GOLETA, Calif., May 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Transphorm Inc.
today announced that it has obtained a sole worldwide license to
Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.'s extensive Gallium Nitride (GaN) power
device portfolio that includes approximately 40 U.S. issued patents
and 110 Japanese issued patents. Transphorm also has certain rights
to sublicense these patents. The licensed family of patents
encompasses various aspects of GaN power device manufacturing,
materials and circuits, including key patents for GaN-on-Silicon
epitaxial growth technology. As part of the agreement, Furukawa
Electric also made an equity investment in Transphorm. The deal
brings Transphorm's total GaN IP portfolio to over 300 U.S.
patents/applications and over 650 world-wide patents/applications,
including a combination of internally developed, acquired and
licensed patents.
Over the last several years, GaN semiconductors have emerged as
a leading technology enabler for the next wave of compact and
energy efficient power conversion systems, ranging from ultra-small
adapters, high power density PCs, server & telecom power
supplies, to highly efficient PV inverters and motion control
systems.
Transphorm has established the next power conversion
platform—demonstrating breakthrough performance and
introducing the world's first 600 Volt GaN HEMT products after
successfully passing JEDEC qualification. Most recently it has
demonstrated 100 million hours lifetime using high voltage
accelerated testing—again a first for a GaN power
device. "As GaN power devices are now poised for rapid market
penetration, a strong intellectual property position is essential
to growing the GaN business," said Roger
Borovoy, Transphorm's IP counsel from Fish & Richardson.
"The Furukawa license combined with a very significant internal GaN
portfolio unquestionably makes Transphorm the key player."
"Furukawa Electric has conducted original GaN research starting
from the 1990s and amassed a strong patent portfolio in GaN power
devices and materials," said Takahide
Kimura, Corporate Senior VP, New Business Development,
Furukawa Electric. "As we sought to unlock the value of this
portfolio, as well as to secure a supply of GaN products for our
own applications, Transphorm was an ideal choice. Additionally,
Furukawa Electric is also willing to have further technical
collaboration with Transphorm, as a strategic partner, beyond this
license and investment.
"As a strong vote of confidence, Furukawa Electric has made a
significant equity investment and obtained a minority equity stake
in Transphorm," said Fumihide Esaka, CEO, Transphorm. "We are
pleased to announce this strong partnership with a global leader
like Furukawa Electric."
About Transphorm
Transphorm is redefining electric power conversion, providing
cost-competitive and easy-to-embed power conversion modules that
reduce costly energy loss by more than 50%, and simplify the design
and manufacturing of motor drives, power supplies and inverters for
solar panels and electric vehicles. From material technology and
device fabrication to circuit design and module assembly,
Transphorm designs and delivers its power conversion devices and
modules to meet the needs of global customers. By creating an
ecosystem of electrical systems manufacturers powered by
Transphorm, the company accelerates the adoption of power devices
and modules that pave the way for the next generation of electrical
systems designed for optimal efficiency.
To learn more about Transphorm, please visit
www.transphormusa.com.
About Furukawa Electric
Furukawa Electric (TSE: 5801) started business in 1884, when its
copper-smelting facility and wire manufacturing factory was
established. Since then Furukawa Electric have become pioneers in
the latest technologies by addressing diverse technological issues.
Furukawa Electric has released products in a number of areas,
including telecommunications, electronics, automobiles, and
construction, with the three types of materials it works with at
their core, namely, optics, plastics, and metals. Many of these
products have attained the top global market share, and all of its
products have contributed to society in numerous business areas.
Furukawa Electric reported consolidated revenues of 931.8 billion yen (154
billion yen for telecommunications) for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2014.
To learn more about Furukawa Electric, please visit
https://www.furukawa.co.jp/english/.
Contact:
Primit Parikh,
President
Transphorm, Inc.
805.456.1307
pparikh@transphormusa.com
Media Contact:
Greg
Evans, Account Executive
WelComm, Inc.
858.279.2100
greg@welcomm.com
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SOURCE Transphorm Inc.