- 23 February 2006 -

Northrop Grumman licenses SiC technology to APT

Advanced Power Technology Inc, the supplier of high performance
power semiconductors, has entered into a license agreement with the
Electronic Systems' sector of Northrop Grumman Corp, to manufacture
next-generation SiC microelectronic devices.

This agreement forms an exclusive foundry supplier relationship
whereby Northrop Grumman will license certain SiC technology to
Advanced Power Technology including relevant SiC patents and
manufacturing methods to enable Advanced Power Technology to
manufacture proprietary high performance SiC microelectronic devices
exclusively for Northrop Grumman.

In addition, the agreement allows Advanced Power Technology to use the
licensed technology to manufacture and sell other high performance SiC
devices for commercial purposes. Both companies possess substantial
expertise in SiC technology and view SiC based power semiconductors as
strategically important to a wide array of next generation
applications.

Potential non-military applications that can benefit from silicon
carbide's military-level performance include hybrid vehicles, electric
power transmission, computer/servers, medical systems, and alternative
energy.

Russell Crecraft, Advanced Power Technology's Executive VP and Chief
Operating Officer said, "We are very pleased to enter into a long term
contractual relationship with a world class company such as Northrop
Grumman. The development of SiC products for both Switchmode and RF
power conversion applications has been and continues to be a key
strategic initiative for Advanced Power Technology. We expect this new
relationship with Northrop Grumman to substantially accelerate our
progress towards becoming the leading supplier of SiC power
semiconductor products. Combining the expertise of both companies will
allow APT to provide leading edge devices built with the highest level
of SiC technology."

"Advanced Power Technology brings a solid track record of producing
proprietary devices," said Jack Hawkins, Director of the Advanced
Materials & Semiconductor Device Technology Center for Northrop
Grumman's Electronic Systems sector. "We're looking forward to working
together on this next generation of SiC technology."

The agreement comes at a time when Advanced Power Technology is in the
process of being acquired by Microsemi Corporation. Steve Litchfield,
Microsemi's Vice President of Business Development, stated "Advanced
Power Technology's Silicon Carbide Strategy and capabilities were an
important element in our decision to acquire the company. We look
forward to participating with them in a very successful relationship."

Web: http://www.advancedpower.com