Wolfspeed Tag Archive

  • Wolfspeed Produces Single-Crystal 300 mm Silicon Carbide Wafer, Marking Major Industry Milestone

    Wolfspeed Produces Single-Crystal 300 mm Silicon Carbide Wafer, Marking Major Industry Milestone

    2 Min Read

    Wolfspeed, Inc. announced successful production of a single-crystal 300 mm (12-inch) silicon carbide wafer. Backed by one of the industry’s largest silicon carbide IP portfolios—more than 2,300 issued and pending patents worldwide—the company is pioneering the transition to 300 mm and setting a path toward future volume commercialization.

    The advance represents a meaningful step for next-generation computing platforms, immersive AR/VR systems, and high-efficiency power devices. By extending silicon carbide to 300 mm, Wolfspeed is opening new performance thresholds and manufacturing scalability for demanding semiconductor applications.

    “Producing a 300 mm single crystal silicon carbide wafer is a significant technology achievement and the result of years of focused innovation in crystal growth, boule and wafer processing,” said Elif Balkas, Chief Technology Officer at Wolfspeed. “It positions Wolfspeed to support the industry’s most transformative technologies, especially critical elements of the AI ecosystem, immersive augmented and virtual reality systems, and other advanced power device applications.”

    Wolfspeed’s 300 mm platform is designed to unify high-volume silicon carbide manufacturing for power electronics with advanced capabilities in high-purity semi-insulating substrates used in optical and RF systems. This convergence enables a new class of wafer-scale integration across optical, photonic, thermal, and power domains.

    As AI workloads drive data centers toward their power limits, the 300 mm silicon carbide platform will help integrate high-voltage power delivery, advanced thermal solutions, and active interconnects at wafer scale—pushing system performance beyond conventional transistor scaling. In AR/VR, silicon carbide’s material properties—including mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and optical refractive control—support compact, lightweight architectures that pair high-brightness displays with effective thermal management.

    Beyond AI and AR/VR, moving silicon carbide to 300 mm enhances the ability to scale production of advanced power devices for applications such as high-voltage grid transmission and next-generation industrial systems, improving economics and long-term supply assurance.

    “This 300 mm breakthrough is more than a technical milestone—it unlocks new opportunities for silicon carbide as a strategic material,” said Poshun Chiu, Principal Analyst, Compound Semiconductor, Yole Group. “It clearly demonstrates that silicon carbide is advancing to the next level of manufacturing maturity required for the coming decade of electrification, digitalization, and AI, and provides the market with a credible roadmap toward higher-volume production, improved economics and long-term supply assurance.”

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  • Wolfspeed To Supply Silicon Carbide MOSFETs For Toyota Onboard Charger Systems

    Wolfspeed To Supply Silicon Carbide MOSFETs For Toyota Onboard Charger Systems

    2 Min Read

    Wolfspeed Inc. announced that its automotive MOSFETs will power onboard charger systems for Toyota Battery Electric Vehicles. The adoption underscores Toyota’s confidence in Wolfspeed’s ability to meet stringent quality and long-term reliability requirements.

    “Toyota is known for its uncompromising approach to quality and reliability, and we’re honored to be supporting their next wave of electrification,” said Robert Feurle, Chief Executive Officer. “Wolfspeed’s U.S.-based supply chain and domestic silicon carbide manufacturing footprint ensure the stability and continuity they need to achieve their electrification goals.”

    Silicon carbide has become the industry standard for high-voltage onboard power systems as the automotive sector accelerates toward clean energy vehicles. Beyond enabling fast, efficient, high-power-density traction inverters, silicon carbide brings clear advantages to onboard automotive auxiliary power systems such as onboard chargers—supporting shorter charging times, reducing energy loss across the vehicle, improving driving range, and lowering recharge costs over the vehicle’s lifespan.

    “Our work with Toyota is built upon years of trust in engineering expertise, supply reliability, as well as a shared obsession with quality,” said Cengiz Balkas, Chief Business Officer. “This reinforces our role in driving electrification with silicon carbide technology that delivers performance, efficiency and safety.”

    Wolfspeed supports a broad range of EV platforms directly with OEMs and through Tier 1 partners, making its technology a foundational element of the expanding EV ecosystem.

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  • Wolfspeed Receives $698.6 Million AMIC Tax Refund to Support Silicon Carbide Expansion

    Wolfspeed Receives $698.6 Million AMIC Tax Refund to Support Silicon Carbide Expansion

    2 Min Read

    Wolfspeed, Inc. announced it has received $698.6 million in cash tax refunds from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit (AMIC), as outlined in Section 48D of the Internal Revenue Code. This refund is part of an approximate $1 billion total in expected cash tax benefits under the program.

    In fiscal year 2025, Wolfspeed had previously received $186.5 million in tax refunds related to its fiscal 2023 and 2024 federal filings. Following the latest payment, the company’s total cash position now stands at approximately $1.5 billion, enhancing its financial flexibility as it accelerates its 200mm silicon carbide manufacturing capacity ramp.

    “This substantial cash infusion further strengthens our liquidity position at a critical phase in Wolfspeed’s strategic evolution,” stated Gregor Van Issum, Chief Financial Officer of Wolfspeed. “It provides us with the financial agility to support long-term growth, manage our capital structure responsibly, and continue driving innovation across the silicon carbide value chain for our customers.”

    Wolfspeed plans to allocate $192.2 million from the refund to repay approximately $175 million in outstanding debt, with the balance reserved for general corporate purposes.

    The funding strengthens Wolfspeed’s long-term investment in a vertically integrated, U.S.-based silicon carbide supply chain and accelerates its transition from 150mm to next-generation 200mm wafer technology. This platform is essential to meeting growing demand across key electrification markets including electric vehicles, AI data centers, aerospace and defense, industrial systems, and energy infrastructure.

    With decades of expertise in silicon carbide materials and device production, Wolfspeed remains uniquely positioned to support global efforts to improve energy efficiency and drive sustainable innovation across critical sectors.

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  • Wolfspeed Unveils 1200V SiC Six-Pack Modules with Industry-Leading Power Cycling and Efficiency for Heavy-Duty Inverters

    Wolfspeed Unveils 1200V SiC Six-Pack Modules with Industry-Leading Power Cycling and Efficiency for Heavy-Duty Inverters

    2 Min Read

    Wolfspeed, Inc. has announced a new line of 1200V Silicon Carbide (SiC) six-pack power modules that significantly raise the bar for high-power inverter performance. Leveraging Wolfspeed’s Gen 4 SiC MOSFETs and an advanced YM package design, these modules deliver three times the power cycling capability at operating temperature compared to other solutions in the same footprint, and enable up to 15% more inverter current.

    The modules incorporate innovations like sintered die attach, epoxy encapsulation, and copper clip interconnects, resulting in a robust system with high durability. These design enhancements allow the modules to achieve superior power cycling endurance—an area traditionally limited by material and thermal fatigue—while maintaining high levels of electrical performance.

    Performance improvements include a 22% lower RDS(on) at 125°C, a 60% reduction in turn-on energy losses (EON), and significantly improved diode behavior with 30% lower switching losses and 50% lower VDS overshoot during reverse recovery. These gains support higher system efficiency and improved thermal management under heavy load conditions.

    The modules are drop-in compatible with existing IGBT module architectures, eliminating the need for redesign and simplifying integration. Their packaging design reduces assembly complexity by removing the need for laser-welded terminals or intricate cold plate mounting, making them attractive for applications in electric mobility, industrial drives, and heavy-duty vehicle platforms.

    Wolfspeed’s new power modules are designed to support extended service life and reduced operational cost, addressing key industry concerns such as maintenance, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Sampling is currently underway, with general availability through distributors expected in early 2026.

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  • Wolfspeed and Hopewind Collaborate to Advance High-Efficiency Wind Power Conversion

    Wolfspeed and Hopewind Collaborate to Advance High-Efficiency Wind Power Conversion

    2 Min Read

    Wolfspeed, Inc. has announced a strategic collaboration with Hopewind, a recognized innovator in renewable energy technologies. The partnership aims to accelerate the development of next-generation wind power systems by integrating Wolfspeed’s 2.3kV LM Pack Module into Hopewind’s advanced 950Vac wind power converter.

    Hopewind, one of China’s largest wind power converter manufacturers, has developed a highly modular and lightweight converter architecture that utilizes silicon carbide technology and high-reliability packaging. The new solution achieves up to a 38% increase in power density and supports high switching frequencies of up to 6kHz, improving both efficiency and reliability.

    Wolfspeed’s 2.3kV LM Pack Module is designed to support demanding power applications such as large-scale wind turbines. The module offers system-level advantages including simplified design, increased efficiency, higher power density, and improved reliability—key factors in reducing total system cost. Commercial availability of the module is expected in early 2026.

    “This collaboration not only strengthens Wolfspeed’s position as a trusted silicon carbide provider but also supports the global transition to cleaner and more efficient energy systems,” said John Perry, Vice President and General Manager of Medium and High Voltage Products at Wolfspeed. “The 2.3kV LM Pack Module is well-suited to meet the wind power sector’s demand for higher voltage and higher efficiency.”

    Hopewind, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, was recently recognized by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) as a Tier 1 photovoltaic inverter manufacturer—an acknowledgment granted to only seven companies worldwide, underscoring its competitive position in the global renewables market.

    “Working with Wolfspeed enables us to enhance the performance of our wind power converters through their industry-leading silicon carbide technology,” said Wang Yan, Vice President at Hopewind. “By adopting the 2.3kV LM Pack Module, we are advancing our ability to deliver high-efficiency, reliable, and cost-effective solutions to the global wind power market.”

    The collaboration marks a significant step forward in scaling high-performance, silicon carbide-based systems across the renewable energy sector.

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  • Wolfspeed Appoints Matthias Buchner as Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Chief Marketing Officer

    Wolfspeed Appoints Matthias Buchner as Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Chief Marketing Officer

    3 Min Read

    Wolfspeed, Inc., a global leader in silicon carbide technology, has announced the appointment of Matthias Buchner as Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Chief Marketing Officer, effective December 1, 2025. Buchner will report directly to President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Feurle.

    In his new role, Buchner will oversee Wolfspeed’s global sales and marketing operations, focusing on driving adoption of the company’s next-generation silicon carbide devices produced on its vertically integrated 200 mm manufacturing platform. His appointment comes at a pivotal time as Wolfspeed continues to expand its production capacity and strengthen its position in high-growth sectors such as automotive, renewable energy, industrial power systems, and AI-driven data infrastructure.

    Buchner joins Wolfspeed from Infineon Technologies AG, where he served as Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Power & Sensor Systems Division. At Infineon, he managed strategic communication, partnerships, distribution, and marketing operations for a multibillion-dollar business. Over his two-decade career, he has held leadership roles at Infineon, Micron Technology, and other global technology companies, bringing extensive experience in silicon and silicon carbide power solutions, business development, and customer engagement.

    Wolfspeed CEO Robert Feurle said the appointment underscores the company’s focus on strengthening customer relationships and expanding into new market segments. “Attracting a world-class sales and marketing executive like Matthias at this critical juncture underscores Wolfspeed’s commitment to capturing the immense opportunities ahead,” Feurle said. “His leadership experience across silicon and silicon carbide technologies will be instrumental as we advance in areas like AI data centers, renewable energy, and grid infrastructure. With Matthias joining our team, Wolfspeed is exceptionally well positioned to translate our vertically integrated silicon carbide platform into sustainable, profitable growth.”

    Buchner said he is excited to join Wolfspeed at a time of major transformation for both the company and the industry. “Wolfspeed’s expertise in silicon carbide device production sets the standard for performance and quality,” he said. “My focus will be on building strong partnerships with our customers and accelerating the global transition from silicon-based to silicon-carbide-based technologies.”

    His appointment comes as Wolfspeed continues to strengthen its operational and strategic foundation. The company recently completed a refinancing initiative to improve its financial position and streamline its operations. As part of these efforts, Wolfspeed plans to close its 150 mm device fabrication facility in Durham, North Carolina, by the end of 2025 and has decided not to proceed with a proposed fabrication facility in Saarland, Germany. These moves will consolidate Wolfspeed’s manufacturing footprint around its next-generation 200 mm silicon carbide platform, improving efficiency and long-term profitability.

    Wolfspeed is also investing heavily in its U.S. manufacturing network, including an advanced materials factory in North Carolina, a device fabrication facility in New York, and a packaging plant in Arkansas. Together, these sites form a robust, fully integrated supply chain designed to support the company’s global customer base and future growth in the expanding silicon carbide market.

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  • Wolfspeed Emerges from Chapter 11 with Strengthened Balance Sheet and New Board Leadership

    Wolfspeed Emerges from Chapter 11 with Strengthened Balance Sheet and New Board Leadership

    2 Min Read

    Wolfspeed, Inc. has successfully completed its financial restructuring process, emerging from Chapter 11 protection with a significantly strengthened financial position and a refreshed Board of Directors.

    Through the restructuring, Wolfspeed reduced its total debt by approximately 70%, extended maturities to 2030, and lowered its annual cash interest expense by roughly 60%. The company emphasized that it now has ample liquidity and a self-funded business plan supported by free cash flow generation. With its vertically integrated 200mm U.S.-based SiC manufacturing footprint, Wolfspeed is well positioned to drive growth in high-demand markets such as AI, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and industrial applications.

    “This marks the beginning of a new era for Wolfspeed,” said Robert Feurle, CEO of Wolfspeed. “We enter this phase with improved financial stability, a scaled 200mm facility footprint, and the strong foundation needed to capture rising demand across rapidly growing end markets.”

    As part of its emergence, Wolfspeed announced significant Board changes. Anthony M. Abate has been appointed Chairman, succeeding Tom Werner. Abate brings decades of leadership across technology, telecom, and investment sectors. He is joined by new Board members Mike Bokan, Eric Musser, Hong Q. Hou, and, pending regulatory approval, Aris Bolisay. They add extensive expertise spanning semiconductors, global sales, operational leadership, and financial strategy.

    The appointments come as several directors, including Werner, Glenda Dorchak, John Hodge, Darren Jackson, Duy-Loan Le, Stacy Smith, and Marvin Riley, stepped down from the Board.

    Feurle expressed gratitude to outgoing members: “Their leadership and input were vital as we navigated our financial restructuring. We now welcome new directors whose experience will help guide Wolfspeed as we strengthen our position in the global SiC market.”

    With a cleaner balance sheet, reduced financial burden, and a reconstituted leadership team, Wolfspeed is positioning itself to scale operations, meet rising customer demand, and remain at the forefront of the silicon carbide power semiconductor industry.

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  • Wolfspeed Gains Court Approval for Reorganization Plan, Set to Emerge Stronger with 70% Debt Reduction

    Wolfspeed Gains Court Approval for Reorganization Plan, Set to Emerge Stronger with 70% Debt Reduction

    1 Min Read

    Wolfspeed, Inc. received court approval for its Plan of Reorganization and expects to emerge from Chapter 11 protection within the coming weeks. As part of the restructuring, Wolfspeed anticipates reducing its debt by approximately 70%, significantly strengthening its capital structure and financial flexibility.

    The company stated that this milestone positions Wolfspeed to accelerate its strategic priorities and maintain its focus on innovation in silicon carbide solutions.

    “We are pleased to reach this important milestone, which clears the path for us to complete our restructuring process in the coming weeks,” said Robert Feurle, Chief Executive Officer of Wolfspeed. “Strengthening our capital structure will help shape Wolfspeed into a leader in the industry, giving us the flexibility to move swiftly on strategic priorities and reinforce our leadership in silicon carbide. I want to thank our team for their dedication, as well as our customers, vendors, and lending partners for their ongoing support.”

    With a stronger financial foundation, Wolfspeed aims to continue advancing its technology leadership and supporting growth in markets such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, data centers, and industrial power systems, where demand for silicon carbide solutions is rapidly accelerating.

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  • Wolfspeed Announced FY 2025 Results

    Wolfspeed Announced FY 2025 Results

    2 Min Read

    Wolfspeed, Inc. announced its results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 and the full fiscal year.

    Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2025 Highlights (Continuing Operations)

    • Revenue of $197 million, compared to $201 million in Q4 FY2024. Mohawk Valley Fab contributed $94.1 million, more than doubling from $41 million a year ago.
    • GAAP gross margin of (13)%, compared to 1% in the prior year.
    • Non-GAAP gross margin of (1)%, compared to 5% in Q4 FY2024.
    • GAAP loss per share of ($4.30), compared to ($1.39) in the prior year.
    • Non-GAAP loss per share of ($0.77), an improvement from ($0.89) in Q4 FY2024.

    Full Fiscal Year 2025 Highlights (Continuing Operations)

    • Revenue of $758 million, compared to $807 million in FY2024.
    • GAAP gross margin of (16)%, down from 10% in FY2024.
    • Non-GAAP gross margin of 2%, compared to 13% in the prior year.
    • GAAP loss per share of ($11.39), compared to ($4.56) in FY2024.
    • Non-GAAP loss per share of ($3.32), compared to ($2.59) in the prior year.

    Business Segment Results

    • Power Products revenue: $118.6 million in Q4 and $414.0 million for FY2025.
    • Materials Products revenue: $78.4 million in Q4 and $343.6 million for FY2025.

    “Reflecting on my first three months with Wolfspeed, I am more confident than ever in our decision to pursue silicon carbide leadership,” said Robert Feurle, Wolfspeed’s Chief Executive Officer. “With our world-class, vertically integrated facilities, an expanded leadership team, and strong IP portfolio, Wolfspeed is well-positioned to be the global leader in SiC technology. Our next milestone is court approval of our Plan of Reorganization next month, which will allow us to emerge from Chapter 11 with a stronger financial structure.”

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  • Wolfspeed Appoints Bret Zahn to Lead Automotive Business Amid Strategic SiC Expansion for EV Market

    Wolfspeed Appoints Bret Zahn to Lead Automotive Business Amid Strategic SiC Expansion for EV Market

    3 Min Read

    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. 

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