’s NanoEdge AI Studio significantly improves measurement accuracy compared to traditional algorithms by analyzing and learning the features of current signals. This technology can advance the washing-machine industry to a next level by optimizing energy and water consumption while providing more accurate measurements.Compact Production Line with IO-Link System: The IO-Link automated product line demonstrates ST’s total solution application in a smart factory, utilizing IO-Link technology to manage digital input/output, sensors, and solenoid air valve drivers. The demos include digital IO boards, sensor boards, and actuator boards from ST’s Automation Competence Center’s reference demo boards. The IO-Link products simplify the installation, setup, maintenance, and repair of factory automation systems, enhancing system flexibility to produce different product models. The IO-Link diagnostic function enables smarter and more reliable factory operations.
Sensing the World
3D Sensing Solutions: ST showcases the advanced imaging capabilities of the 3D stereo-vision camera solutions for machine-vision applications. The eYs3D stereo camera reference design features ST’s high-performance, near-infrared VD56G3 global-shutter image sensors, ensuring the highest quality depth sensing and point-cloud creation.Additionally, the VD55H1 low-noise, low-power, indirect Time-of-Flight (iToF) sensor die, manufactured using advanced backside-illuminated, stacked-wafer technology, enables the creation of a small form-factor 3D camera capable of producing high-definition depth maps with a typical ranging distance of up to 5 meters in full resolution and beyond 5 meters with patterned illumination. This demo highlights ST’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology for machine-vision applications.
ISPU for personal electronics: ISPU (Intelligent Sensor Processing Unit) is a new processing category embedded in ST’s LSM6DSO16IS MEMS module. It is an ultra-low-power, high-performance programmable core that can execute signal processing and AI algorithms in real-time. The ISPU offers C programming and an enhanced ecosystem with libraries and 3rd-party tools/IDE, making it a state-of-the-art feature for any personal electronics.
In addition to the insightful speeches and exciting technology showcase, more than 20 in-depth technical presentations covering Smart Mobility, Power and Energy, and IoT and Connectivity will provide a close look at the cutting-edge technologies that are shaping our world.
To learn more about the exciting demos and program, please visit the ST Taiwan Tech Day event page.
Original – STMicroelectronics
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STMicroelectronics N.V. reported U.S. GAAP financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023. ST reported third quarter net revenues of $4.43 billion, gross margin of 47.6%, operating margin of 28.0%, and net income of $1.09 billion or $1.16 diluted earnings per share.
Jean-Marc Chery, ST President & CEO, commented:
- “Q3 net revenues of $4.43 billion came in above the midpoint of our business outlook range, and Q3 gross margin of 47.6% was slightly above guidance.”
- “Q3 net revenues increased 2.5% year-over-year. As expected, the revenue performance was driven mainly by continued growth in Automotive, partially offset by lower revenues in Personal Electronics.”
- “On a year-over-year basis, gross margin remained stable at 47.6%, while, as expected, operating margin decreased to 28.0% from 29.4% and net income was stable at $1.09 billion.”
- “First nine months net revenues increased 11.1% year-over-year, driven by growth in ADG and MDG Product Groups, partially offset by a decline of AMS Product Group. Operating margin was 27.6% and net income was $3.14 billion.”
- “Our fourth quarter business outlook, at the mid-point, is for net revenues of $4.30 billion, declining year-overyear and sequentially by about 3%; gross margin is expected to be about 46%.”
- “The midpoint of this outlook translates into full year 2023 revenues of about $17.3 billion, representing 7.3% year-over-year growth and a gross margin of about 48.1%.”
Original – STMicroelectronics
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STMicroelectronics has released the ACEPACK DMT-32 family of silicon carbide (SiC) power modules in a convenient 32-pin, dual-inline, molded, through-hole package for automotive applications. Targeted at systems such as on-board chargers (OBC), DC/DC converters, fluid pumps and air conditioning, they deliver advantages including high power density, very compact design, and simplified assembly. The product family enhances flexibility for system designers by presenting a choice of four-pack, six-pack, and totem-pole configurations.
The modules contain 1200V SiC power switches that leverage ST’s state-of-the-art, second- and third-generation SiC MOSFET technology ensuring low RDS(on) values. The devices deliver efficient switching performance with minimal dependence on temperature to ensure high efficiency and reliability at converter system level.
Leveraging ST’s proven, robust ACEPACK technology, the modules reduce overall system- and design-development costs while ensuring outstanding reliability. The package technology features a high-performance aluminum nitride (AlN) insulated substrate for excellent thermal performance. There is also an integrated NTC sensor that provides temperature monitoring for thermal protection.
The first product in ACEPACK DMT-32, introduced today with ramp-up to volume production since Q4’23, is M1F45M12W2-1LA. The M1F80M12W2-1LA, M1TP80M12W2-2LA, M1P45M12W2-1LA, M1P80M12W2-1LA, M1P30M12W3-1LA are sampling now with ramp-up to volume production starting from Q1’24.
Original – STMicroelectronics
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STMicroelectronics will host its Industrial Summit 2023 at the Futian Shangri-La Hotel, in Shenzhen, China, on Sep 28.
In recognition of the extraordinary climate-related challenges, ST has long been guided by its unwavering commitment to sustainability. The Company is actively working to increase power efficiency with its cutting-edge solutions for diffused intelligence (Digitalization) and Energy and Power Conversion, forging a path towards reduced carbon emissions and a sustainable future.
The Industrial Summit is the industry’s premier technology showcase of ST’s Industrial products and solutions. The theme of this year’s event is “Powering Your Sustainable Innovation.” Visitors will hear about the Company’s focus on Smart Power and Smart Digitalization during insightful keynotes and about 30 technical sessions, while also having the chance to experience over 150 demos focused on 3 market segments: Automation, Power & Energy, and Motor Control. The Summit will also host a number of showstoppers developed in close collaboration with ST’s customers and partners.
Innovation highlights in the key focus areas
To provide ST’s Industrial customers in Asia with strong and efficient support for their development activities, ST operates three dedicated Industrial Competence Centers focused on Motor Control, Automation, and Power and Energy that are located close to customers. At Industrial Summit 2023, ST and its customers and partners will showcase multiple innovations listed below leveraging expertise and system-level solutions from these three industrial Competence Centers.
Microgrid: Microgrid is a distributed grid network that is connected to renewable sources and energy storage to minimize energy transmission loss and provide efficient energy utilization while maintaining the benefits of grid connection. ST joined forces with customers to showcase a Microgrid application with multiple energy generation and storage solutions including a photovoltaic (PV) optimizer, a string inverter, a micro-inverter, a hybrid inverter with energy storage, stand-alone energy storage, and an energy-usage example using EV charging stations.
A list of the advanced technologies ST used in this multiapplication demo includes a full range of industry-leading STM32 MCUs, breakthrough wide bandgap power technologies such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium nitride (GaN), power metering products, and power-line communication (PLC) controllers. In particular, GaN power discretes and system-in-package devices like ST’s MasterGaN and Sti2GaN are expected to be the preferred technology for future residential PV+ energy storage system (ESS) applications that require high power density and energy efficiency.
KNX Energy Management System: KNX is a global standard with high compatibility and a huge supplier base, making it ideal for the efficient energy system in buildings. At the Industrial Summit, ST will showcase how a KNX Energy-Management System manages energy consumption and generation from various energy sources, such as Solar Inverters, Microgrid, and Battery Storage, for all aspects of applications in buildings, home appliances, and EV charging stations. The KNX Energy-Management System can play an important role in achieving carbon neutrality, enabling energy production and consumption tracking, as well as static and dynamic load management.
By adopting this system, users can proactively decide whether renewable energy should be consumed or stored, while the system provides an optimized energy solution based on user needs. STKNX is a highly competitive KNX transceiver used in a wide range of KNX products from many manufacturers. In addition, ST’s best-in-class MCU, SiC and GaN power technologies, and power conversion ICs are also utilized in this energy-management system.
Servo Drives Orchestra: According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), 53% of global electricity is consumed by motors, which makes motor-control efficiency among the most effective targets for sustainability benefits. On top of better energy performance of the motors themselves, great potential for improvement lies in how electric motors are integrated into industrial equipment and systems.
At the Summit, ST will showcase its most comprehensive motor-control demo – the Servo Drives Orchestra. This solution comprises 8 reference designs with loads ranging from 500W to 22kW. Each of the motors controls a rope that pulls a load and demonstrates high-precision position control, in harmonic movement coordinated simultaneously with the other motors. Each motor drive executes the commands sent by I/O link from the podium where an HMI (Human Machine Interface) controls the mode selection while each drive controller collects temperature and vibration data, executes condition-monitoring algorithms, and wirelessly sends data to the Baidu Cloud. The cloud then reports back system behavior and power savings, among other parameters.
ST is a leading technology provider for servo drives, power-device technologies, computational processing, isolation devices, industrial safety product, and for ecosystems, and for Industrial Automation, Predictive Maintenance, and Connectivity. The Servo Drives Orchestra demo uses an STM32 microcontroller, ST drivers, as well as SiC and GaN power solutions for overall efficiency improvement.
Efficient Transformation to Factory Automation: The use of IO-Link products in factory automation systems can simplify the installation, setup, maintenance, and repair processes, while also contributing to increased production efficiency, energy savings, and carbon neutrality. ST is committed to providing a complete solution for any IO-Link device applications, including a free IO-Link device mini stack, to help manufacturers optimize their operations and achieve greater sustainability.
ST will feature an Automated packing machine with automatic printing and labeling functions for smart factories that utilizes the Company’s IO-Link technology to manage digital input/output, sensors, and solenoid air valve drivers. The system is controlled by a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), and the system status can be displayed and controlled on an HMI. By connecting the system to a LoRa node, the machine can be remotely monitored and controlled through the IoT Cloud via a LoRa Gateway. The machine uses Digital IO boards, sensor boards, and actuator boards developed by ST Automation Competence Center, demonstrating the comprehensive ST portfolio in action.
Original – STMicroelectronics
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At its annual Technology Summit in Europe beginning September 27th, GlobalFoundries (GF), is highlighting key advancements to its technology platforms and solutions that will enable better power efficiency, enhanced performance and security for applications across critical end markets including IoT, smart mobile and automotive. These milestones highlight GF’s semiconductor manufacturing leadership in product development, validation and market readiness for critical applications in IoT, 5G and 6G smartphones, and electric vehicles.
Building upon the GF Technology Summit in North America this past August, the sessions in Munich will focus on leading at the edge, manufacturing semiconductors in a digital, AI-driven, world through the evolving landscape of communications infrastructure and the electrification of vehicles.
GF’s President and CEO, Dr. Thomas Caulfield, will kick-off the event with a keynote address entitled “Essential chips fuel the era of AI,” which emphasizes the transformative potential of these technologies and their significance in the rapidly evolving semiconductor landscape. In addition, Peter Schiefer, Infineon Division President Automotive, Jean-Marc Chery, President and CEO of STMicroelectronics and Karsten Schnake, Board Member for Procurement at of ŠKODA AUTO & Head of Project COMPASS at Volkswagen AG will take the stage.
Dr. Thomas Caulfield, joined by leaders in the fabless semiconductor and end-markets industries, will also share GF’s corporate vision for manufacturing the essential chips we rely on to live, work, and connect. In addition, GF’s technology and product management leaders, accompanied by partners in the semiconductor design and manufacturing ecosystem, will outline the company’s technology and solutions roadmap.
Held at the Sofitel Munich Bayerpost, the two-day summit also introduces a new format. This year, representatives from GF’s Technology, Business, and Commercial teams are on hand to host small group meetings, facilitating deeper discussions and partnerships with GF customers.
Original – GlobalFoundries
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Nicolas Dufourcq, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of STMicroelectronics N.V., and Maurizio Tamagnini, Vice-Chairman, have asked Jean-Marc Chery, ST’s President and CEO, to be available for a reappointment in his current role. Mr. Chery has accepted the proposal.
Therefore, the Supervisory Board has decided to propose for shareholder approval at the Company’s 2024 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, the reappointment for a three-year mandate of Jean-Marc Chery as the sole member of the Managing Board and the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
The decision recognizes the importance of the continuity of ST’s strategy, execution and value proposition under Mr. Chery’s leadership.
Original – STMicroelectronics
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STMicroelectronics has released a new class of IGBTs with an increased breakdown-voltage capability of 1350V and maximum operating temperature of 175°C. The higher ratings ensure greater design margin, robust performance, and extended reliability under all operating conditions.
The new STPOWER IH2 series IGBTs also permit increased power-conversion efficiency. Favorable parameters include low saturation voltage, Vce(sat), which ensures low dissipation when the device is turned on. The freewheeling diode has low voltage drop and optimized turn-off energy that increases the efficiency of single-switch quasi-resonant converters operating at frequencies from 16kHz to 60kHz.
With their ruggedness and high efficiency, these IGBTs are ideal for induction-heating applications including domestic appliances such as kitchen hobs, inverter microwave ovens, and rice cookers. In a 2kW application, ST’s new IGBT devices can reduce power dissipation by up to 11%.
In addition, the Vce(sat) has a positive temperature coefficient and tight parameter distribution between devices helps simplify design and ease connecting multiple IGBTs in parallel to address high-power applications.
The first two devices in the series, the 25A STGWA25IH135DF2 and 35A STGWA35IH135DF2, are in production now and available in a standard TO-247 long-lead power package.
Original – STMicroelectronics
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STMicroelectronics will supply BorgWarner Inc. with the latest third generation 750V silicon carbide (SiC) power MOSFETs dice for their proprietary Viper-based power module. This power module is used in BorgWarner’s traction inverter platforms for several current and future Volvo Cars electric vehicles.
“This collaboration will give Volvo Cars the opportunity to further increase the attractiveness of our electrical vehicles with longer range and faster charging. It will also support us on our journey towards being fully electric by 2030 and strengthen our increased vertical integration and our control of critical components,” says Javier Varela, Chief Operating Officer & Deputy CEO, Volvo Cars.
“BorgWarner is pleased to partner with ST to supply our longstanding customer Volvo Cars with inverters for their next generation of BEV platforms,” says Stefan Demmerle, Vice President of BorgWarner Inc. and President and General Manager, PowerDrive Systems.
To fully leverage the performance of ST’s SiC MOSFET dice, BorgWarner collaborated closely with ST’s technical team to match their die with BorgWarner’s Viper power switch, thereby maximizing inverter performance and delivering a compact and cost-effective architecture. The collaboration between the companies provides the high-volume capability that is required by the quickly growing EV market.
“Our collaboration with BorgWarner, a leading global automotive supplier in electrification, will enable Volvo Cars to offer their customers superior vehicle performance and range,” says Marco Monti, President, Automotive and Discrete Group, STMicroelectronics. “We are committed to expanding SiC capacity and to reinforcing our SiC supply, including through vertical integration, as we ramp up volumes to support our global automotive and industrial customers in their shift to electrification and higher efficiency.”
ST’s high-volume STPOWER SiC products are manufactured in its fabs in Italy, and Singapore, with advanced packaging and testing at its back-end facilities in Morocco and China. In October 2022, ST announced it would expand its wide bandgap manufacturing capacity with a new integrated SiC substrate manufacturing facility in Catania, home to the company’s power semiconductor expertise and the site of integrated research, development, and manufacturing of SiC.
Original – STMicroelectronics
