IXYS

IXYS Corporation was an American semiconductor manufacturer founded in Silicon Valley in 1983 by Dr. Nathan Zommer. The company developed and supplied power semiconductor devices, radio-frequency power semiconductors, and digital and analog integrated circuits. Its products were intended for applications in power conversion, motor control, high-voltage switching, telecommunications, industrial electronics, transportation, and other systems requiring the controlled conversion or management of electrical energy. IXYS began as a fabless power-semiconductor company, concentrating on device design and commercial development rather than operating solely as a conventional integrated-device manufacturer. Over time, its portfolio expanded beyond discrete power components to include power modules, RF devices, interface and access-switch integrated circuits, laser-diode drivers, and other specialized components. The company’s product range included power MOSFETs, IGBTs, diodes, thyristors, solid-state-relay circuits, line-card access switches, and devices using direct copper bond packaging and related high-power technologies. The company’s products were used in several notable technology contexts. In 1989, IXYS supplied power MOSFETs for General Motors’ EV1 electric vehicle program. It also supplied high-power IGBTs for the KTX-II high-speed train, demonstrating the relevance of its components to transportation and high-power switching applications. These examples reflected IXYS’s positioning around high-voltage, high-current, and high-reliability semiconductor solutions rather than mass-market consumer electronics. IXYS expanded through acquisitions and business combinations. In 2001, it acquired British semiconductor manufacturer Westcode, adding established high-power semiconductor capabilities and a United Kingdom operating presence. In 2009, IXYS announced an agreement to acquire Zilog. Zilog subsequently became a wholly owned subsidiary and provided a route into microcontrollers and related embedded products. In 2013, IXYS completed the acquisition of Samsung Electronics’ four- and eight-bit microcontroller business; those acquired products were offered through Zilog. The company ceased to be an independent publicly traded business after Littelfuse agreed in 2017 to acquire it for cash and stock. Littelfuse completed the transaction in January 2018, after which IXYS was delisted from Nasdaq. The IXYS name and product capabilities became part of Littelfuse’s broader semiconductor and circuit-protection portfolio. Accordingly, IXYS is best understood today as an acquired semiconductor brand and business rather than as a standalone listed corporation.

IXYS Corporation was established in 1983 in Silicon Valley, in the Santa Clara area of California, by Dr. Nathan Zommer. It began as a fabless power-semiconductor company, focusing on the development and commercialization of devices used to switch, regulate, convert, and control electrical power. Its original business orientation distinguished it from general-purpose semiconductor suppliers: IXYS concentrated on high-voltage and high-current applications in which device ruggedness, switching performance, and thermal management were important. During its early development, IXYS supplied components for emerging and demanding applications. In 1989, its power MOSFETs were used in General Motors’ EV1 electric-vehicle program. The relationship placed IXYS technology in an early electric-mobility platform, although the company remained primarily an industrial and power-electronics supplier. IXYS also supplied high-power IGBTs for the KTX-II high-speed train, showing that its components could be applied in railway traction and other transportation systems requiring substantial power switching. The company gradually broadened its technology portfolio. Its offerings included power MOSFETs, IGBTs, diodes, thyristors, RF power semiconductors, and digital and analog integrated circuits. It also developed integrated circuits for solid-state relays and line-card access switches, as well as laser-diode drivers and direct copper bond products. This combination allowed IXYS to address both discrete power-device markets and more specialized integrated or packaged solutions. Its RF products supported the conversion and handling of high rates of electrical power for amplification and reception applications. A significant expansion took place in 2001, when IXYS acquired Westcode, a British semiconductor manufacturer. Westcode added established high-power semiconductor operations and helped reinforce IXYS’s presence in Europe. The acquisition was consistent with IXYS’s broader strategy of building a portfolio around power devices and high-reliability applications rather than relying on a single component category. In December 2009, IXYS announced that it would acquire Zilog. Zilog subsequently became a wholly owned subsidiary of IXYS. The transaction expanded the company’s reach into microcontrollers and embedded semiconductor products, complementing its established power-device activities. In July 2013, IXYS completed the acquisition of Samsung Electronics’ four- and eight-bit microcontroller business. The acquired microcontrollers were offered through Zilog, giving the combined organization additional products for embedded-control applications. IXYS remained an independent public company until Littelfuse announced its acquisition in August 2017. The proposed transaction used a combination of cash and stock. Littelfuse completed the acquisition in January 2018, and IXYS was delisted from Nasdaq. The transaction ended IXYS’s existence as a standalone listed corporation while bringing its power semiconductor, RF, integrated-circuit, Westcode, and Zilog-related capabilities into Littelfuse’s broader business. The IXYS name therefore represents an acquired semiconductor brand and technology portfolio rather than a currently independent company.

• 2018

  Acquisition completed and IXYS delisted

  [1]IXYSen.wikipedia.org

  Littelfuse completes the acquisition, and IXYS is delisted from Nasdaq.

• 2017

  Littelfuse announces acquisition

  [1]IXYSen.wikipedia.org

  Littelfuse agrees to acquire IXYS in a cash-and-stock transaction.

• 2013

  Samsung microcontroller business acquired

  [1]IXYSen.wikipedia.org

  IXYS completes the acquisition of Samsung Electronics’ four- and eight-bit microcontroller business for offering through Zilog.

• 2009

  Zilog acquisition announced

  [1]IXYSen.wikipedia.org

  IXYS announces plans to purchase Zilog, which later becomes a wholly owned subsidiary.

• 2001

  Westcode acquisition

  [1]IXYSen.wikipedia.org

  IXYS acquires British semiconductor manufacturer Westcode.

• 1989

  Power MOSFETs supplied for the EV1 program

  [1]IXYSen.wikipedia.org

  IXYS provides power MOSFETs for General Motors’ EV1 electric vehicle.

• 1983

  IXYS is founded in Silicon Valley

  [1]IXYSen.wikipedia.org

  Dr. Nathan Zommer establishes IXYS as a fabless power-semiconductor company in the Santa Clara, California, area.

A specialist supplier of high-voltage, high-power, RF, and mixed-signal semiconductor components for industrial, transportation, telecommunications, and power-conversion applications.

• Power semiconductors

  Power MOSFETs

  IXYS power MOSFETs were designed for switching and controlling electrical power in applications ranging from industrial equipment to transportation systems. The company’s portfolio included devices intended for high-voltage operation, including a 2,000-volt N-channel power MOSFET cited for high-voltage applications. MOSFETs also formed part of IXYS’s early contribution to General Motors’ EV1 program.

• Power semiconductors

  IGBTs

  Insulated-gate bipolar transistors were among IXYS’s high-power switching products. IGBTs combine voltage-controlled gate operation with high-current handling and are used in power-conversion and traction systems. IXYS supplied high-power IGBTs for the KTX-II high-speed train, illustrating the product family’s role in demanding transportation and industrial power applications.

• Power semiconductors

  Diodes and thyristors

  IXYS offered power diodes and thyristors for rectification, switching, and control in high-power electrical systems. These devices complemented the company’s MOSFET and IGBT lines and supported power-conversion architectures in industrial, transportation, and other high-reliability environments. The products were part of the broader device portfolio strengthened by the Westcode business.

• RF semiconductors

  RF power semiconductors

  IXYS developed RF power semiconductor products for systems that convert and handle high rates of electrical power associated with amplification or reception. These devices extended the company’s activities beyond conventional low-frequency power conversion into specialized radio-frequency applications. They were positioned for technical markets requiring controlled RF power handling rather than consumer branding.

• Integrated circuits

  Analog and digital integrated circuits

  IXYS’s integrated-circuit activities included digital and analog devices for specialized control and interface functions. Examples cited for the company include integrated circuits used in solid-state relays and line-card access switches. These products complemented the discrete semiconductor business by addressing circuit-level switching, isolation, telecommunications access, and control requirements.

• Microcontrollers

  Zilog microcontrollers

  Following the acquisition of Zilog and Samsung Electronics’ four- and eight-bit microcontroller business, IXYS offered microcontroller products through Zilog. The products broadened the group into embedded control and gave the company a portfolio that combined power semiconductors with lower-level digital control components. Their commercial identity was associated primarily with the Zilog subsidiary.

• Specialty integrated circuits

  Laser-diode drivers

  Laser-diode drivers were among IXYS’s specialty semiconductor offerings. These circuits provide controlled electrical drive for laser diodes and serve as an example of the company’s emphasis on specialized components rather than only standard discrete power devices. The product family formed part of IXYS’s wider analog, digital, and application-specific portfolio.

• Power semiconductor packaging

  Direct copper bond products

  Direct copper bond products were associated with IXYS’s power semiconductor packaging and module technologies. Direct copper bond construction supports electrical and thermal integration in high-power assemblies, making it relevant to applications where heat dissipation and current handling are important. The technology complemented IXYS’s semiconductor modules and high-power device portfolio.

• 2017

  Accept Littelfuse acquisitionM&A

  Background

  IXYS agreed to combine with Littelfuse as part of a broader semiconductor and circuit-protection business.

  Action taken

  Littelfuse agreed to acquire IXYS for cash and stock. The reported transaction value was approximately $750 million.

  Aftermath

  Littelfuse completed the acquisition in January 2018, after which IXYS was delisted from Nasdaq.

  Transaction value. $750 million (2017 announced acquisition)

  Source

• 2013

  Acquire Samsung’s four- and eight-bit microcontroller businessM&A

  Background

  The transaction extended IXYS’s embedded-control product coverage beyond its traditional power-semiconductor focus.

  Action taken

  IXYS completed the acquisition of Samsung Electronics’ four- and eight-bit microcontroller business and offered the products through Zilog.

  Aftermath

  The acquired microcontroller lines became part of the Zilog offering within IXYS.

  Source

• 2009

  Acquire ZilogM&A

  Background

  IXYS pursued greater exposure to microcontrollers and embedded semiconductor products.

  Action taken

  IXYS announced its intention to buy Zilog.

  Aftermath

  Zilog became a wholly owned subsidiary of IXYS.

  Source

• 2001

  Acquire WestcodeM&A

  Background

  IXYS sought to expand its high-power semiconductor capabilities and international presence.

  Action taken

  The company acquired British semiconductor manufacturer Westcode.

  Aftermath

  Westcode became part of IXYS’s broader high-power semiconductor business.

  Source

1. 1IXYSen.wikipedia.org