Rogers Signs Licensing Agreement with SBE for Capacitor Busbar Assemblies

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Rogers Corporation, a global leader in engineered materials solutions, announced today that it has signed an agreement to license technology that will enhance the company’s capabilities in power distribution systems for electric and hybrid electric vehicles, renewable energy and industrial applications where efficiency, size and weight are critical factors.

This agreement with Vermont-based SBE Inc. will enable Rogers to build capacitor busbar assemblies that provide extremely low inductance and high power density in a smaller and lighter system compared to currently available approaches. Using this technology, many customers have been able to reduce the size of their DC link assemblies by half while improving efficiency and reliability at no extra cost compared to the larger conventional systems.

Bob Daigle, chief technology officer at Rogers, stated, “We’re excited to be working with SBE to provide a new generation of high-performance power electronics solutions to our customers. We believe Rogers will be able to grow this technology through our design and engineering resources in combination with our global sales and manufacturing capabilities.”

Ed Sawyer, SBE president and CEO, commented, “We are very pleased to enter into this agreement with Rogers. This partnership will benefit current and future customers by enhancing our well-developed technologies and offering a second source in the market place. Additionally, the Rogers team will accelerate introductions and design dialogs to a broader global base, increasing the impact our solutions can provide. Licensing this technology to Rogers can make a valuable contribution to the future growth of both companies.”

The capacitors, initially supplied by SBE, will be combined with laminated busbars designed and manufactured by Rogers, a recognized leader in this technology, using a patented process that maintains the low inductance in the final assembly. Rogers will begin offering these capacitor busbar assemblies in 2016, thereby providing a second source to the market place for this enabling technology.

About Rogers Corporation

Rogers Corporation (NYSE:ROG) is a global leader in engineered materials to power, protect, and connect our world. With more than 180 years of materials science experience, Rogers delivers high-performance solutions that enable clean energy, internet connectivity, safety and protection applications as well as other technologies where reliability is critical. Rogers delivers Power Electronics Solutions for energy-efficient motor drives, vehicle electrification and alternative energy; Elastomeric Material Solutions for sealing, vibration management and impact protection in mobile devices, transportation interiors, industrial equipment and performance apparel; and Advanced Connectivity Solutions for wireless infrastructure, automotive safety and radar systems. Headquartered in Connecticut (USA), Rogers operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, China, Germany, Belgium, Hungary, and South Korea, with joint ventures and sales offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.rogerscorp.com.

About SBE

SBE Inc. is a technology leader and volume manufacturer of film capacitors for industry. Originally a part of Sprague Electric, the company has been making capacitors since 1946. Over the past 5 years, spearheaded by a US Department of Energy grant, the company has transformed into focused supplier of high power solutions for transportation, alternative energy, medical, industrial, network power, and military/avionics. SBE has developed several patented technologies to bring industry leading products to these markets. The company has facilities in Vermont, Colorado, and China.