Power Integrations Acquires Odyssey GaN Assets for SiC Challenge

Power Integrations has announced its acquisition of the assets of Odyssey Semiconductor Technologies, a move that will bring vertical GaN technology into the company's portfolio to compete with silicon carbide (SiC). The transaction, set to be finalized in July, will see all key Odyssey employees joining the Power Integrations technology organization.

The purchase is a strategic step to support the ongoing development roadmap for Power Integrations' proprietary PowiGaN technology, aimed at achieving higher current levels to effectively compete with SiC. GaN technology is already integrated into many of the company's product families, including InnoSwitch ICs, HiperPFS-5 power-factor-correction ICs, and the recently launched InnoMux-2 family of single-stage, multiple-output ICs. In 2023, Power Integrations introduced 900- and 1250-volt versions of PowiGaN technology and products.

Dr. Radu Barsan, Vice President of Technology at Power Integrations, expressed the company's commitment to GaN development, stating, "Power Integrations has been at the forefront of GaN development and commercialization since we began shipping products with PowiGaN technology in 2018. Our goal is to commercialize a cost-effective high-current and high-voltage GaN technology to support higher-power applications currently served by silicon carbide (SiC), at a much lower cost and higher performance enabled by the fundamental material advantages of GaN over SiC."

Dr. Barsan further emphasized the importance of the Odyssey team's expertise in high-current vertical GaN, noting that their addition to the Power Integrations team will enhance and expedite the company's efforts in GaN technology advancement.

On the other side, Dr. Richard Brown, co-founder and CEO of Odyssey Semiconductor Technologies, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "The Odyssey team and I are excited to join Power Integrations in accelerating their GaN technology roadmap. Power Integrations continues to lead the industry in driving GaN technology forward in terms of cost, voltage, and current, as well as in designing system-level products that fully leverage the capabilities of GaN."