News

Helix Semi Secures $2 Million Investment from XTRION N.V.

January 11, 2018 by Paul Shepard

Fabless power semiconductor company Helix Semiconductors today announced it has brought on a new strategic investor, XTRION N.V. XTRION, a Belgian holding company that owns X-FAB and Melexis, has made an equity investment of $2 million in Helix Semiconductors. In connection with the agreement, Rudi De Winter, managing director of XTRION and CEO of X-FAB, will join the Helix Semiconductors board of advisors.

Focused on addressing the global initiatives for more efficient power supplies, Helix Semiconductors' core energy-efficiency technology (MuxCapacitor™) takes a different approach to power conversion than traditional methods. Over the entire load range, from low-load to full-load conditions, Helix Semiconductors' MuxCapacitor converts mains power worldwide to virtually any lower voltage with over 95 percent efficiency.

Helix Semiconductors' technology enables the highest power density through capacitive power conversion and capacitive isolation. This capacitive conversion voltage-reduction technology makes possible best-in-class energy conversion efficiencies across the full load range, and especially while the system is in power down (standby and vampire power) and lightly loaded operation.

"The investment by XTRION will help us bring to market several of our ‘Zero Power,' highly efficient, capacitive power conversion products," said Harold A. Blomquist, president and CEO of Helix Semiconductors.

"Futhermore, the addition of Rudi to our board of advisors will provide significant depth of experience in technology and specifically semiconductors, as well as superior leadership. He will be a tremendous asset to us," observed Blomquist.

"Helix Semiconductors is well-positioned to deliver on its promise to change the way power conversions are made," said De Winter. "We believe the company's MuxCapacitor technology will play a significant role in power conversion within many different industries."

Helix Semiconductors uses leading-edge X-FAB 0.18um high voltage CMOS processes to develop its innovative power conversion products.

"This agreement further strengthens the relationship we have with X-FAB and demonstrates their dedication to the partnership," concluded Blomquist.