Cree cooperates with ABB on silicon carbide
Cree has expanded its network of silicon carbide partnerships with ABB. The agreement between the two companies provides for Cree’s SiC semiconductors to be integrated into ABB’s product portfolio for various areas, including electric mobility.
The silicon carbide elements are to be used in ABB’s power modules. Compared to conventional silicon semiconductors, silicon carbide semiconductors have lower switching losses and significantly higher switching frequencies. According to US firm Cree, silicon carbide semiconductors can convert energy with an efficiency of 99 per cent. This reduces energy losses and thus CO2 emissions.
In electric mobility, silicon carbide semiconductors can increase the range and charging power of electric cars. Silicon carbide semiconductors can also be used in power grids, on the railways and in various industrial sectors.
“ABB has a longstanding heritage as the world market leader in industrial power electrification solutions, so expanding our work with them will help increase the adoption of transformative and eco-friendly alternatives in the power and automotive sectors,” says Cree-CEO Gregg Lowe. “Together, this partnership delivers Wolfspeed silicon carbide into new markets, such as power grids and high-speed trains for the continued advancement of the power, traction, industrial and EV markets.”.
But working with Swiss company ABB is not the only cooperation with which Cree has a potential impact on electric vehicles. Earlier this month, Cree and ZF entered into a strategic partnership to jointly develop silicon carbide semiconductors for power electronics for use in electric drives. By 2022, both companies plan to bring an e-drive with the new semiconductors to market.
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