Cree Introduces New Ultra Bright Blue and Green LEDs
Source: Cree
Brightness Increased 2X Over Existing Devices
Durham, NC. Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE) today announced the introduction of its new ultra bright blue and green light emitting diodes (LEDs). The brightness level is increased two times over Cree s existing high brightness devices and made possible through a proprietary technique, which increases the light extraction of the chip. The new ultra bright LEDs will significantly increase the performance and close the brightness gap between SiC and existing sapphire-based devices. Applications for the new ultra bright LEDs include full color outdoor video displays, automotive lighting, solid state illumination and other consumer products. The company is currently offering evaluation and qualification samples with volume production available in January 2001. Pricing of these new devices is anticipated to be within the range of Cree s existing high brightness products.
Mike Dunn, General Manager of Optoelectronics said, "We are focused on increasing brightness to penetrate applications where a superior intensity level is required while continuing to provide a low cost platform. These new LED devices, offered in both blue and green, provide significantly enhanced performance and are expected to compete in applications that require a higher brightness intensity such as full color outdoor displays."
Tony van de Ven, CEO, Lighthouse Technologies Ltd. (www.lighthouse-tech.com ), the leading big screen manufacturer commented, "This breakthrough closes the performance gap between Cree s SiC based LEDs and their competitors sapphire-based products. This technology and the superior robustness of Cree s LEDs opens the door to new applications where exceptional brightness and reliability is required such as the potentially vast electronic outdoor billboard market."
North Carolina-based Cree, Inc. develops and manufactures semiconductor materials and devices based on silicon carbide (SiC), gallium nitride (GaN) and related compounds. The company s products include blue and green LEDs, RF power transistors for use in wireless infrastructure applications, SiC crystals used in the production of unique gemstones and SiC wafers sold for use in research and development. Cree has new product initiatives based on its experience in SiC and GaN-based semiconductors, including blue laser diodes for optical storage applications, high frequency microwave devices for radar and other communications systems, and power devices for power conditioning and switching. For more information on Cree, visit http://www.cree.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties 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 we may encounter delays or other difficulties in ramping up production of the new products; the risk the company will be unable to manufacture the products with sufficiently low cost to offer them at competitive prices or with acceptable margins; the rapid development of new technology and competing products that may impair demand; 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 25, 2000.
Contact: Fran Barsky, Investor Relations Manager of Cree, Inc. Tel: 919-313-5397 Fax: 919-313-5452
Fran Barsky, Investor Relations Manager of Cree, Inc.Tel: 919-313-5397
Fax: 919-313-5452
Web site: http://www.cree.com
