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Littelfuse, Inc. announced the launch of the IX4352NE Low-side SiC MOSFET and IGBT Gate Driver. This innovative driver is specifically designed to drive Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs and high-power Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) in industrial applications.
The key differentiator of the IX4352NE lies in its separate 9 A source and sink outputs, which enable tailored turn-on and turn-off timing while minimizing switching losses. An internal negative charge regulator also provides a user-selectable negative gate drive bias for improved dV/dt immunity and faster turn-off. With an operating voltage range (VDD – VSS) of up to 35 V, this driver offers exceptional flexibility and performance.
One of the standout features of the IX4352NE is its internal negative charge pump regulator, which eliminates the need for an external auxiliary power supply or DC/DC converter. This feature is particularly valuable for turning off SiC MOSFETs, saving valuable space typically required for external logic level translator circuitry. The logic input’s compatibility with standard TTL or CMOS logic levels further enhances space-saving capabilities.
The IX4352NE is ideally suited for driving SiC MOSFETs in various industrial applications such as:
- on-board and off-board chargers,
- Power Factor Correction (PFC),
- DC/DC converters,
- motor controllers, and
- industrial power inverters.
It’s superior performance makes it ideal for demanding power electronics applications in the electric vehicle, industrial, alternate energy, smart home, and building automation markets.
With its comprehensive features, the IX4352NE simplifies circuit design and offers a higher level of integration. Built-in protection features such as desaturation detection (DESAT) with soft shutdown sink driver, Under Voltage Lockout (UVLO), and thermal shutdown (TSD) ensure the protection of the power device and the gate driver. The integrated open-drain FAULT output signals a fault condition to the microcontroller, enhancing safety and reliability. Furthermore, the IX4352NE saves valuable PCB space and increases circuit density, contributing to overall system efficiency.
Notable improvements over the existing IX4351NE include:
- A safe DESAT-initiated soft turn-off.
- A thermal shutdown with high threshold accuracy.
- The charge pump’s ability to operate during thermal shutdown.
The new IX4352NE is pin-compatible, allowing for a seamless drop-in replacement in designs that specify the existing Littelfuse IX4351NE, which was released in 2020.
“The IX4352NE extends our broad range of low-side gate drivers with a new 9 A sink/source driver, simplifying the gate drive circuitry needed for SiC MOSFETs,” commented June Zhang, Product Manager, Integrated Circuits Division (SBU) at Littelfuse. “Its various built-in protection features and integrated charge pump provide an adjustable negative gate drive voltage for improved dV/dt immunity and faster turn-off. As a result, it can be used to drive any SiC MOSFET or power IGBT, whether it is a Littelfuse device or any other similar component available on the market.”
Original – Littelfuse
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Littelfuse, Inc. reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 30, 2024:
- Net sales of $535 million were down 12% versus the prior year period, and down 12% organically
- GAAP diluted EPS was $1.93 and adjusted diluted EPS was $1.76
- Cash flow from operations was $57 million and free cash flow was $42 million
“Our global team delivered solid first quarter results, with sales above and earnings in-line with our expectations, as our increasingly diversified end market exposures, robust technology offering, and portfolio optimization initiatives helped to offset ongoing inventory destocking,” said Dave Heinzmann, Littelfuse President and Chief Executive Officer.
“Further, our strong cash generation reflects disciplined execution, while our well-positioned balance sheet will continue to allow us to capitalize on growth opportunities. Looking forward, we remain confident in an expected return to growth during 2024, and believe our experienced team, agile operations and unwavering long-term strategic focus will drive top-tier value for our stakeholders.”
Second Quarter of 2024*
Based on current market conditions, for the second quarter the company expects,
- Net sales in the range of $525 – $555 million, adjusted diluted EPS in the range of $1.65 – $1.85 and an adjusted effective tax rate of approximately 23%
*Littelfuse provides guidance on a non-GAAP (adjusted) basis. GAAP items excluded from guidance may include the after-tax impact of items including acquisition and integration costs, restructuring, impairment and other charges, certain purchase accounting adjustments, non-operating foreign exchange adjustments and significant and unusual items. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors, and could be material to results computed in accordance with GAAP. Littelfuse is not able to forecast the excluded items in order to provide the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure without unreasonable efforts.
Dividend and Share Repurchase Authorization
- The company’s Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase authorization to replace its expiring previous 3-year program. The company may repurchase up to $300 million in the aggregate of shares of the company’s common stock for the period May 1, 2024, to April 30, 2027.
- The company will pay a cash dividend on its common stock of $0.65 per share on June 6, 2024, to shareholders of record as of May 23, 2024
Original – Littelfuse
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Littelfuse, Inc. was recently named one of America’s Most Responsible Companies on Newsweek’s 2024 list. This marks the second consecutive year the Company has been recognized.
This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The final list recognizes the top 600 most responsible companies in the United States, spanning 14 industries.
“We are proud to be consistently recognized by Newsweek and Statista as one of the most responsible companies in America,” said Dave Heinzmann, Littelfuse President and Chief Executive Officer. “We understand the immense potential to create environmental, social, and ethical impact, and have positioned our business to deliver on our purpose—empowering a sustainable, connected, and safer world. I would like to thank our global teams, customers, suppliers, and partners who work every day to strengthen our sustainability efforts.”
America’s Most Responsible Companies ranking focuses on a holistic view of corporate responsibility that considers all three pillars of ESG: Environment, Social, and Corporate Governance. The analysis is based on KPI research and a public survey.
To learn more about the unwavering commitment of Littelfuse to drive positive change in the world, read the company’s 2022 Sustainability Report at littelfuse.com/about-us/sustainability.Original – Littelfuse
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Littelfuse, Inc. announced the launch of the FDA117 Optically Isolated Photovoltaic Driver. This innovative product generates a floating power source, making it an exceptional choice for isolated switching applications in a wide range of industries.
The FDA117 is specifically designed to control discrete standard power MOSFETs and IGBTs using a floating voltage source, ensuring isolation between the low-voltage drive input side and high-voltage load output side. With an input control current range of 5 mA to 50 mA, an integrated fast turn-off circuitry, and 5 kVRMS reinforced isolation, the FDA117 provides sufficient voltage and current to drive discrete power MOSFETs and IGBTs effectively.
One of the key differentiators of the FDA117 is its ability to generate a floating power source with up to 15.3 V voltage and 60 µA current, making it suitable for driving standard MOSFET devices and IGBTs. This feature allows for greater flexibility in application designs, enabling the direct driving of standard MOSFET/IGBT devices and securely turning off external power semiconductors in less than 0.5 milliseconds.
Product designs that can benefit from the FDA117 include power semiconductor applications in the following markets (to name a few):
- Industrial
- Energy
- Building Automation
- Smart Home
Whether it is used in custom solid-state relay designs, controlling electrical power and loads, or industrial process control, the FDA117 provides the necessary isolation barrier to protect equipment and individuals from electrical hazards.
“To give our customers more flexibility in their application designs, we developed the FDA117 to add a single-channel version to our existing portfolio of Photovoltaic Drivers,” said Mark P. Smith, Director, Product Management, Integrated Circuits & MCU. “High open circuit voltage and short circuit current, combined with 5 kVRMS reinforced isolation voltage, extend the design flexibility.”
The FDA117 is available in both 4-pin DIP through-hole and surface mount packages, providing pinout compatibility with other Photovoltaic Drivers available on the market. This compatibility ensures ease of integration into existing designs without any major modifications.
The FDA117 Optically Isolated Photovoltaic Driver includes the following key features:
- Operates with as low as 5 mA input control current
- Enables driving standard power MOSFETs and IGBTs
- Provides a floating output voltage ranging from 10.5 V to 15.3 V
- Integrated fast turn-off circuitry for controlled switching
- 5,000 VRMS reinforced insulation for enhanced safety
- 4-pin surface mount and through-hole package options
Original – Littelfuse
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Littelfuse, Inc. reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023:
- Net sales of $607.1 million were down 8% versus the prior year period, and down 11% organically.
- GAAP diluted EPS was $2.30; adjusted diluted EPS was $2.97.
- Cash flow from operations was $161.5 million and free cash flow was $139.8 million.
“In the third quarter, sales and earnings exceeded our expectations, despite pockets of end market softness and ongoing inventory destocking,” said Dave Heinzmann, Littelfuse President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our year-to-date performance underscores the resilience of our business model, strong cash generation, and consistent execution.
Looking ahead, while dynamic macro conditions likely persist, our improved cost structure, healthy balance sheet, and ability to optimize cash flow should position us well into 2024. Our experienced team will continue to leverage our competitive advantages across our evolving and diversified end markets.”
Fourth Quarter of 2023
Based on current market conditions, for the fourth quarter the company expects,- Net sales in the range of $520 to $550 million, adjusted diluted EPS in the range of $1.90 to $2.10 and an adjusted effective tax rate of approximately 18%.
Original – Littelfuse
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Littelfuse, Inc. announced the release of IXTY2P50PA, the first automotive-grade PolarP™ P-Channel Power MOSFET. This innovative product design meets the demanding requirements of automotive applications, providing exceptional performance and reliability.
The key differentiator of the –500 V, –2 A IXTY2P50PA is its AEC-Q101 qualification, making it ideal for automotive applications. This qualification ensures that the MOSFET meets the automotive industry’s stringent quality and reliability standards. With this qualification, automotive manufacturers can trust that the IXTY2P50PA will deliver exceptional application performance and reliability.
One of the standout features is its low conduction loss. With a maximum on-state resistance of 4.2 Ω, this P-Channel Power MOSFET offers reduced power dissipation, decreasing heat generation and improving efficiency in the end applications. Additionally, the MOSFET provides excellent switching performance, with a low gate charge of 11.9 nC, allowing for fast and efficient operation.
Another key advantage is its ruggedness in demanding operating environments and applications. With its dynamic dv/dt and avalanche rating, this MOSFET can withstand harsh conditions and deliver reliable performance. This combination makes it an excellent choice for automotive applications that require durability and reliability.
Furthermore, the IXTY2P50PA high-voltage automotive P-channel MOSFET enables a power-dense PCB design, thanks to its miniature TO-252 (DPAK) footprint in surface mount form factor. This compact footprint results in significant space savings on the PCB, allowing for more efficient and compact designs. Automotive manufacturers can benefit from this space-saving design, enabling them to optimize their applications and achieve greater functionality in limited space.
The PolarP Series is ideally suited for a range of automotive electronics and industrial applications, including:
- Automotive ECUs
- Automotive sensor circuits
- High-side switches
- Push-pull amplifiers
- Automatic test equipment
- Current regulators
Commenting on the launch of IXTY2P50PA, Raymon Zhou, Product Marketing Manager at Littelfuse, said, “We are thrilled to introduce the first automotive-grade PolarP P-Channel Power MOSFET to the market. The IXTY2P50PA offers exceptional performance and reliability, making it ideal for demanding automotive applications. With its AEC-Q101 qualification and competitive specifications, we believe this MOSFET will greatly benefit automotive manufacturers.”
Original – Littelfuse
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Littelfuse, Inc. announced the appointment of Gayla Delly to the company’s board of directors, effective September 28, 2023. Delly was also appointed to the Audit Committee.
“Gayla brings a wealth of experience as both a public company executive and seasoned board member,” said Gordon Hunter, Littelfuse Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Her board leadership and broad management experience across companies operating in a diverse set of end markets make her a terrific addition to the Littelfuse board, as we continue to execute our company’s growth strategy.
“We are pleased to welcome Gayla to the Littelfuse Board of Directors,” said Dave Heinzmann, Littelfuse Chief Executive Officer. “Gayla’s track record of driving growth and market expansion while delivering strong financial performance across industries will further strengthen our Board, as we continue our multi-year profitable growth trajectory.”
Delly retired as CEO and a member of the Board of Directors of Benchmark Electronics in 2016, where she spent 21 years in a variety of roles including President, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Controller, and Treasurer. She began her career with KPMG. She currently serves as a director at Broadcom Inc., Flowserve Corporation, and National Instruments Corporation. Delly holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Samford University.
Original – Littelfuse
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Elmos Semiconductor SE, one of the world’s leading suppliers of mixed-signal automotive semiconductors, and Littelfuse, Inc., USA, entered into a definitive agreement on the sale of the Elmos wafer fab at the Dortmund site to Littelfuse. Elmos has agreed to sell the wafer fab at a net purchase price of approximately 93 million Euro. Under the agreement, Littelfuse will acquire the Dortmund wafer fab with a highly skilled technology team of approximately 225 employees. All other activities, including testing operations, will remain with Elmos.
In acquiring the Dortmund wafer fab, Littelfuse enhances its capabilities in power semiconductors for high-growth power conversion applications like renewables, energy storage, and e-Mobility charging infrastructure.
“Today’s agreement is a milestone for semiconductor production in Dortmund and it will strengthen Germany’s standing as a high-tech location. As a fabless company, Elmos will make even greater use of advanced technologies to deliver groundbreaking innovations in mixed-signal semiconductors. Elmos is already the global market leader for certain applications in the automotive industry. We want to use this strong position to shape our future growth,” says Dr. Arne Schneider, CEO of Elmos Semiconductor SE.
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, United States, Littelfuse, Inc. is a diversified, industrial technology manufacturing company empowering a sustainable, connected and safer world. The company operates across more than 20 countries, and with approximately 18,000 global associates. Its products are found in a variety of industrial, transportation and electronics end markets. In Germany, Littelfuse operates various manufacturing, sales and R&D sites.
The closing of the transaction is expected to be effective December 31, 2024, and is subject to certain closing conditions and regulatory approvals, among them the investment control procedure under foreign trade law conducted by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Elmos will retain full operational control over the wafer fab until the closing date.
In addition, Elmos and Littelfuse have agreed to enter into a defined multi-year capacity sharing arrangement with an initial term lasting through 2029, with Elmos buying defined volumes of wafers produced at the fab. This long-term agreement supplements the existing supply arrangements with Elmos’ other foundry partners and ensures that Elmos has the necessary capacities to meet projected customer demand.
“This is good news for the Elmos wafer fab team. We are delighted for Littelfuse to further develop the wafer fab in Dortmund for power semiconductors. Our employees are now expecting a quick review procedure by the relevant authorities,” says Dr. Schneider.
Following regulatory approvals of the transaction, the buyer will make a payment of approximately 37 million Euro. The remainder of the purchase price will be paid at closing. The transaction has no major effects on EBIT in fiscal year 2023, which is why the current forecast for the full-year EBIT margin in 2023 (25% ± 2 percentage points) continues to apply.
Cash flow is expected to be positively influenced in fiscal year 2023 by the payment of approximately 37 million Euro after regulatory approvals. Irrespective of the transaction, Elmos continues to increase its efforts to expand testing capacities for future growth. The company now anticipates capital expenditures of approximately 19% ± 2 percentage points of sales in fiscal year 2023 (previously: 17% ± 2 percentage points). As a result, Elmos now expects a negative operating adjusted free cash flow in 2023.
Original – Elmos Semiconductor
