Silicon Carbide device manufacturer Wolfspeed has launched its new Gen 4 technology platform engineered to simplify switching behaviors and design challenges commonly experienced in high-power designs such as EV powertrains, renewable energy systems, and battery energy storage systems. Gen 4 products are currently available in the 750 V, 1200 V, and 2300 V nodes.
“From its inception, our goal for Gen 4 has been to improve overall system efficiency in real-world operating environments, with a focus on delivering maximum performance at the system level. Gen 4 enables design engineers to create more efficient, longer-lasting systems that perform well in tough operating environments at a better overall system cost.”
Jay Cameron, Senior VP of Wolfspeed power products
Wolfspeed’s Gen 4 platform was designed to comprehensively improve system efficiency and prolong application life, even in harshest of environments, while helping to reduce system cost and development time. The technology will deliver significant performance enhancements for designers of high-power automotive, industrial, and renewable energy systems, with key benefits including:
- Holistic System Efficiency: Delivering up to a 21% reduction in on-resistance at operating temperatures with up to 15% lower switching losses.
- Durability: Ensuring reliable performance, including a short-circuit withstand time of up to 2.3 µS to provide additional safety margin.
- Lower System Cost: Streamlining design processes to reduce system costs and development time.
Wolfspeed is the only silicon carbide producer with both silicon carbide material and silicon carbide device fabrication facilities based in the United States, a factor that is becoming increasingly important under the new U.S. Administration’s increased focus on national security and investment in U.S. semiconductor production.
“Our Gen 4 platform will be delivered via our highly efficient 200mm wafers, which will enable us to deliver products on a scale and level of yield not seen in this industry before.”
Tom Werner, Executive Chairman at Wolfspeed
