Penn State and ON Semiconductor sign memorandum of understanding to advance silicon carbide research

May 17, 2023— Penn State University and onsemi, a leader in smart power and smart sensing technology , announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to launch an $8 million strategy Collaboration, including opening of ON Semiconductor's Silicon Carbide Crystal Center (SiC3) at Penn State's Materials Research Institute (MRI). For the next 10 years, ON Semiconductor will provide $800,000 in funding for the SiC3 Center each year.

ON Semiconductor and Penn State leadership teams celebrate the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for an $8 million strategic collaboration that includes the opening of ON Semiconductor's Silicon Carbide Crystal Center (SiC3) at Penn State.

Silicon carbide (SiC) is critical to improving the energy efficiency of electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging and energy infrastructure, and will help drive the decarbonization of the global economy.

Lora Weiss, senior associate dean for research at Pennsylvania State University, said the cooperation between the two parties will give full play to their respective strengths.

"ON Semiconductor is a proven innovator with a comprehensive portfolio of smart power and smart sensing technologies that enable and accelerate sustainable solutions across multiple markets," Weiss said. "Penn State University has world-class nanotechnology facilities. Fabrication plants and characterization facilities are available to support research into thin films, silicon carbide and other materials used in semiconductors and other technologies. These complementary capabilities between ON Semiconductor and Penn State will provide significant R&D benefits."

Pennsylvania State University has outstanding scientific research capabilities and is an ideal academic partner for ON Semiconductor to advance silicon crystal growth technology.

"Penn State is uniquely positioned to quickly establish a silicon carbide crystal growth research program," said Pavel Freundlich, chief technology officer of ON Semiconductor Power Solutions. "With its current materials research, the wafer processing capabilities of its nanofab, and With a comprehensive set of world-class metrology instruments, Penn State excels in many areas.”

After a period of careful investigation, the relationship developed and it became clear that the collaboration would position Penn State and ON Semiconductor as leaders in SiC research.