Power Integrations Acquires Odyssey Semiconductor’s GaN Assets

The latest development in the tech industry sees Power Integrations acquiring Odyssey, a move that is set to significantly impact the landscape of GaN technology. The transaction, scheduled to be finalized in July 2024, will see key Odyssey employees becoming part of Power Integrations’ technology organization. This strategic acquisition is expected to enhance the company's efforts in achieving cost parity with silicon MOSFETs, thanks to the expertise of the Odyssey team in high-current vertical GaN.

Power Integrations' decision to acquire Odyssey aligns with its ongoing development roadmap for its proprietary PowiGaN™ technology. This cutting-edge technology is a key feature in many of the company's product families, including the popular InnoSwitch™ ICs, HiperPFS™-5 power-factor-correction ICs, and the recently launched InnoMux™-2 family of single-stage, multiple-output ICs. Notably, in 2023, the company introduced 900- and 1250-V versions of PowiGaN technology and products, showcasing its commitment to innovation and advancement in the field.

Dr. Radu Barsan, the vice president of technology at Power Integrations, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Power Integrations has been at the forefront of GaN development and commercialization since we began shipping products with PowiGaN technology in 2018. We are executing on an ambitious roadmap that includes driving toward cost parity with silicon MOSFETs and expanding the voltage and power capabilities of PowiGaN. 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. Richard Brown, co-founder and CEO of Odyssey, also shared his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “The Odyssey team and I are excited to join Power Integrations in accelerating their GaN technology roadmap. As the first company to commercialize high-voltage GaN, Power Integrations continues to lead the industry in driving the technology forward in terms of cost, voltage, and current, as well as the design of system-level products that take full advantage of the capabilities of GaN.” This partnership is poised to bring about significant advancements in GaN technology and its applications.

With this acquisition, Power Integrations is poised to strengthen its position as a key player in the GaN technology space. By combining the expertise and resources of both companies, the collaboration is expected to drive innovation, enhance product offerings, and ultimately benefit customers seeking high-performance solutions. The integration of Odyssey's team into Power Integrations' technology organization marks a new chapter in the company's journey towards achieving technological excellence and market leadership in the realm of GaN technology.