Wolfspeed and ZF enter into strategic partnership to develop future silicon carbide semiconductor projects

Wolfspeed and ZF enter into strategic partnership to develop future silicon carbide semiconductor projects

Source: Huaqiang Electronics Network Author: Wolfspeed

Wolfspeed, Inc. (NYSE: WOLF), the global leader in silicon carbide (SiC) technology, and the ZF Group, a global technology company dedicated to creating the next generation of mobility, announced a strategic partnership. This includes the establishment of a joint innovation laboratory to jointly advance the advancement of silicon carbide systems and device technologies for mobility, industrial and energy applications.

The partnership also includes ZF’s significant investment in Wolfspeed to support plans to build the world’s most advanced and largest 200mm silicon carbide device factory in Ensdorf, Germany. Both the joint innovation lab and the Wolfspeed device factory are planned as part of the “Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI)” framework for microelectronics and communications technology, the implementation of which will be subject to approval by the European Commission’s state aid rules .

Dr. Holger Klein, CEO of ZF Group, said: “This is an important step towards a successful transition of the industry, which strengthens the resilience of supply from Europe and supports the European Green Agreement (European Green Agreement). Deal) and the strategic objectives of the ‘Europe’s Digital Decade’.”

The strategic partnership includes the establishment of a joint research and development facility in Germany that will focus on addressing real-world challenges at the system level for e-mobility and renewable energy. The goal of the collaboration is to bring about breakthrough innovations in SiC systems, products and applications that will encompass the entire value chain from chips to complete systems. The project will also invite further partners to initiate an end-to-end SiC innovation network in Europe.

The R&D center focuses on the innovation of SiC systems and devices to meet the specific requirements of all mobility segments including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, agricultural and industrial vehicles, as well as industrial and renewable energy markets. The joint project will further optimize electrification solutions, including improving energy efficiency, power density and performance.

ZF to invest in Wolfspeed’s next-generation 200mm silicon carbide plant

In addition, Wolfspeed also announced that it will build a fully automated, highly advanced 200mm wafer factory in Saarland, Germany. ZF plans to support the construction of the new plant by providing a financial investment of several hundred million dollars in exchange for common stock in Wolfspeed. As part of the investment, ZF will hold a minority stake in the plant, while Wolfspeed will maintain full operational and management control of the new plant. ZF and Wolfspeed previously announced a strategic partnership in 2019 to create an industry-leading, highly efficient electric drivetrain with a silicon carbide inverter. Today’s announcement represents the next generation of innovation that the two parties are working on.

“ZF is a strong partner, bringing us industry-leading experience in e-mobility and the ability to accelerate innovation in silicon carbide systems and power devices,” said Gregg Lowe, President and CEO of Wolfspeed. The partnership will elevate the global reach of SiC semiconductor technology to new heights, supporting sustainable growth and efficiency gains across multiple industries.”