Silicon Carbide Chip Manufacturers

Silicon carbide has become an increasingly popular material choice for power semiconductor applications due to its ability to handle higher voltage demands. Bosch recently invested an estimated 1.5 billion dollars to upgrade their facilities in Roseville, California and begin producing SiC chips on 200mm wafers.

Other major chipmakers, like Infineon Technologies and Onsemi, are expanding their production capacities as well to take full advantage of wide bandgap technology’s potential to lower costs and improve efficiency.

Wolfspeed

Wolfspeed stands as a pioneer of silicon carbide semiconductor technology and stands to lead its transition from traditional silicon chips in various key markets. Boasting first-mover advantage and an extensive patent portfolio, the company already boasts major customers while building new plants to meet growing demand; moreover, Wolfspeed has entered into significant contracts with OEMs that are fueling its rapid expansion.

Wolfspeed has developed an innovative process for cultivating silicon carbide crystals into wafers that are then processed into chips, making these more efficient than conventional silicon chips and capable of operating at higher voltages, leading to reduced electrical losses and extended battery life for electric cars. Furthermore, their higher power ratings allow thinner wiring and smaller components – further decreasing manufacturing costs and weight.

Wolfspeed has also made significant strides toward signing a long-term supply agreement with one of the major automotive suppliers, supporting recently signed agreements with Renesas and Infineon while propelling meaningful progress toward its long-term growth strategy. To meet growing demand for its silicon carbide chips, Wolfspeed is expanding its facilities; including building a multi-billion dollar materials factory at its Durham, North Carolina headquarters that will increase production capacity tenfold and produce larger than 150mm (8 inch) wafers currently used in semiconductor fabrication.

This investment will improve yields and cut costs, driving profitability. Furthermore, they offer competitive benefits packages such as health and retirement plans to their employees.

Wolfspeed has significantly expanded its market share within the power device industry as a result of their investments, drawing more investment and experiencing revenue growth faster than its industry. They expect their company to experience rapid expansion over the coming years and should make substantial profits; however, this investment requires an immense amount of capital which may lead to negative free cash flows initially but should improve as their facility is built out.

STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is an international semiconductor company that designs and produces an expansive variety of products. With roots extending back over 60 years, the company boasts strong presences both within industry as well as consumer electronics industries; being one of their primary suppliers. STMicroelectronics operates factories worldwide – in Catania Italy; Muar Malaysia Shenzhen China Singapore as well as being listed on both New York and Paris stock exchanges – for easy global access.

STMicroelectronics launched its inaugural silicon carbide devices in 2004 after extensive research and development efforts, building its portfolio of medium and high voltage SiC diodes, MOSFETs and other power semiconductors since. Furthermore, STM offers custom SiC-based power management solutions designed for specific applications.

Current production for STPOWER SiC products at Catania and Ang Mo Kio is comprised of two 150mm wafer lines; assembly and testing of final products take place at back-end sites in Shenzhen and Bouskoura respectively. Going forward, plans call for increasing capacity for 200mm production while simultaneously increasing internal substrate sourcing to 40% by 2024.

SiC-based power devices boast several distinct advantages over silicon devices, including higher efficiency, faster switching times, lower losses and reduced thermal management needs. As such, these features make SiC devices ideal for many power management applications – particularly high growth markets like e-mobility and industrial processes – while being easily implemented into existing designs without significant modifications resulting in rapid turnaround times and significant cost savings.

Silicon carbide-based power solutions for automotive use are revolutionizing designs by creating smaller, lighter and more compact designs while increasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness of turning electrical energy into movement. They are also pioneering new greener power technologies.

STMicroelectronics has successfully created a global ecosystem around silicon carbide technology, and this latest investment underscores that commitment. The plant will feature advanced processing tools and a new wafer line – giving STMicroelectronics the capacity to offer its customers a wide variety of silicon carbide devices.

On Semiconductors

Silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors have become an indispensable part of electric vehicle (EV) power circuits due to their wide band gap, stable lattice structure and excellent thermal conductivity compared to silicon technology. Furthermore, unlike silicon which degrades with radiation exposure over time, SiC remains suitable for space and nuclear applications – driving up demand even further for SiC chips.

Silicon Carbide (SiC) is a versatile material capable of withstanding high temperatures, voltages and frequencies – characteristics which make it suitable for power electronic devices such as converters, inverters, power supplies and battery chargers. SiC chips are projected to reach $13.9 billion worldwide by 2027 with power electronics holding the highest market share due to an increasing need for electric vehicles requiring more powerful chips.

Microchip is an industry-leading supplier of silicon carbide products. Their vast array of discrete and module products can be found across automotive, industrial, transportation and telecommunication applications – such as automobiles, industrial machinery and telecom. Headquartered in the US and operating globally since 1996, its primary activities involve designing, developing and manufacturing electronic components aimed at long-term reliability with reduced costs and sizes; as well as comprehensive portfolio of services and support including design services, training sessions and technical assistance.

Some chipmakers are experiencing difficulties due to COVID-19 pandemic and slow economic growth; others are finding relief through electric vehicle sales. This trend has spurred increased investments into developing new technologies; as a result, companies are gearing up for meeting increased power semiconductor demands.

ON Semiconductors is a premier provider of SiC semiconductors and has seen strong revenue and earnings for several years running. The company invested heavily in an advanced fab in Bucheon, South Korea that will produce over one million 200mm wafers annually; additionally it also operates several factories around the globe that can produce SiC wafers. CEO Hassane El-Khoury stated that new factories may be constructed if demand continues to expand but believes focusing on existing sites as the way forward to scale production up effectively.

GT Advanced Technologies

GT Advanced Technologies was established in 1994 as a technology company dedicated to producing materials and crystal growth equipment for solar, light emitting diode (LED), electronics and optoelectronic industries. GT produces polysilicon processing systems and filament production systems; trichlorosilane reactors; sapphire crystal growing furnaces as well as silicon carbide products and services such as wafering-ready 150mm and 200mm SiC; plus provides innovative technology solutions for power semiconductor and optoelectronic markets.

GT Advanced’s headquarters are in Hudson, New Hampshire. On June 26, 2018 GT Advanced celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant for silicon carbide (SiC). Attended by local and federal officials as well as employees and shareholders. This facility will produce large amounts of SiC for use in high power electronics applications.

Onsemi’s acquisition of GT Advanced signals a return to vertical integration as demand for SiC chips surges. To produce SiC chips, companies such as Onsemi must first source raw discs called wafers from one of a limited number of producers; prior to the deal with GT Advanced in Phoenix-based Onsemi exclusively used Cree Inc (CREE).

Onsemi’s acquisition of GTAT expands their ability to secure and expand supply of SiC, an essential component in next-generation semiconductors that provide technical benefits and system efficiencies in numerous applications including electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, energy infrastructure and energy infrastructure. Working together, onsemi and GTAT experts can accelerate SiC development while meeting rapidly increasing customer demands for smarter power devices that contribute to sustainable ecosystems.