Cree acquires APEI

This acquisition strengthens Cree’s market-leading position for SiC power electronics, infusing the Power and RF business with additional intellectual property and applications expertise at the systems level from APEI. The companies' shared mission to deliver the industry’s most innovative SiC power products has already led to successful collaboration on multiple government contracts. In 2014, the co-development of a high-performance silicon carbide-based plug-in hybrid EV battery charger on an ARPA-E programme resulted in an R&D 100 award, recognising the 100 most innovative technology advancements of the year.

“Adding this expert team of innovators and portfolio of patents will enable us to further disrupt and expand the market,” said Frank Plastina, Executive Vice President, Power and RF, Cree. “Extending our research and development capabilities with APEI, a leader in wide bandgap power R&D, will help us accelerate delivery of a full spectrum of SiC power modules to meet customer requirements for performance and cost.”

“Joining forces with the market leader in SiC power gives us an opportunity to commercialise our products faster,” commented Dr. Alex Lostetter, President and CEO, APEI. “This combination of chip technology and packaging will give us first-mover advantage, helping us to set the industry standard for power modules.”