Recently validated 5N+ patent portfolio key
to development of novel vertical GaN-on-Si power devices for
600V-1200V High-Power Electronics, EV and AI server
applications
MONTRÉAL, March 21,
2024 /CNW/ - 5N Plus Inc. (TSX:
VNP) ("5N+" or "the Company"), a leading
global producer of specialty semiconductors and performance
materials, today announced that it is officially launching the
commercialization rights for its portfolio of gallium nitride on
silicon (GaN-on-Si) patents that will take semiconductors and
power switching technology to the next level. These key patents can
enable the rapid prototype development and first-to-market
commercialization of novel vertical GaN-on-Si power devices by
companies operating in the High-Power Electronics (HPE), Electric
Vehicles (EV) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) server sectors.
Key Patents Enabling First-to-Market Vertical GaN-on-Si
Devices
A mechanically stable, wide-bandgap semiconductor
material with high heat capacity and thermal conductivity, GaN has
outstanding properties. Today, lateral GaN is primarily used in low
voltage (<400V) applications, such as chargers, but novel
vertical GaN-on-Si has the potential to replace silicon carbide
(SiC), which is the current preferred material for medium and high
voltage applications (i.e. EV inverters operating 650V). SiC is
expensive and not easily available, whereas GaN-on-Si is more
efficient and cost-effective. Recent academic demonstrations
utilizing key 5N+ patents have shown that vertical GaN-on-Si, as
opposed to lateral GaN transistors showing destructive breakdown,
offers soft breakdown with avalanche capability for safe, compact
and more efficient devices.
"Our 54 patents have now been shown to be more high-performing
and efficient than the current alternative through recent academic
demonstrations. As such, our portfolio of patents is uniquely
positioned to enable industry-leading HPE and EV companies to
rapidly develop and commercialize first-to-market vertical
GaN-on-Si power devices that will revolutionize high-voltage
semiconductor applications," said Gervais
Jacques, President and CEO of 5N+.
5N+ Gan-on-Si Patent Portfolio
The commercial rights
of the 54 granted patents owned by 5N+ include mandatory use of
large diameter thick silicon substrates (over 1mm), combined with
masking layers to filter the dislocations. Increasing the thickness
of large diameter silicon substrates in vertical GaN-on-Si devices
enables increased voltage capacity without increasing the chip
size. Also included in this patent is the ability to remove the
substrate to form the backside contacts once the GaN growth is
complete. In addition, the Company holds lateral GaN-on-Si patents
for radiofrequency (RF) applications that will enable next
generation 5G and 6G wireless communication components. 5N+ holds
these patents through its wholly owned subsidiary AZUR SPACE Solar
Power GmbH, a leader in multi-junction solar cell technology.
About 5N+
5N+ is a leading global producer of
specialty semiconductors and performance materials. The Company's
ultra‐pure materials often form the core element of its customers'
products. These customers rely on 5N+'s products to enable
performance and sustainability in their own products. 5N+ deploys a
range of proprietary and proven technologies to develop and
manufacture its products. The Company's products enable various
applications in several key industries, including renewable energy,
security, space, pharmaceutical, medical imaging and industrial.
Headquartered in Montréal, Quebec, 5N+ operates R&D, manufacturing
and commercial centers in strategically located facilities around
the world including Europe,
North America and Asia.
Forward‐Looking Statements
Certain statements in this
press release may be forward‐looking within the meaning of
applicable securities laws. Such forward‐looking statements are
based on a number of estimates and assumptions that the Company
believes are reasonable when made, including that 5N+ will be able
to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with
customers, suppliers and other business partners, that 5N+ will
continue to operate its business in the normal course, that 5N+
will be able to implement its growth strategy, that 5N+ will be
able to successfully and timely complete the realization of its
backlog, that 5N+ will not suffer any supply chain challenges or
any material disruption in the supply of raw materials on
competitive terms, that 5N+ will be able to generate new sales,
produce, deliver, and sell its expected product volumes at the
expected prices and control its costs, as well as other factors
believed to be appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances.
However, there can be no assurance that such estimates and
assumptions will prove to be correct. These statements are not
guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions, risks and
uncertainties that are difficult to predict and may cause the
Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be
materially different from any future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward‐looking
statements. A description of the risks affecting the Company's
business and activities appears under the heading "Risk and
Uncertainties" of the Company's 2023 MD&A dated
February 27, 2024, available on www.sedarplus.ca.
Forward‐looking statements can generally be identified by the
use of terms such as "may", "should", "would", "believe", "expect",
the negative of these terms, variations of them or any similar
terms. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the
forward‐looking statements in this press release will transpire or
occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that 5N+ will derive
therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to the
future financial performance of 5N+. The forward‐looking statements
contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and
the Company has no obligation to publicly update such
forward‐looking information to reflect new information, subsequent
or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The
reader is warned against placing undue reliance on these
forward‐looking statements.
SOURCE 5N Plus Inc.