[October 13, 2014]

Cree Power Modules Revolutionize Inverter Platform for Power Generation Systems

Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE) has expanded the award-winning silicon carbide (SiC) 1.2 kV six-pack power module family with a new 20A all-SiC module ideally suited for 5-15 kW three-phase applications. Based on Cree's (News - Alert) C2M™ SiC MOSFET and Z-Rec® SiC Schottky diode technology, the six-pack module enables designers to unlock the traditional constraints of power density, efficiency and cost associated with Si-based inverters used in industrial power conversion systems.

Cummins, Inc., a global power leader in electrical power generation systems, has tested and confirmed the capabilities of Cree's all-SiC 1.2kV six-pack power module family in their inverter platform. Furthermore, engineers at Cummins are working to integrate and exploit these capabilities with their next generation, high efficiency products.

"Cree's new 1.2kV all-SiC six-pack module family will allow us to increase the power rating of our class-leading inverter by 40 percent while reducing power losses by 50 percent to increase efficiency by 5 percent," said Brad Palmer, power electronics product line architect, Cummins, Inc. "This new power module is a significant technological advancement, capable of outperforming Si IGBT modules with four times the current rating. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to be an early tester of this technology and look forward to incorporating it in our products."

The new all-SiC 1.2 kV, 20A six-pack features the industry's lowest switching losses due to the zero turn-off tail current in the MOSFET and the zero reverse recovery current in the Schottky diode. When compared to similar Si IGBT modules, the new Cree® 20A six-pack module operates at a much lower junction temperature allowingdesigners to aggressively pursue new paradigms in high frequency and power density without compromising on efficiency.

"Cree® SiC power products consistently allow our customers to overcome age-old design challenges and achieve superior system level performance that is simply not possible with Si-based systems," said Cengiz Balkas, general manager and vice president, Cree Power and RF. "The results achieved by Cummins with our new all-SiC six-pack modules enable the high performance required to develop efficient and cost-effective next-generation power conversion products."

Cree's new all-SiC 1.2kV, 20A six-pack power module (part number CCS020M12CM2) and companion gate driver evaluation board (CGD15FB45P) are available at authorized distributors, including Mouser, Digi-Key, and Richardson RFPD/Arrow RF & Power. Please visit http://www.cree.com/Power/Products/SiC-Power-Modules/SiC-Modules/CCS020M12CM2 for more information and access to data sheets, material content, and application notes.

About Cree

Cree is leading the LED lighting revolution and making energy-wasting traditional lighting technologies obsolete through the use of energy-efficient, mercury-free LED lighting. Cree is a market-leading innovator of lighting-class LEDs, LED lighting, and semiconductor products for power and radio frequency (RF) applications.

Cree's product families include LED fixtures and bulbs, blue and green LED chips, high-brightness LEDs, lighting-class power LEDs, power-switching devices and RF devices. Cree® products are driving improvements in applications such as general illumination, backlighting, electronic signs and signals, power suppliers and solar inverters.

Please refer to www.cree.com for additional product and company information.

This press release contains forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated. Actual results may differ materially due to a number of factors, including the risk that actual performance will vary from expectations; the risk we may be unable to manufacture these new products with sufficiently low cost to offer them at competitive prices or with acceptable margins; the risk we may encounter delays or other difficulties in ramping up production of our new products; customer acceptance of our new products; the rapid development of new technology and competing products that may impair demand or render Cree's products obsolete; and other factors discussed in Cree's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 2014, and subsequent filings.

Cree^® and Z-Rec^® are registered trademarks, and C2M^™ is a trademark of Cree, Inc.

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