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     3 days ago  

    Biden Administration's $750M Investment in Silicon Carbide Manufacturing: A Boost for US High-Tech Industries

    The Biden-Harris Administration has taken a significant step towards enhancing the United States' semiconductor manufacturing capabilities with a proposed $750 million investment in silicon carbide production. This move, part of the CHIPS and science Act, aims to establish the world's largest silicon carbide ecosystem in the US, strengthening the country's position in high-tech manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

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       3 days ago  

      Key Points of the Investment

      1. The U.S. Department of commerce and Wolfspeed, Inc. have signed a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms for up to $700 million in funding.
      2. The investment will support the construction of a new silicon carbide wafer manufacturing facility in Siler City, North Carolina.
      3. Additional funding will aid the expansion of Wolfspeed's device manufacturing facility in Marcy, New York.
      4. These projects are part of Wolfspeed's $6 billion capacity expansion plan, expected to create over 2,000 manufacturing jobs and 3,000 construction jobs.
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         3 days ago  

        The Importance of Silicon Carbide

        Silicon carbide, a compound of silicon and carbon, is crucial for various high-tech applications:

        1. High-performance semiconductors for Industry 4.0, 5G telecommunications, defense, and aerospace.
        2. Power conversion systems in renewable energy, such as solar and wind inverters.
        3. LED lighting.
        4. Electric vehicle powertrains, improving range and efficiency.
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           3 days ago  

          The material's unique properties make it invaluable:

          • High thermal conductivity for efficient heat dissipation
          • Ability to handle higher voltages compared to traditional silicon
          • resistance to wear, chemical corrosion, and oxidation
          • Larger bandgap, enabling performance in high-frequency, high-power, and high-temperature environments
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             3 days ago  

            Impact on US Manufacturing

            The investment in silicon carbide production is expected to have far-reaching effects on US manufacturing:

            1. Energy Efficiency: Silicon carbide is crucial for the transition to clean energy, powering sustainable innovations like EVs and renewable technologies.

            2. Supply Chain Resilience: Domestic production of silicon carbide strengthens the US semiconductor supply chain, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

            3. Advanced Manufacturing: The material is essential for advanced manufacturing in automotive, defense, and aerospace industries, creating more efficient and durable components.

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               3 days ago  

              Projected Outcomes

              Wolfspeed anticipates significant growth as a result of this investment:

              • A five-fold increase in silicon carbide device output
              • A ten-fold increase in 200mm materials production capacity
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                 3 days ago  

                Statements from Key Figures

                • U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized the importance of this investment for technologies like AI, electric vehicles, and clean energy.
                • Laurie Locascio, Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and technology, highlighted the role of this investment in building a booming semiconductor R&D industry in the US.
                • Wolfspeed CEO Gregg Lowe expressed gratitude for the support and noted the importance of this funding for the company's growth strategy and technology leadership.

                This investment represents a significant step towards securing America's position in high-tech manufacturing, ensuring a reliable domestic supply of critical semiconductors, and supporting the development of future technologies.

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