Top Silicon Carbide Manufacturers You Should Know

Silicon carbide is a material known for its strength and durability. It is used in many industries, from making sandpaper to creating parts for electric cars. With the growing need for high-quality silicon carbide, several manufacturers have become leaders in the field. This article will introduce you to some of the top silicon carbide manufacturers you should know.

Key Takeaways

• CoorsTek, Inc. is a major player in the silicon carbide industry.
• Microchip Technology Inc. offers advanced silicon carbide solutions.
• Washington Mills specializes in high-quality silicon carbide products.
• Infineon Technologies is known for its innovative silicon carbide devices.
• ON Semiconductor provides reliable silicon carbide components.

CoorsTek, Inc.

CoorsTek, Inc., founded in 1910, is a family-run manufacturer of technical ceramic material formulations. The company is based in Golden, Colorado, USA. CoorsTek, Inc. is a privately owned manufacturer of technical ceramics for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, chemical, electronics, medical, metallurgical, oil, and gas. They produce a wide range of products such as acetabular liners, baffle chambers, carbon brushes for power, focal plane array components, and precision fixed gauges.

CoorsTek also offers ceramic tubes and rods made from materials like silicon carbide, alumina, and zirconia. The company mainly serves clients in the semiconductor, defense, and biotechnology industries. CoorsTek ranks first in silicon carbide manufacturer rankings as of July 2024, holding a 19.4% market share.

Microchip Technology Inc.

Microchip Technology Incorporated, founded in 1989, is based in Chandler, Arizona. The company develops and manufactures control solutions for various global markets, including automotive, industrial, communications, human-machine interface, and connectivity industries. Their portfolio includes microcontrollers, field-programmable gate array products, MOSFET and radio frequency products, and both wired and wireless communications products.

Washington Mills

Washington Mills, founded in 1868 and headquartered in North Grafton, Massachusetts, is a key player in the manufacturing and distribution of abrasive grain and fused mineral products. Their offerings serve a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and construction. Washington Mills continues to produce aluminum oxide and silicon carbide products in their Niagara Falls and Tonawanda plants.

Their product range includes silicon carbide, boron carbide, and alumina zirconia, which are essential for cutting, grinding, and polishing materials like metal, wood, and plastics. These products are also used in refractory linings, abrasive wheels, and polishing compounds.

Infineon Technologies

Infineon Technologies AG, based in Germany, is a top global player in the semiconductor industry, especially known for its silicon carbide (SiC) technology. They offer a wide range of SiC devices, including power modules, JFETs, and MOSFETs. These products are used in various fields such as automotive, industrial, energy, and telecommunications.

Infineon is committed to innovation and quality. They aim to create solutions that impact lives today and in the future. The company focuses on both organic growth, like launching new products, and inorganic growth, such as forming partnerships and agreements. For example, in February 2024, Infineon signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Honda Motor Co. to build a strategic collaboration.

Founded in 1999, Infineon Technologies is headquartered in Neubiberg, Germany. The company also includes subsidiaries like Infineon Technologies Austria and Cypress Semiconductor.

ON Semiconductor

ON Semiconductor, headquartered in Arizona, USA, is a leading global manufacturer of semiconductors. The company offers a wide range of silicon carbide (SiC) devices, including diodes, JFETs, and MOSFETs. These SiC solutions are used in various applications such as industrial automation, power supplies, and electric vehicles.

ON Semiconductor is a Fortune 500 company known for driving energy-efficient technologies. They provide both standard and custom SiC devices that help engineers solve unique design challenges. Their products are essential in industries like automotive, medical, and military.

The company focuses on both organic growth strategies, such as product launches and expansions, and inorganic growth strategies, like agreements, collaborations, and acquisitions. For example, in July 2023, ON Semiconductor partnered with BorgWarner Inc. to further enhance their product offerings.

Rohm Semiconductor

Rohm Semiconductor, founded in 1958 by Kenichiro Sato, is headquartered in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan. The company is a leading manufacturer of system LSI, discrete segments, and modular items, all developed using the latest semiconductor technology. Rohm’s SiC, Si, and GaN portfolio is designed to fulfill the needs of various sectors, focusing on e-mobility and power supply applications.

Rohm operates through several segments, including ICs, discrete semiconductor devices, and modules. They provide a wide range of ICs, such as memory, amplifiers, power management, and sensors. The company also offers SiC discrete devices and SiC modules for applications in automotive, energy, industrial, transportation, and telecommunication sectors.

Rohm’s dynamic and ‘never-stopping’ vision has steered the semiconductor market to new heights. The company focuses on both organic growth strategies, like product launches, and inorganic growth strategies, such as partnerships and agreements. For example, in December 2022, Rohm partnered with Shenzhen BASiC Semiconductor Ltd., a leading company in China’s next-generation power semiconductor industry.

STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics N.V., based in Switzerland, is a global leader in the semiconductor industry. They offer a wide range of silicon carbide (SiC) discrete devices and modules, which are used in various applications like automotive, energy, industrial, transportation, and telecommunication. STMicroelectronics is known for its smart and energy-efficient products that power everyday devices.

The company employs both organic growth strategies, such as product launches and expansions, and inorganic growth strategies, including agreements and collaborations. Their mission is to integrate SiC power semiconductors into urban communities and homes, aiming to create smarter and more efficient environments.

In a significant move, STMicroelectronics announced plans to build a new high-volume 200mm silicon carbide manufacturing facility in Catania, Italy. This facility will focus on power devices and modules, as well as test and packaging, marking a major step in their expansion efforts.

Wolfspeed

Wolfspeed, based in North Carolina, USA, is a global manufacturer and supplier of Silicon Carbide products, established in 1989. Their extensive portfolio includes Silicon Carbide MOSFETs, Schottky diodes, RF devices, and power modules. The company has over 7 trillion power device field hours and licenses to manufacture from major corporations, including Mitsubishi Chemical, Nexperia BV, Resonac Corporation, Tokuyama Corporation, and Transphorm.

Wolfspeed offers SiC discrete devices and SiC modules that cater to applications such as automotive, energy & power, industrial, transportation, telecommunication, and others, including space research and nuclear power. The company focuses on organic growth strategies such as product launches and expansions and inorganic growth strategies such as agreements and partnerships. For instance, in April 2022, Wolfspeed opened the Mohawk Valley Silicon Carbide fabrication facility in New York, a state-of-the-art 200mm wafer fab, which would help lead the industry-wide transition from silicon to silicon carbide-based semiconductors. This facility is expected to meet the steepening demand for silicon carbide devices across automotive and industrial applications.

Wolfspeed, Inc. (NYSE: WOLF), the global leader in silicon carbide technology, continues to make significant strides in the industry. With its new John Palmour materials facility in North Carolina, Wolfspeed will multiply its current SiC capacity by 10, with capex investments as a percentage of revenue of 100%. These numbers are staggering and highlight the company’s commitment to growth and innovation.

Cree, Inc.

Cree, Inc. is a prominent name in the world of silicon carbide technology. Founded in 1987, the company has made significant strides in the development and manufacturing of silicon carbide-based products. Cree, Inc. is well-known for its innovative solutions in the semiconductor industry, particularly in the areas of power and radio frequency (RF) applications.

In 2015, Cree, Inc. rebranded its power and RF division to Wolfspeed, Inc., which focuses on silicon carbide and gallium nitride materials. This move allowed Cree to concentrate on its core LED products while Wolfspeed took the lead in advancing silicon carbide technology. Wolfspeed, Inc. is an American developer and manufacturer of wide-bandgap semiconductors, focused on silicon carbide and gallium nitride materials.

Cree, Inc. continues to be a key player in the market, providing high-quality silicon carbide components that are used in various industries, including automotive, industrial, and telecommunications. The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has solidified its position as a leader in the silicon carbide industry.

Norstel AB

Norstel AB is a key player in the silicon carbide (SiC) industry. Acquired by STMicroelectronics in 2019, Norstel AB has been instrumental in helping the company meet the growing demand for SiC products. Now known as STMicroelectronics SiC AB, the company focuses on developing high-quality SiC materials for various applications.

Norstel AB’s contributions are vital for STMicroelectronics’ goal to achieve over 40% market share in the SiC sector. The acquisition has allowed STMicroelectronics to enhance its internal capabilities and expand its product offerings in the automotive, energy, and industrial sectors.

Conclusion

In summary, silicon carbide manufacturers are essential players in various industries, from abrasives to semiconductors. Their dedication to quality and innovation ensures that they meet the diverse needs of their customers. As the demand for silicon carbide continues to grow, these companies are well-prepared to lead the way. Whether you’re looking for materials for industrial use or advanced semiconductor devices, these top manufacturers have proven their ability to deliver high-performance products. Keep an eye on these industry leaders as they continue to shape the future of silicon carbide technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is silicon carbide?

Silicon carbide is a very hard material used in things like sanding, grinding, and making semiconductors. It’s known for being tough and durable.

Why is silicon carbide important in semiconductors?

Silicon carbide helps make better semiconductors, which are used in electric cars, renewable energy, and factories. It makes devices work faster and more efficiently.

Which companies are top manufacturers of silicon carbide?

Some of the top companies are CoorsTek, Microchip Technology, Washington Mills, Infineon Technologies, ON Semiconductor, Rohm Semiconductor, STMicroelectronics, Wolfspeed, Cree, and Norstel AB.

What should I consider when choosing a silicon carbide manufacturer?

Look at the quality and performance of their products, their reliability, and the support they offer. It’s also good to check their experience and expertise in silicon carbide technology.

Are there different uses for silicon carbide?

Yes, silicon carbide is used in many ways, like in abrasive materials for sanding and grinding, in coatings, and in making semiconductor devices.

Is the list of top silicon carbide manufacturers exhaustive?

No, the list is based on reviews and ratings, and there may be other manufacturers that also offer high-quality silicon carbide products.