Wolfspeed, a subsidiary of Cree, and ZF, a leading technology company for mobility, are planning to establish a joint research and development centre in the Nuremberg metropolitan region for silicon carbide power electronics. The new development site aims to complement the planned silicon carbide chip factory in Ensdorf, Saarland, which is also supported by the German and Bavarian state governments.
However, the funding for the R&D centre and the chip factory is still subject to approval under the EU’s Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) programme and the prior approval of antitrust authorities. If the approvals are received, work at the Nuremberg metropolitan region will begin later this year.
The goal of the two companies is to develop the R&D centre and the chip factory into a hub of a European silicon carbide network. At the centre, Wolfspeed and ZF intend to enhance the technology related to system design, module structure, and production processes. They aim to develop silicon carbide systems, products, and applications covering the entire value chain from module to complete system, thereby shortening the time to market.
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The focus of the development is not only on the use of SiC semiconductors in electric vehicles but also on applications in commercial, agricultural, and industrial vehicles, as well as in industrial and renewable energy markets. While SiC semiconductors are more efficient than those made of pure silicon, they are also more expensive, which is why they are not suitable for smaller and cheaper passenger cars. However, their advantages at what cost for agricultural machinery remain an open question. The development goals are to improve higher efficiency, higher power density, and higher performance of electrification solutions.
“The research center is of outstanding importance for the energy and mobility transition in the EU and supports the strategic goals of Europe,” said Holger Klein, CEO of ZF. “In addition, optimizing Silicon Carbide technology advances industrial transformation and strengthens the independence of European supply chains.
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“This research facility further strengthens our partnership with ZF and underlines our long-term commitment to turn our unique know-how from more than 35 years of experience in Silicon Carbide power electronics into state-of-the-art solutions for our industry partners,” commented Wolfspeed CEO Gregg Lowe.
In conclusion, the joint research and development centre for silicon carbide power electronics is a significant step towards promoting the energy and mobility transition in Europe. If successful, the project will improve the efficiency, power density, and performance of electrification solutions, thereby accelerating the deployment of sustainable energy systems in various sectors.
