In 2023, the global power electronics market—including discrete devices and modules—was valued at US$23.8 billion. In its Status of the Power Electronic Industry, 2024 edition Yole Group projected the market to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2023 to 2029 to US$35.7 billion in 2029. The discrete market, valued... Read more →

DENSO Corporation will start inverter production at DENSO Fukushima Co., Ltd., to reinforce its manufacturing capability in Japan and enhance the DENSO Group’s competitiveness in the electrification field. DENSO Fukushima is a DENSO Group company that manufactures automotive thermal products, such as air conditioners and engine cooling modules (ECMs), and... Read more →

Ideal Power, the developer of the B-TRAN bidirectional semiconductor power switch, is collaborating with a third global automaker on the use of B-TRAN-enabled contactors potentially to replace electromechanical contactors in its electric vehicles (EVs). Contactors serve as cutoff switches for high voltage applications in EVs. They play a critical role... Read more →

onsemi signed a multi-year deal with Volkswagen Group to be the primary supplier of a complete power box solution as part of its next-generation traction inverter for its Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). The solution features silicon carbide-based technologies in an integrated module that can scale across all power levels—from high... Read more →

SiC MOSFETs have become pivotal in power electronics, transforming numerous applications with their exceptional performance traits. As one example, 1200V SiC MOSFETs are the enabler of the transition of battery-electric vehicles to 800V systems. SiC MOSFETs offer impressive attributes, including high breakdown voltage, low on-state resistance, and excellent thermal conductivity,... Read more →

onsemi introduced its latest generation silicon carbide technology platform, EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs. The company also disclosed plans to release multiple additional generations through 2030. With the ability to operate at higher switching frequencies and voltages while minimizing power conversion losses, this platform is suited for a wide range of automotive... Read more →

Electrification, renewables and artificial intelligence are global megatrends converging and driving unprecedented demands for advanced power semiconductors capable of optimizing energy conversion and management. In a strategic move toward addressing these demands, onsemi plans to establish a state-of-the-art, vertically integrated silicon carbide (SiC) manufacturing facility in the Czech Republic. The... Read more →

Transphorm has released a new 300 W DC-to-DC GaN reference design for 2- and 3-wheeled electric vehicle battery chargers. The TDDCDC-TPH-IN-BI-LLC-300W-RD design uses TP65H150G4PS 150 mOhm SuperGaN FETs in a TO-220 package to power a high performing, high efficiency energy harvesting and distribution battery charging system. The new board notably... Read more →

NXP Semiconductors N.V. announced a collaboration with ZF Friedrichshafen AG on next-generation SiC-based traction inverter solutions for electric vehicles (EVs). By leveraging NXP’s advanced GD316x high-voltage (HV) isolated gate drivers, the solutions are designed to accelerate the adoption of 800-V and SiC power devices. Safe, efficient and higher performance traction... Read more →

STMicroelectronics and Geely Auto Group have signed a long-term Silicon Carbide (SiC) supply agreement to accelerate their existing cooperation on SiC devices. Under the terms of this multi-year contract, ST will provide multiple Geely Auto brands with SiC power devices for mid-to-high-end battery electric vehicles (BEVs), boosting Geely Auto’s NEV... Read more →

Power semiconductors play a central role in electricity supply and control. They cut energy consumption in all kinds of electronic equipment, and are an important tool for the realization of carbon neutrality. Continued demand expansion is expected from vehicle electrification and the miniaturization of industrial equipment. Against this background, SiC... Read more →

STMicroelectronics will build a new high-volume 200mm silicon carbide (SiC) manufacturing facility for power devices and modules, as well as test and packaging, in Catania, Italy. Combined with the SiC substrate manufacturing facility being readied on the same site, these facilities will form ST’s Silicon Carbide Campus, realizing the company’s... Read more →

ABB has launch of an innovative new package consisting of AMXE250 motor and HES580 inverter, tailored for electric buses. The motor offers high torque density for improved dynamic performance, as well as a quieter operation for increased passenger comfort. The first 3-level inverter in the market for electric buses, the... Read more →

Infineon Technologies AG, a global semiconductor leader in power systems and IoT, will provide silicon carbide (SiC) power modules HybridPACK Drive G2 CoolSiC and bare die products to Xiaomi EV for its recently announced SU7 until 2027. Xiaomi SU7 Infineon’s CoolSiC-based power modules allow for higher operating temperatures, resulting in... Read more →

STMicroelectronics will build a new high-volume 200mm silicon carbide (SiC) manufacturing facility for power devices and modules, as well as test and packaging, in Catania, Italy. Combined with the SiC substrate manufacturing facility being readied on the same site, these facilities will form ST’s Silicon Carbide Campus, realizing the company’s... Read more →

ZeroAvia will be offering some of its key components designed for its hydrogen-electric engines to other clean aviation innovators. The move allows ZeroAvia to build upon the multi-billion dollar per annum market for its hydrogen-electric powertrain family, maximizing the company’s investment in R&D and its strategy of vertical integration. With... Read more →

Renesas Electronics Corporation, a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, has started operations at its Kofu Factory, located in Kai City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Renesas aims to boost its production capacity of power semiconductors in anticipation of the growing demand in electric vehicles (EVs). The Kofu Factory previously operated both... Read more →

Infineon Technologies AG and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. Ltd. (HD KSOE) have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a first step towards jointly developing emerging applications for the electrification of marine engines and machinery using energy-efficient power semiconductor technology. HD KSOE, a marine pioneer and... Read more →

Ideal Power Inc, the developer of the B-TRAN bidirectional semiconductor power switch, announced the closing of its previously announced underwritten public offering of 2,000,000 shares of its common stock (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof) at an offering price of $7.50 per share of common stock. The Bidirectional, Bipolar Junction... Read more →

The UK government is awarding £71.5 million (US$91 million) in combined government and industry investment for automotive R&D projects to support the development of electric vehicle technology. Nissan Technical Centre Europe will utilize an electric vehicle program to build UK R&D capability while collaborating with UK partners on further enhancing... Read more →

At the production site for power electronics in Klášterec in the Czech Republic, ZF is opening its first zero-emission factory after a renovation period of just under a year and a half. The plant, which is part of the Electrified Powertrain Technology division, supports the company’s efforts to achieve climate... Read more →

The US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) announced a conditional commitment to SK Siltron CSS, LLC for a $544-million loan to expand US manufacturing of high-quality silicon carbide (SiC) wafers for electric vehicle (EV) power electronics. SiC semiconductors are designed for high-voltage use and are critical components... Read more →

Magna has been awarded a contract to supply a North America-based OEM with a specialized primary rear eDrive system for one of the company’s high-end niche vehicle platforms. The award reinforces Magna’s commitment to supporting the automotive industry’s short and long-term transformational needs. The complex system will be a variant... Read more →

DG Innovate, an advanced research and development company pioneering sustainable and environmentally considerate improvements to electric mobility and energy storage, signed a Joint Development Agreement with a tier-one commercial vehicle components company, jointly to develop systems for heavy goods vehicles applications utilizing DG Innovate’s Pareta drive technology. Developed alongside the... Read more →

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced the coming release of six new J3-Series power semiconductor modules for various electric vehicles (xEVs), featuring either a silicon carbide metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (SiC-MOSFET) or a RC-IGBT (Si) (a reverse conducting IGBT with on IGBT and one diode on a single chip) with compact designs... Read more →

Japan-based Renesas Electronics Corporation and Transphorm, Inc., a global leader in robust gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductors, have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which a subsidiary of Renesas will acquire all outstanding shares of Transphorm’s common stock for $5.10 per share in cash, representing a premium of approximately... Read more →

Hitachi Energy has completed the acquisition of COET, a leading designer and manufacturer of power equipment for electric mobility, rail, and industry, based in the greater Milan area of Italy. The acquisition strengthens Hitachi Energy’s global position and offering in high-power electric vehicle charging infrastructure, power electronics, and the grid... Read more →

A plan by ROHM and Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation to collaborate in the manufacture and increased volume production of power devices has been recognized and will be supported by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) as a measure supporting the Japanese Government’s target of secure and... Read more →

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation will enter into a strategic partnership with Nexperia B.V. jointly to develop silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors for the power electronics market. Mitsubishi Electric will leverage its wide-bandgap semiconductor technologies to develop and supply SiC MOSFET chips that Nexperia will use to develop SiC discrete devices. The... Read more →

Infineon Technologies closed closing of the acquisition of Ottawa-based GaN Systems. The company brings with it a broad portfolio of gallium nitride (GaN)-based power conversion solutions and leading-edge application know-how. All required regulatory clearances have been obtained and GaN Systems has become part of Infineon effective as of the closing.... Read more →

Volkswagen Group of America (VWGoA) signed a new Master Research Agreement with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) to continue the research partnership at the Volkswagen Innovation Hub in Knoxville through 2028. The partnership currently supports 27 active research projects and has already produced 15 publications and multiple pending patents.... Read more →

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation signed a strategic partnership with Infineon Technologies AG to secure power semiconductors in support of the growing electric vehicle demand worldwide. Under the agreement, Hyundai and Kia will purchase core power semiconductors of automotives, including diode, insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) and silicon carbide (SiC)... Read more →

DENSO and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation will invest an aggregate $1 billion in Coherent Corp.’s silicon carbide business. Under the terms of the transaction, DENSO and Mitsubishi Electric will each invest $500 million in exchange for a 12.5% non-controlling ownership interest in the business, with Coherent owning the remaining 75%. As... Read more →

Ideal Power, developer of the B-TRAN bidirectional semiconductor power switch, has launched its second commercial product, the SymCool IQ Intelligent Power Module. SymCool IQ builds on the bidirectional B-TRAN multi-die packaging design of the SymCool power module and adds an integrated intelligent driver optimized for bidirectional operation. The SymCool IQ,... Read more →

Bosch is now starting the production of new powertrain solutions based on 800-volt technology. This will make recharging faster and provide a further boost for electromobility. The 800-volt version of the inverter is based on silicon carbide semiconductors. These increase efficiency, and thus also range. In the 800-volt variant of... Read more →

The US Department of Energy (DOE)’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO) renewed funding for PowerAmerica, DOE’s first Clean Energy Manufacturing Innovation Institute. PowerAmerica will receive an initial $8 million, with potential funding across four more fiscal years to follow, to continue advancing domestic manufacturing of next-generation WBG semiconductors... Read more →

Vitesco Technologies, a leading international supplier of modern drive technologies and electrification solutions, is delivering its integrated axle drive EMR3 (3rd generation, Electronics Motor Reducer) to Honda for its new B-segment all-electric SUV. In Europe this vehicle, based on Honda’s new e:N Architecture F, will be marketed under the name... Read more →

onsemi and Magna announced a long-term supply agreement (LTSA) for Magna to integrate onsemi’s EliteSiC intelligent power solutions into its eDrive systems. By integrating onsemi’s industry-leading EliteSiC MOSFET technology, Magna eDrive systems can offer better cooling performance and faster acceleration and charging rates, improving efficiency and increasing the range of... Read more →

Renesas Electronics, a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, and Wolfspeed have executed announced the execution of a wafer supply agreement and US$2-billion deposit by Renesas to secure a 10-year supply commitment of silicon carbide bare and epitaxial wafers from Wolfspeed. The supply of high-quality silicon carbide wafers from Wolfspeed... Read more →

At its Global Technology Day in Friedrichshafen, ZF presented the electric concept vehicle EVbeat, which is designed for maximum compactness, low weight, and maximum efficiency in real operation. In this ZF electric vehicle, the components of an e-driveline have been optimized and combined into a holistic system. These include the... Read more →

Airbus and STMicroelectronics signed an agreement to cooperate on power electronics Research & Development to support more efficient and lighter power electronics, essential for future hybrid-powered aircraft and full-electric urban air vehicles. The collaboration builds on evaluations already conducted by both companies to explore the benefits of wide bandgap semiconductor... Read more →

Vitesco Technologies has secured strategically important capacities in energy-efficient silicon carbide power semiconductors through a long-term supply partnership with ROHM – worth more than one billion US dollars until 2030. The development partnership with the manufacturer ROHM, which began in 2020, created the basis for the supply partnership. Vitesco Technologies’... Read more →

Nidec Corporation and Renesas Electronics Corporation agreed to join forces on the development of semiconductor solutions for a next-generation E-Axle (X-in-1 system) that integrates an EV drive motor and power electronics for electric vehicles (EVs). The 3-in-1 unit E-Axle integrates a motor, inverter, and gearbox (reduction gear). To realize high-performance... Read more →

Vitesco Technologies and onsemi announced a 10-year long-term supply agreement worth $1.9 billion (€1.75 billion) for silicon carbide (SiC) products to enable Vitesco Technologies’ ramp in electrification technologies. Vitesco Technologies, a leading international manufacturer of modern drive technologies and electrification solutions, is also providing an investment of $250 million (€230... Read more →

Infineon Technologies AG, the global leader in automotive semiconductors, and Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), the world’s largest electronics manufacturing services provider, aim to establish a long-term partnership in the field of electric vehicles (EV) to develop advanced electromobility with efficient and intelligent features. A recently signed Memorandum of Understanding... Read more →

Equipmake, a UK developer and manufacturer of electrification products for battery-electric vehicle drivetrains, will be showcasing its Ampere-220 e-axle system—a compact, lightweight, high-power electric drive system for manufacturers of high-performance EVs—at Battery Show Europe this week. Combining 3D-printed electric motors with all power electronics, including the company’s own silicon carbide... Read more →

DENSO and United Semiconductor Japan Co., Ltd. (USJC), a subsidiary of global semiconductor foundry United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), announced a joint collaboration to produce insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT), which have entered mass production at the 300mm fab of USJC. A first shipment ceremony was held to mark this milestone.... Read more →

High-voltage electrical subsystems throughout Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) require a mechanism to protect the high-voltage distribution and loads in the event of an overload condition. To provide BEV and HEV designers with a faster and more reliable high-voltage circuit protection solution, Microchip Technology has introduced... Read more →

As part of their strategic partnership announced earlier this year (earlier post), ZF and Wolfspeed announced their plans to establish a joint European R&D center for Silicon Carbide (SiC) power electronics in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region. The new joint research facility is supported by the German federal government and the... Read more →