Clas-SiC
Clas-SiC is helping companies develop and manufacture silicon carbide power semiconductor devices, supporting new technologies as they move from laboratory research towards commercial production.
From electric vehicles and renewable energy to rail and industrial automation, the global transition to cleaner, more efficient technologies depends on one critical capability: converting and controlling electrical power with minimal energy loss.
At the heart of that transformation is silicon carbide (SiC) – a compound semiconductor material that is enabling smaller, lighter and more energy-efficient power electronics.
Based in Lochgelly, Fife, Clas-SiC Wafer Fab is the world's first dedicated open foundry for silicon carbide power semiconductors, providing specialist manufacturing services that enable organisations to rapidly develop, prototype and manufacture next-generation SiC devices.
Bridging the gap from innovation to manufacturing
Clas-SiC works with customers to accelerate the journey from concept through prototyping and into low-to-medium volume production, helping innovators validate designs and reduce the time needed to reach market.
Through its dedicated 150mm SiC wafer fabrication facility, the company supports the manufacture of SiC MOSFETs and diodes, alongside a range of specialist process services for customers developing advanced power semiconductor devices.
Rather than competing with high-volume manufacturers, Clas-SiC occupies a vital position in the semiconductor value chain, providing the manufacturing expertise that allows companies to prove technologies before transitioning to large-scale production.
"There's not many countries I go to in the world to present where people haven't heard of Clas-SiC, which is a great honour.
"We're a small company in Lochgelly, Fife but on the global stage we punch well above our height."
Jen Walls, Director and Chief Executive Office, Clas-SiC
2017
Company founded
+50
Employees
+200
years' worth of SiC processing expertise
Unlocking the potential of compound semiconductors
Silicon carbide belongs to a family of materials known as compound semiconductors, which offer performance advantages over traditional silicon in demanding applications.
SiC devices can operate at much higher voltages, temperatures and switching frequencies while reducing energy losses. The result is more compact, lighter and more efficient power systems that are increasingly being adopted across electric vehicles, renewable energy generation, aerospace, rail and industrial automation.
As demand for electrification accelerates worldwide, SiC has become one of the fastest-growing areas of the global semiconductor industry.
"We will grow in our sector, but who knows where technology will go next?
"Semiconductors are always going to be required and compound semiconductors are absolutely going to excel into many applications.
Jen Walls, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Clas-SiC
Demonstrating UK manufacturing excellence
The UK has long been recognised for its strengths in compound semiconductor research and innovation. Companies such as Clas-SiC demonstrate that the UK's expertise extends beyond discovery into world-class manufacturing capability.
Operating from its purpose-built cleanroom in Scotland, Clas-SiC combines state-of-the-art fabrication equipment with decades of specialist SiC processing expertise. Its team has developed reliability-proven process design kits and manufacturing modules that enable customers to reduce technical risk and accelerate product development.
This capability strengthens the UK's position within the global semiconductor supply chain by providing critical infrastructure for companies developing the next generation of power electronics.
