Summary
- Wolfspeed introduces its new Gen 4 technology platform for high-power designs
- The platform aims to improve system efficiency and reduce system cost
- Gen 4 offers a 21% reduction in on-resistance and 15% lower switching losses
- Products are available in different voltage nodes and formats
- Gen 4 will be delivered via 200 mm wafers for high yield production
Article
Wolfspeed, a manufacturer of silicon carbide devices, has unveiled its new Gen 4 technology platform, aimed at simplifying switching in high-power designs like EV powertrains, renewable energy systems, and battery energy storage systems. The Gen 4 platform is designed to enhance system efficiency, extend application life even in harsh environments, reduce system cost, and streamline development time, providing performance improvements for designers of high-power automotive, industrial, and renewable energy systems. It offers up to a 21% reduction in on-resistance at operating temperatures and up to 15% lower switching losses compared to the previous generation of products, along with a short-circuit withstand time of up to 2.3 µS to increase safety margins.
This new Gen 4 technology platform from Wolfspeed includes products available in 750 V, 1,200 V, and 2,300 V nodes, offering options for power modules, discrete components, and bare die products. Throughout 2025 and early 2026, the company plans to introduce new products with additional footprints and RDSON ranges to further expand its offerings. All Gen 4 products will be manufactured using 200 mm wafers to enable large-scale production and high yield, as stated by Wolfspeed’s Executive Chairman Tom Werner.
The Gen 4 platform from Wolfspeed is created to provide performance enhancements for high-power designs, catering to various industries such as automotive, industrial, and renewable energy. By achieving a reduction in on-resistance and switching losses, this technology can improve system efficiency, increase safety margins, and help extend the life of applications, even in challenging environmental conditions. Wolfspeed’s commitment to delivering innovative products is highlighted through the introduction of the Gen 4 platform, promising further advancements with new product introductions and expanded product ranges over the coming years.
By offering a platform that simplifies switching in high-power applications, Wolfspeed’s Gen 4 technology addresses the needs of designers and manufacturers working on projects related to electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and battery storage. The company’s focus on system efficiency, cost reduction, and development time streamlining underscores its dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions for the evolving power electronics market. With the introduction of Gen 4, Wolfspeed aims to empower designers in creating more efficient and reliable high-power systems for a range of industries, ultimately driving progress in the transition towards sustainable energy sources.
Wolfspeed’s Gen 4 platform marks a significant step forward in silicon carbide device technology, offering performance improvements that can benefit a wide range of high-power applications. The reduction in on-resistance and switching losses, along with the enhanced safety features like the short-circuit withstand time, demonstrate the company’s commitment to advancing power electronics solutions. By providing a diverse range of products in various voltage nodes and configurations, Wolfspeed ensures that its Gen 4 technology caters to different design requirements and application needs in industries such as automotive, industrial, and renewable energy.
Overall, Wolfspeed’s Gen 4 platform represents a major advancement in high-power silicon carbide devices, designed to simplify switching, improve efficiency, and enhance safety in challenging environments. With a focus on reducing system costs, accelerating development time, and delivering performance enhancements, the Gen 4 technology from Wolfspeed is poised to make a significant impact on the power electronics industry. As the company continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, the Gen 4 platform will play a crucial role in enabling the development of more efficient and reliable high-power systems for the future.
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