Littelfuse Announces Investment in Silicon Carbide Technology

Littelfuse, a global leader in circuit protection solutions, recently announced that, as part of its strategic initiative to aggressively expand into the power semiconductor component market for industrial and automotive applications, Littelfuse has made an investment in Monolith Semiconductor, a startup specializing in silicon carbide (SiC) technology development. Silicon carbide is an emerging semiconductor material experiencing rapid growth; compared to traditional silicon, it enables power components to operate at higher switching frequencies and temperatures. This allows inverters and other power conversion systems to achieve greater power density, improved energy efficiency, and reduced costs.

Littelfuse The company, a global leader in the field of circuit protection, recently announced that, as part of its strategic initiative to aggressively enter the market for power semiconductor components used in industrial and automotive applications, Littelfuse We have invested in Monolith Semiconductor, a startup company specializing in the research and development of silicon carbide technology. Silicon carbide is an emerging semiconductor material that is rapidly gaining traction. Compared to traditional silicon, it enables power components to operate at higher switching frequencies and temperatures. This allows inverters and other power conversion systems to achieve higher power density, improved energy efficiency, and reduced costs.

Littelfuse Ian Highley, Senior Vice President, General Manager of Semiconductor Products, and Chief Technology Officer, stated: “Investing in Monolith and collaborating with their experienced team of silicon carbide and power semiconductor component experts will enable us to rapidly deploy strategically relevant innovative technologies to upgrade our product portfolio. Silicon carbide power technology is one of the most promising advanced technologies currently available in the semiconductor market. It will become an important tool for helping us address complex challenges faced by our customers.”

“The strategic partnership we’ve established with Littelfuse has accelerated product development and will also help bring silicon carbide technology to market,” commented Dr. Sujit Banerjee, CEO of Monolith Semiconductor. “Littelfuse is our ideal partner. We’re thrilled to be able to significantly expand our customer base, gain access to global channels, and benefit from their highly professional and in-depth sales and marketing expertise through this collaboration.”

Initially, this was not a material investment that would be suitable for Littelfuse; however, the company committed to investing in Monolith as long as the latter achieves certain milestone accomplishments. This investment is not expected to have any material financial impact on Littelfuse in 2015 or 2016.

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