[Editor's Note] Wolfspeed, the world's largest producer of SiC semiconductor wafers, is anticipating the future expansion of the power semiconductor market and is moving forward with full-scale production capacity expansion. In the midst of this, Wolfspeed is expanding the adoption of SiC semiconductors, and is seeking to expand beyond their use in power modules for electric vehicles, enterprise data sensors, and smart grids to include air conditioning equipment such as high-end residential air conditioners and system air conditioners. Accordingly, our magazine met with Wolfspeed’s Vice President Lee Tae-hoon and Vice President Ham Jeong-ho, who held a webinar on ‘Wolfspeed SiC’s Heat Pump and Air Conditioning Solutions’ on the 1st, and heard about SiC semiconductor demand sources, design considerations, and future investment plans.

■ Please introduce Wolfspeed.

Wolfspeed is a market leader enabling the global adoption and expansion of SiC (silicon carbide) and GaN (gallium nitride) technologies.

Our best-in-class solutions are transforming entire industries, enabling our customers to create a more sustainable, energy-efficient future for all.

With over 35 years of experience in the SiC space, Wolfspeed’s Silicon Carbide power products include materials and wafers, discrete bare die and packaged MOSFETs and Schottky diodes, as well as power modules that deliver high efficiency and high power density for electric vehicles, fast charging stations, enterprise data centers, renewable energy storage and smart grids.

Bare die, HEMTs and MMICs in our RF GaN product line help designers improve system size, weight and power consumption, and are being applied in a variety of fields such as 5G, satellite communications, radar and avionics.

strong>■ The reason why SiC power semiconductors have superior performance compared to silicon power devices

Wolfspeed silicon carbide wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors deliver performance that far surpasses conventional silicon semiconductors, setting new standards for efficiency and reliability in power applications.

Switching from silicon to silicon carbide could deliver higher efficiency, faster switching, improved thermal performance, and higher power density.

SiC is the choice to achieve higher efficiency levels while achieving smaller, lighter, and quieter systems. Also, the benefits of SiC increase as frequency increases, and IGBTs at higher (current/voltage) levels only improve efficiency until switching losses dominate.

On the other hand, designers can use SiC-based systems to: △increase system power output at a given efficiency; △eliminate cooling fans by improving thermal performance; and △increase system stability and lifespan.

■ What are the special advantages of replacing power conversion devices with SiC semiconductors in high-end residential air conditioners and system air conditioners?

Key elements include meeting or exceeding efficiency standards and reducing the cost of ownership of the overall system.

Silicon carbide MOSFETs and diodes enable highest system efficiency, superior thermal performance, increased thermal density, and reduced audible noise (>20kHz frequency).

Energy efficiency standards for heat pumps and air conditioners are increasing, such as China's GB21455, the United States' SEER, and Europe's SCOP (seasonal coefficient of performance).

At the same time, many countries around the world are banning fossil fuel heating systems. Canada bans oil heating in all new construction projects across Quebec. Germany’s Climate Action Program 2030 is encouraging a shift to electric heat pumps along with other green technologies. The UK will ban new gas boilers from sale after 2035. Electric vehicles are also moving from inefficient resistive heating to using heat pumps for heating and cooling.

■ If there are any design considerations when using SiC semiconductors in air conditioning equipment,

Meeting or exceeding efficiency standards and reducing the cost of ownership/operation of the entire system are key factors. Silicon carbide MOSFETs and diodes enable the highest system efficiency, superior thermal performance, improved thermal density, reduced audible noise, and reduced total system cost.

■ Please introduce Wolfspeed’s silicon carbide power module product line.

It might be easier if you refer to the picture below.
■ I recently heard that Wolfspeed is investing in building a new SiC manufacturing facility. I am curious about the total investment size and the total capacity upon completion of the investment.

The first phase of construction of the Siler City, NC, plant is expected to be completed by 2024 and will cost approximately $1.3 billion.

State and local funding, including a Job Development Investment Grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, will support development of the facility's first phase and represents a roughly $1 billion incentive package from state, county and local governments.

The second phase will be built to suit customer needs.

■ I want to hear about Wolfspeed’s plans for 2023

Demand for silicon carbide technology is accelerating, with experts predicting that it will reach more than 20% of the power market by 2027, up from 5% today.

Wolfspeed, a global industry leader in silicon carbide materials production, is focused on alleviating supply constraints as the industry transitions from legacy silicon to more efficient silicon carbide technology.

With the buildout of its Siler City facility already underway, Wolfspeed will expand its Durham, N.C., headquarters and is gearing up for the ramp-up of production at its 8″ (200mm) Mohawk Valley Fab in Marcy, N.Y., which is scheduled to be completed in April 2022.

■ A word to e4ds news readers

With 35 years of semiconductor leadership and experience, Wolfspeed delivers smarter, faster solutions to create future technology and green energy goals. Supplying to the global market.

Our founders were the first to successfully commercialize silicon carbide and have since focused on designing and supplying industry-leading performance silicon carbide materials, GaN-on-Silicon Carbide materials and silicon carbide devices for high-power applications.

We ask for your continued interest and support from e4ds subscribers.

thank you