Infineon And Wolfspeed Expand Silicon Carbide Wafer Supply Agreement

Infineon Technologies and Wolfspeed, Inc. have announced the expansion and extension of their long-term 150mm silicon carbide (SiC) wafer supply agreement, which was initially signed in February 2018; This extended partnership includes a multi-year capacity reservation agreement.

The collaboration is aimed at enhancing Infineon’s supply chain stability amid the increasing demand for SiC semiconductor products, particularly in automotive, solar, electric vehicle (EV) applications, and energy storage systems.

SiC devices

Silicon Carbide (SiC) devices, favored for their low ON resistance and superior performance in high-temperature, high-frequency, and high-voltage settings compared to silicon, are the leading choice for next-gen, low-loss semiconductors because the tech permits simplified designs with fewer components, reducing overall complexity.

SiC’s low ON resistance also leads to substantially lower energy consumption, facilitating the creation of eco-friendly products and systems that contribute to reduced CO2 emissions.

Silicon carbide (SiC), also known as carborundum. (“SiC p1390066” by David Monniaux is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.)

Infineon is adopting a multi-source strategy to secure access to high-quality 150mm and 200mm SiC wafers — The prolonged partnership with Wolfspeed is expected to strengthen Infineon’s supply chain resilience, ensuring a stable supply base for the coming years.

We have expanded and extended our long-term 150mm silicon carbide wafer supply agreement with @Wolfspeed. 🥳 As the demand for #SiC devices continues to grow, we are further strengthening our supply chain resilience for years to come. 🔎 https://t.co/Z7X4z82gtk pic.twitter.com/zGB9PFp11s

— Infineon (@Infineon) January 23, 2024

Jochen Hanebeck, CEO of Infineon Technologies, stated that the demand for silicon carbide devices is increasing, and the multi-source strategy aims to secure access to a global, high-quality, and long-term supply base for SiC wafers. This is crucial for supporting the growing markets in automotive, industrial, and energy sectors, where silicon carbide solutions are gaining popularity due to their ability to enable smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective designs.

Jochen Hanebeck, CEO of Infineon Technologies.

Silicon carbide-based power solutions are experiencing rapid adoption across various markets, offering advantages such as increased energy efficiency and the ability to unlock new clean energy applications. Infineon aims to diversify its supplier base continuously to ensure access to high-quality silicon carbide substrates.

Gregg Lowe, President and CEO of Wolfspeed.

Gregg Lowe, President and CEO of Wolfspeed, highlighted that Wolfspeed is a global leader in silicon carbide production and is playing a crucial role in the industry’s transition to silicon carbide.

The partnership with Infineon positions Wolfspeed as a major supplier of silicon carbide wafers, supporting the growing demand for silicon carbide devices and materials through 2030, estimated to represent a $20 billion annual opportunity.

Filed in General. Read more about Component, Infineon and Semiconductors.