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Power Integrations is rolling out a new reference design kit tailored specifically for solar-powered race cars as 37 student teams prepare to race across the Outback in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge starting August 24.
RDK-85SLR includes everything needed to create a 46-watt power supply. Solar race car teams can get the kit free by registering online.
The kit, RDK-85SLR, features the PI™ InnoSwitch™3-AQ IC , which incorporates PI’s PowiGaN™ gallium-nitride switch technology. The kit is inspired by a design created by PI’s PowerPros℠ online support engineers in collaboration with the ETH Zurich aCentauri team, whose #85 ‘Silvretta’ challenger-class car is using the design to maximize efficiency in its auxiliary power supply.
“Thousands of engineering students participate in solar car challenges around the world each year, and these innovators will help bring about a more sustainable future,” said Andy Smith, director of technical outreach and training for Power Integrations. “We are providing this reference kit to help young engineers take advantage of the latest, most energy-efficient technologies, such as PowiGaN, in their designs.”
The design kit includes everything needed to create a 46-watt power supply that delivers up to 80 watts for short periods—making it ideal for use as an auxiliary power supply in a solar race car. It employs the company’s InnoSwitch3-AQ flyback power supply IC with a highly efficient PowiGaN switch and eliminates the need for a heatsink, enabling more compact, lightweight, and cost-effective designs. Contents of the kit include a sample power supply, four InnoSwitch3-AQ ICs, and an unpopulated PCB. It is backed by a report containing power supply and magnetics transformer build instructions, schematics, a PCB layout guide, a parts list and comprehensive performance data. Live tech support is available from Power Integrations’ PowerPros team.
“We proved PowiGaN’s reliability, performance and efficiency in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in 2023,” stated Aaron Griesser, lead electrical engineer from the 2023 aCentauri team. “We achieved 95 percent efficiency across both light and full loads with a broad output range of 5 to 60 W. Additionally, the scrutineering judges were astounded to see an auxiliary power supply without a heatsink.”
Power Integrations is a proud sponsor of the aCentauri team and will be reporting on the race from Mr. Green’s Blog and PI’s social media channels using hashtag #PowiGaNVan.
Reference design kit RDK-85SLR is priced at $50. Solar race car teams can get the kit free by registering online.
Original – Power Integrations
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Axcelis Technologies, Inc. announced a Joint Development Program (JDP) with GE Aerospace focused on the development of production-worthy 6.5 to 10kV superjunction power devices. Processes will be developed on Axcelis’ Purion XEmax™ high energy implanter, which provides the industry’s highest beam currents over the broadest energy range — up to 15MeV.
This JDP supports the ‘Advanced High Voltage Silicon Carbide Switches’ project led by GE Aerospace as part of the Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors (CLAWS) Hub, which is headed by North Carolina State University. This project will aim to improve the performance of power switches used in important emerging applications.
Silicon Carbide (SiC) wide bandgap semiconductors deliver higher voltages, operating temperatures and frequencies compared to traditional Silicon (Si) devices. These semiconductor devices are enabling for many applications in the aerospace and defense sector through reduced power consumption and smaller packaging of critical systems. On the commercial side, high voltage wide bandgap semiconductors are expected to play an important role in emerging critical technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, autonomous vehicles and a more resilient power grid.
President and CEO Russell Low commented, “We are proud to collaborate with GE Aerospace in this endeavor, which has the potential to accelerate superjunction technology adoption. Axcelis is committed to providing equipment and process expertise that enables our customers’ superjunction device roadmaps.”
Axcelis’ Purion XEmax provides maximum flexibility in energy ranges to optimize the profile in depth and concentration, enables a more cost-effective approach by reducing the number of application steps, and excels in channeling over 7µm of aluminum implanted depth.
GE Aerospace, through its Research Center in Niskayuna, NY, has built up a world-leading IP portfolio in SiC technologies over more than three decades and sells SiC- based electric power products today through its Electrical Power business to support the avionics and electrical systems aboard commercial aircraft and ground vehicles. More recently, GE Aerospace researchers have been focusing SiC developments to enable future flight operations in more extreme operating environments such as with hypersonic vehicles and space travel, and to support developments with electric propulsion.
Dr. Ljubisa Stevanovic, chief engineer at GE Aerospace Research, stated: “High voltage SiC power devices are an important enabler for a wide array of critical emerging applications and future endeavors, including hypersonic travel, electric propulsion, and space exploration. We are excited to partner with Axcelis on this project, due to their expertise in ion implantation for Silicon Carbide power devices, and their market leading portfolio of Purion high energy ion implanters.”
Original – Axcelis Technologies
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Analog Devices, Inc. announced financial results for its fiscal third quarter 2025, which ended August 2, 2025.
“Despite geopolitical challenges, ADI’s third-quarter revenue and earnings per share exceeded the high end of our expectations,” stated CEO and Chair Vincent Roche. “While tariffs and trade fluctuations are creating market uncertainty, the demand for ADI’s products remains robust. The company’s relentless focus on cutting-edge innovation positions us to capitalize on the growth of the intelligent physical edge. In addition, our diverse and resilient business model enables ADI to navigate various market conditions and consistently create long-term value for our shareholders.”
- Revenue of $2.88 billion, with double-digit year-over-year growth across all end markets
- Operating cash flow of $4.2 billion and free cash flow of $3.7 billion on a trailing twelve-month basis or 40% and 35% of revenue, respectively
- Returned $1.6 billion to shareholders during the third quarter via $0.5 billion in dividends and $1.1 billion in repurchases
CFO Richard Puccio added, “We closed the third quarter with continued backlog growth and healthy bookings trends, notably in the Industrial end market. Our favorable third quarter results and outlook for continued growth in the fourth quarter, position us well to finish fiscal 2025 from a position of strength.”
Original –Analog Devices
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Ideal Power Inc. reported results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2025.
“Our first design win customer is nearing completion of their B-TRAN®-enabled solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB) prototype testing. Following their initial product rollout later this year, we anticipate this OEM will expand its offerings to include a suite of B-TRAN®-enabled SSCBs with a wide range of power ratings, presenting us with a significant revenue growth opportunity. Furthermore, we are now collaborating with our fourth and fifth global Tier 1 automotive suppliers as the automotive industry looks for low-loss, solid-state solutions for electric vehicle (EV) contactors. In addition, we’re thrilled that Stellantis has internally approved a purchase order for custom development and packaged B-TRAN® devices targeting multiple electric vehicle applications. This strategic win will enable multiple uses of B-TRAN® across Stellantis’ EV platforms,” stated Dan Brdar, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ideal Power.
Key Second Quarter and Recent Operational Highlights
Execution to B-TRAN® commercial roadmap continues, including:
- Shipped updated solid-state circuit breaker prototypes with additional capabilities to the first design win customer. The customer is nearing completion of their SSCB prototype testing and is about to start gathering feedback on this new product from their end customers ahead of the B-TRAN®-enabled product launch later this year.
- Entered into a collaboration with a fourth global Tier 1 automotive supplier. They will begin evaluating B-TRAN® in the near term and plan to launch a formal solid-state EV contactor program within the next few months.
- Secured order from a fifth global Tier 1 automotive supplier for several B-TRAN®-enabled devices. The customer will evaluate these devices as part of their innovative solid-state EV contactor design implementation.
- Stellantis’ order for custom development and packaged devices targeting multiple EV applications was approved internally with Ideal Power’s receipt pending. Ideal Power remains actively engaged with Stellantis, meeting regularly with them and their program partners on both EV contactor and drivetrain inverter programs and collaborating with them on automotive qualification and related requirements.
- Added partnership with Kaimei Electronic Corp. to distribute Ideal Power’s products to their existing and prospective customers throughout Asia, alongside their own product portfolio. Asia is the world’s largest market for power electronics, and Asian companies typically adopt new technologies faster than their European and U.S. counterparts.
- Shipped SSCB reference designs to several large companies currently evaluating technology for SSCB or EV contactor applications. This includes two previously announced Forbes Global 500 power management market leaders, as well as the fourth and fifth global Tier 1 automotive suppliers.
- B-TRAN® Patent Estate: Currently at 96 issued B-TRAN® patents with 47 of those issued outside of the United States and 74 pending B-TRAN® patents. Current geographic coverage includes North America, China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, India, and Europe.
Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results
- Cash used in operating and investing activities in the second quarter of 2025 was $2.5 million compared to $2.2 million in the second quarter of 2024.
- Cash used in operating and investing activities in the first half of 2025 was $4.6 million compared to $4.2 million in the first half of 2024.
- Cash and cash equivalents totaled $11.1 million at June 30, 2025.
- No long-term debt was outstanding at June 30, 2025.
- Operating expenses in the second quarter of 2025 were $3.1 million compared to $2.9 million in the second quarter of 2024 driven primarily by higher research and development spending.
- Net loss in the second quarter of 2025 was $3.0 million compared to $2.7 million in the second quarter of 2024.
2025 Milestones
For 2025, the Company has set the following milestones:
• Secure next phase of development program with Stellantis
√ Completed deliverables in 1H 2025 related to first design win
• Capture additional design wins / custom development agreements
• Start initial sales ramp in second half of year
• Increase power rating of products
• Complete third-party automotive qualification testingOriginal – Ideal Power
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Magnachip Semiconductor Corporation announced that YJ Kim has agreed to step down as CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Camillo Martino, Chairman of the Board of Directors, has also been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Magnachip’s Interim CEO and Chairman Camillo Martino said, “YJ Kim became CEO during a turbulent period in the Company’s history, and has led the firm for the past decade. However, Magnachip now faces several strategic, operational and financial challenges as it transitions to become a pure play power semiconductor company, and this requires new leadership. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank YJ for his service and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Mr. Martino commented, “I am fully committed as Interim CEO and will spend most of my time in South Korea to accelerate our transition to a pure-play power company, while also focusing intensely on achieving sustainable profitability and maximizing shareholder value. Among the first actions being taken in our plan is cutting capital expenditures by more than 50% over the next two-plus years as we prioritize capital allocation. As part of our capital allocation plans, it is important that we invest in our Gumi fab to support the growth of our new-generation power products that are critical to our financial recovery. New-generation products are expected to increase our market competitiveness and result in higher average selling prices and gross profit margins. Capital expenditures, which recently had been forecast to range between $65-70 million through 2027, now are forecast to be in the range of $30-35 million, but the total net cash outlay by Magnachip currently is expected to range between $12-13 million, with the remainder covered by our bank equipment loan facility.
“In addition, we will continue to review all other available cost reduction initiatives to align our spending consistent with our goal to achieve Adjusted EBITDA1 breakeven as soon as possible. One of the right-sizing initiatives being undertaken is headcount reduction, primarily through shared corporate functions. We are currently targeting to achieve annual savings of $2-3 million in operating expenses, with a payback period of 1.5 years.”
In concluding comment, Mr. Martino said, “As part of Magnachip’s capital allocation process, the Board will review all strategic alternatives including, but not limited to, a potential sale of the Company. The Board and management share the frustration of shareholders regarding the performance of the Company, and we are determined to optimize capital returns to shareholders. I will work closely with our management team to execute our strategic and financial plans and our new-generation power product roadmap.”
YJ Kim said, “I wish to thank Magnachip’s employees for their dedication to the Company, and the Board of Directors for its support. It’s been an honor to lead Magnachip over the past 10 years.”
Original – Magnachip Semiconductor
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CVD Equipment Corporation announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025.
Second Quarter 2025 Financial Performance
- Revenue of $5.1 million, a decrease of 19.4% from the prior year quarter. Year to date revenue of $13.4 million was 19.2% higher than the prior year period.
- Gross margin declined to 21.0% as compared to 24.3% in the prior year quarter.
- Net loss of $1.1 million or $0.15 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $0.8 million or $0.11 per basic and diluted share during the prior year second quarter.
- Cash and cash equivalents of $7.0 million as of June 30, 2025, as compared to $12.6 million as of December 31, 2024. Accounts receivable increased by $3.6 million during the second quarter as we achieved certain contract milestones; we expect to collect these receivables in the third quarter.
Second Quarter 2025 Operational Performance
- Orders for the second quarter were $4.5 million primarily driven by demand in our SDC segment for gas delivery equipment. Orders for the first six months of 2025 were $7.3 million as compared to $16.9 million for the first six months of 2024.
- SDC segment continued to experience strong demand for its gas delivery systems and its backlog increased significantly during the quarter. Revenue was lower as compared to the prior year second quarter and the first quarter of 2025 due to the timing of orders received.
- Backlog as of June 30, 2025 of $13.2 million, a decrease from $13.8 million as of March 31, 2025.
- During 2025, we improved our operating efficiency and continue to evaluate opportunities to further reduce our operating costs.
Manny Lakios, President and CEO of CVD Equipment Corporation, commented, “Our bookings and revenue during the second quarter reflected several factors, including the uncertainties related to proposed tariffs, reduced US government funding for universities as well as a lag in the adoption of our products and the dynamic nature of the emerging growth markets we serve. We are actively monitoring the evolving customer demand, geopolitical landscape and potential tariff impacts and planning accordingly. We are tightly managing our operating expenses and headcount.
“We believe CVD Equipment Corporation is well positioned to provide solutions across our key target markets — aerospace and defense, industrial applications including silicon carbide (SiC) on graphite, SiC high-power electronics, and electric vehicle (EV) battery materials.
“In aerospace and defense, our key product offerings include chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) systems used in the production of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) for commercial jet engines, and silicon bond coat systems for coating CMC components. For industrial customers, our systems include SiC coating reactor systems and potential uses for the nuclear energy market. Related to the SiC high-power power electronics, our core products include PVT150™ and PVT200™ SiC crystal growth systems. In the EV battery materials market, we are pursuing new opportunities for our PowderCoat™ systems, which can be used in the production of advanced anode materials.
“In early July 2025, we shipped the first CVD4000™ SiC coating reactor system to an industrial customer. These systems will be used to apply a protective silicon carbide coating on graphite OEM components. The resources allocated to our new product launch of the CVD4000™ partially attributed to the reduced revenue from other contracts in progress.
“We remain committed to our long-term strategy—growing our presence across key markets while maintaining disciplined expense management to support our goal of achieving sustained profitability and positive cash flow.”
Original – CVD Equipment Corporation
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Micro Commercial Components (MCC) has introduced the MCG062N15Y, a 150V N-Channel MOSFET designed to meet the growing demand for high-efficiency switching in compact and thermally demanding applications.
At the heart of this new device is Split Gate Trench (SGT) technology, paired with a high-density cell structure. This combination enables a significantly lower RDS(on) and reduced gate charge, directly translating to minimized conduction and switching losses—key for improving system-level energy efficiency.
What sets the MCG062N15Y apart is not just its electrical performance, but also its packaging. The MOSFET is housed in a thermally enhanced PDFN3333 package, optimized for high power density designs where space and heat management are at a premium. In addition to superior thermal performance, the package supports high-precision Automated Optical Inspection (AOI), a critical feature for modern manufacturing lines. By enhancing AOI accuracy, the device helps reduce both false calls and defect escape rates, ultimately improving manufacturing yields and long-term system reliability.
Target Applications:
- Power supplies
- MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controllers
- Motor drives
- Load switches
- Inverters
- Industrial automation systems
With the MCG062N15Y, MCC is offering designers a reliable path toward smaller, smarter, and more energy-efficient power conversion solutions.
Original – Micro Commercial Components
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Micro Commercial Components (MCC) has introduced the MCGWF085P10-TP, a high-performance 100V P-Channel MOSFET optimized for compact and thermally demanding power system designs. Built on advanced trench MV technology and a high-density cell architecture, this device offers exceptional efficiency and switching performance, making it ideal for engineers dealing with space and thermal constraints.
Key Performance Highlights
- Ultra-Low RDS(on) of 85mΩ: Minimizes conduction losses, enhancing system-level energy efficiency.
- High-Speed Switching: With a total gate charge of just 44.4nC, the MCGWF085P10-TP supports fast switching frequencies crucial for modern power applications.
- Excellent Thermal Performance: Designed to operate reliably in high-power and thermally stressed environments.
Compact and Reliable Packaging
The device is housed in a DFN3333-8 package (3.3mm x 3.3mm), which conserves PCB space while supporting high current handling. The inclusion of Side-Wettable Flanks (SWF) ensures strong solder joint integrity and enables automated optical inspection (AOI)—a key feature for enhancing production yield and assembly quality.
For power design engineers, the MCGWF085P10-TP offers a compelling mix of power efficiency, thermal reliability, and space-saving integration. Whether you’re building DC-DC converters, motor drivers, or other high-performance systems, this P-Channel MOSFET delivers reliable performance in a compact footprint.
Applications
- High-efficiency DC-DC converters
- Load switches in battery-powered devices
- Fast-switching high-frequency circuits
- Automotive and industrial electronics
Original – Micro Commercial Components
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Veeco Instruments Inc. announced its second-quarter 2025 financial results, showing a year-over-year decline in revenue and profit, but highlighting strong momentum from High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications.
For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, Veeco reported revenue of $166.1 million, down from $175.9 million in the same period last year. GAAP net income came in at $11.7 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared to $14.9 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, in Q2 2024. On a Non-GAAP basis, the company posted $21.5 million in net income, or $0.36 per diluted share, compared with $25.4 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, last year.
Despite the revenue dip, CEO Bill Miller, Ph.D. emphasized that demand from AI and HPC markets continues to fuel the company’s growth drivers.
“Veeco delivered strong financial results this quarter, fueled by rapid expansion of High-Performance Computing and AI technologies,” Miller said. “This performance was driven by shipments of our wet processing and lithography systems for Advanced Packaging and Ion Beam Deposition systems for EUV mask blanks.”
Looking ahead, Veeco expects third-quarter 2025 revenue in the range of $150 million to $170 million. GAAP diluted EPS is projected between $0.04 and $0.22, while Non-GAAP diluted EPS is anticipated to be in the range of $0.20 to $0.35.
Original – Veeco Instruments
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Wolfspeed, Inc. announced the appointment of Bret Zahn as Vice President and General Manager of their Automotive business as the company continues to enhance its leadership team amid its strategic expansion in high-growth markets. This appointment reflects Wolfspeed’s continued commitment to enabling the next generation of electric vehicles (EVs) through cutting-edge silicon carbide (SiC) solutions. Zahn will report to Chief Business Officer Cengiz Balkas, and will be based at company headquarters in Durham, N.C.
In this role, Zahn will lead the development and execution of Wolfspeed’s automotive product roadmap, aligning with the rapidly evolving needs of global electric vehicle makers and Tier 1 suppliers. Working closely with engineering, R&D, and commercial teams, he will be responsible for driving innovation that meets the increasing demand for power efficiency, performance, and scalability in electric mobility.
“The automotive industry is at an inflection point, and Wolfspeed is at the heart of the transformation,” said Robert Feurle, CEO of Wolfspeed. “Our silicon carbide solutions are already powering some of the world’s most advanced EVs. Under Bret’s leadership, we will deepen our partnerships with global automakers and deliver the next wave of innovation to expand our product offerings and meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
As the transition to electrified transportation accelerates, silicon carbide has emerged as a foundational technology for extending driving range, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing charging times. Wolfspeed’s investment in vertically integrated, U.S-based SiC manufacturing—including its 200mm Mohawk Valley Fab and materials facility in North Carolina—positions the company to meet automotive demand and offers a secure and scalable supply chain for customers.
Zahn brings 35 years of global engineering and business management experience across various technology sectors. Previously he held the role of VP and GM of the Automotive Traction Solutions (ATS) Business Unit at onsemi, encompassing both SiC and IGBT bare die and power module sales, growing that business from IGBT only revenue in 2020 to both IGBT and SiC revenue at the close of 2024. His proven ability to navigate complex business structures and lead cross-functional teams will be instrumental as Wolfspeed seeks to capitalize on opportunities within the automotive sector.
“I am excited to join Wolfspeed during this transformative period and contribute to its mission of delivering advanced solutions in the automotive market,” said Zahn. “I look forward to working alongside this talented team to drive continued innovation and growth as we navigate the rapidly changing landscape of the industry.”
Zahn’s appointment follows the announcements of Wolfspeed’s refreshed leadership team and marks another milestone as Wolfspeed works to navigate near-term market dynamics and seize opportunities to expand its leadership in silicon carbide technologies.
Original – Wolfspeed
