Northrop Grumman liberates SiC with APT license
Power chip manufacturer Advanced Power Technology (APT) has signed a license agreement with Northrop Grumman's Electronics Systems (NGES) division to manufacture SiC-based microelectronic devices.
The exclusive foundry supplier relationship sees NGES license certain SiC technology to APT, including patents and manufacturing methods that will allow APT to manufacture high-performance microelectronic devices exclusively for the giant defense contractor.
Last year, NGES won a $9 million contract with the US Navy. Under that project, the company planned to make SiC MOSFETs, insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) and PiN diodes at its Baltimore facility that should cut dramatically the weight and size of on-ship transformers.
But APT's license also allows the Bend, OR, firm to make and sell SiC devices for commercial purposes.
"The development of SiC products for both switch-mode and RF power conversion applications has been, and continues to be, a key strategic initiative for APT," said company CEO Russell Crecraft.
"We expect this new relationship with Northrop Grumman to substantially accelerate our progress towards becoming the leading supplier of SiC power semiconductor products," he added.
Microsemi Corporation, which is in the process of acquiring APT, also welcomed the development:
"We are impressed by APT's existing efforts in SiC, and with the combination of Northrop Grumman's extensive know-how, we expect to accelerate APT's progress towards becoming the leading supplier of SiC power products," commented Microsemi CEO James Peterson.
