Cree Extends Leadership in High-Efficiency Power Conversion Solutions with New Silicon Carbide High-Frequency Power Module

DURHAM, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Cree, Inc. CREE continues to showcase the superior performance and reliability of its silicon carbide (SiC) power technology with the introduction of the first commercially available all-SiC Cree^® power module. The new high frequency module, rated at 100A current handling and 1200V blocking, allows higher efficiency, compact and lighter weight systems that can result in lower total system costs compared to conventional silicon-based technologies.

“An all-SiC module with these specifications enables us to meet our transit customers' demands for reduced size and weight of auxiliary power converters, while meeting efficiency and cost targets,” said Fisal Al-Kayal, innovation and research engineer, Alstom Belgium Transport.

The module includes SiC MOSFETs and SiC Schottky diodes in a 50mm half-bridge configuration rated to 150°C maximum junction temperature. The SiC components enable the module to be operated at exceptionally high switching frequencies that can reduce the size, weight and cost of the power conversion system. The new power module has demonstrated up to 100 kHz switching frequency. Target applications include high power converters, industrial motor drives, solar inverters and uninterruptible power supplies.

“The 1200V, 100A dual module extends our existing discrete MOSFET and diode products into higher power applications,” explains Dr. Mrinal Das, product marketing manager, Cree Power and RF. “The efficient switching characteristics of an all-SiC module should allow system designers to meet customer demands for reduced size, weight and cost of the end-system, while reducing global energy consumption. Already, Cree SiC power devices have eliminated an estimated one million metric tons of annual CO₂ emissions – the equivalent to planting 95 million trees.”

Parts are available for immediate shipping through Digi-Key Corporation and Mouser Electronics (CAS100H12AM1). Sample gate drivers are available upon request to Cree for module customers. For further information about the new all-SiC Cree power module, please visit www.cree.com/sic-modules. Visitors to Electronica 2012 Conference, November 13 – 16, can learn more about the new dual module at Hall A5, Booth 343.

About Cree

Cree is a market-leading innovator of semiconductor products for power and radio-frequency (RF) applications, lighting-class LEDs and LED lighting solutions.

Cree's product families include LED fixtures and bulbs, blue and green LED chips, high-brightness LEDs, lighting-class power LEDs, power-switching devices and RF devices. Cree products are driving improvements in applications such as general illumination, electronic signs and signals, power supplies and solar inverters.

For additional product and company information, please refer to www.cree.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated. Actual results may differ materially due to a number of factors, including the risk that actual savings will vary from expectations; the risk we may be unable to manufacture these new products with sufficiently low cost to offer them at competitive prices or with acceptable margins; the risk we may encounter delays or other difficulties in ramping up production of our new products; customer acceptance of our new products; the rapid development of new technology and competing products that may impair demand or render Cree's products obsolete; and other factors discussed in Cree's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 24, 2012, and subsequent filings.

Cree^® is a registered trademark of Cree, Inc.