2 March 2017

Littelfuse invests a further $15m in Monolith, taking a majority stake

Littelfuse Inc has made an incremental $15m investment in silicon carbide (SiC) diode and MOSFET power device start-up Monolith Semiconductor Inc of Round Rock, TX, USA. This follows a prior investment in December 2015.

Monolith notes that silicon carbide enables power devices to operate at higher switching frequencies and temperatures versus conventional silicon technology, allowing inverters and other energy conversion systems such as motor drives to be operate with significantly improved energy efficiency and reduced system cost.

Founded in 1927, Littelfuse provides circuit protection technologies (including fuses, semiconductors, polymers, ceramics, relays and sensors) to the electronics, automotive and industrial markets, with growing global platforms in power control and sensing. The firm has over 10,000 staff in more than 40 locations worldwide.

“We are pleased to expand our partnership with Monolith’s experienced team of silicon carbide and power semiconductor experts,” says Ian Highley, senior VP & general manager, semiconductor products and chief technology officer for Littelfuse. “With the increasing needs to make power electronic devices that will be stronger and more efficient, we are excited about the opportunities this game-changing technology provides,” he adds.

“Littelfuse has been a great partner with us as we move closer to the commercialization of our technology,” comments Monolith’s CEO Sujit Banerjee PhD. “We are working closely with Littelfuse to position our combined portfolios to develop innovative solutions.”

As a result of the additional investment, Littelfuse now has majority ownership of Monolith and will begin including Monolith in its operating financial results. Littelfuse previously announced that its first-quarter 2017 earnings per share guidance included $0.03 of expense to fund development activities with Monolith. The additional investment is expected to reduce earnings per share by $0.09 across the second through fourth quarters of 2017.

Under the terms of its agreement with Monolith, Littelfuse has committed to add to its investment once Monolith has achieved certain milestones.

See related items:

Monolith makes availability 1200V SiC Schottky engineering samples

Littelfuse unveiling SiC Schottky diodes at PCIM Europe

Littelfuse invests in silicon carbide switch maker Monolith

Monolith relocates from New York to Texas following X-FAB partnership

Monolith and X-FAB partner on SiC power diode and MOSFET production

Tags: SiC Schottky barrier diodes

Visit: www.monolithsemi.com

Visit: www.littelfuse.com