How will Wolfspeed’s expansion into Europe impact the regions stronghold in SiC devices?
Summary
This dominance will continue for the next two-to-three years, until further companies start to build capacity – the earliest being STMicroelectronics’ 8-inch SiC facility set to open in Italy in 2024-5. But as Wolfspeed expands into Europe with an in-house, exclusive supply of 8-inch wafers, it is becoming more crucial for European companies to be able to source larger diameters. STMicroelectronics’ Italian facility will help to create some supply, but Wolfspeed’s immediate dominance gives it a competitive advantage in gaining more business in SiC devices,” says Poshun Chiu, Technology & Market Senior Analyst specialising in Compound Semiconductor and Emerging Substrates at Yole Intelligence. Ezgi Dogmus, PhD., Team Lead Analyst in Compound Semiconductor & Emerging Substrates activity within the Power & Wireless Division at Yole Intelligence, comments: “However, other major SiC players are deciding not to focus solely on 8 inches and are placing strategic importance on 6-inch wafers. Infineon Technologies, onsemi, and STMicroelectronics, for example – who are leaders in the power electronics industry – also have successful businesses within the silicon and gallium nitride markets.