In today’s tech-driven world, role of power semiconductors play an important in various applications, from household electronics to industrial machinery and renewable energy systems. These key components manage and convert electrical power efficiently, ensuring that devices operate reliably and effectively.
Understanding power semiconductors
Power semiconductors are electronic components designed to control and convert electrical power in electronic systems. Unlike regular semiconductors used in digital circuits for processing signals, power semiconductors handle higher currents and voltages, making them crucial for power conversion and management. They are the backbone of power electronics, enabling the efficient transfer and control of electrical energy in various applications.
The potential of power semiconductors in revolutionizing industry functionalities
These electronic components help control and convert electrical power in a wide array of applications. They are integral to the functionality of numerous consumer electronic devices. These semiconductors ensure efficient conversion of AC to DC power for devices like televisions, computers, and gaming consoles. In addition, they are used for regulating charging and discharging cycles in smartphones, laptops, and tablets to enhance battery life and safety. In household appliances, they manage power in devices like refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners for improved energy efficiency.
On the other hand, the automotive industry heavily relies on power semiconductors for various applications, especially with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced automotive technologies. In electric and hybrid vehicles, power semiconductors manage the high-power demands of electric drivetrains, inverters, and battery charging systems. Furthermore, in charging infrastructure, they enable fast and efficient charging solutions for electric vehicles. The electronic components also support critical functions like automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and electric power steering.
Furthermore, in industrial settings, power semiconductors enhance the efficiency and reliability of various processes and equipment. They are used to regulate the speed and torque of industrial motors for applications such as conveyors, pumps, and robotic arms. In power supplies, they ensure stable and efficient power conversion for industrial machinery and equipment. Moreover, in the case of renewable energy systems, they convert and manage power from solar panels and wind turbines to the grid.
In addition, the telecommunications sector utilizes power semiconductors to ensure the reliability and efficiency of network infrastructure. In power amplifiers, these components are used to enhance signal strength for mobile base stations and other communication equipment. These components are also beneficial for offering uninterruptible power supplies providing backup power to critical network systems to prevent downtime and data loss. Due to such promising applications across various fields, the power semiconductor industry is expected to observe remarkable growth in the coming period. According to a report published by Allied Market Research, the industry is expected to rise at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2023 to 2032.
Murata’s launch of three power systems electrifying the semiconductor landscape
A global electronics innovator, Murata, in Frebruary 2024, announced the launch of launch of three new power product solutions designed to help solve the challenges, constraints, and limitations of the power electronics industry. These include the PE25208, a revolutionary ultra-high efficiency charge pump IC aimed to fuel the future of portable consumer electronics, including laptops and other USB PD high power applications. Two other power systems, namely, PE24109 and PE24110 are two compact, low-profile, and ultra-high efficiency step-down DC-DC converter solutions for low output voltage applications targeting applications such as high density, optical transceiver modules.
The PE25208 is Murata’s latest ultra-high efficiency charge pump IC. It achieves peak efficiency of 98.2% when converting from a high voltage input, such as an USB PD Extended Power Range source. The new charge pump IC is ideal for mobile and all portable device manufacturers looking to shrink device size and enhance power efficiency, as well as power conversion system designers who seek to simplify designs, boost system performance, and achieve exceptional efficiency.
However, the PE24109 and PE24110 are based on Murata’s advanced two-stage architecture and consist of a two-phase interleaved charge pump followed by an interleaved buck regulator stage. These power systems greatly reduce the dependency on inductance for high efficiency solutions in small- footprint and height-constrained applications. This makes them the ideal step-down DC-DC converter solutions for low-profile point-of-load (POL) regulators, high-density, optical transceiver modules, and core supplies.
Infineon and GaN Systems’ role in advancing power electronics
In June 2024, Renesas Electronics Corporation, a global leader in microcontrollers, analog, power and SoC products, announced its acquisition of Transphorm, Inc., an American semiconductor company. With this acquisition, Renesas Electronics Corporation planned to start offering GaN-based power products and related reference designs to meet the rising demand for wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor products. WBG materials such as GaN and silicon carbide (SiC) are considered key technologies for next-generation power semiconductors due to their superior power efficiency, higher switching frequencies and small footprints compared to conventional silicon-based devices. Both GaN and SiC-based products are expected to grow rapidly over the next decade, driven by demand from electric vehicles (EVs), inverters, data center servers, artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, industrial power conversion, consumer applications and others.
Similarly, in March 2024, German semiconductor giant Infineon acquired GaN Systems, the leader in Gallium Nitride (GaN) power transistors. This acquisition not only helped Infineon to broaden its technological base but also enhanced its strategic positioning in the rapidly evolving power semiconductor market. This move is a testament to Infineon’s commitment to leading the transition towards more energy-efficient power solutions, an important step in addressing global energy challenges and climate change. The synergy between Infineon’s extensive R&D capabilities and GaN Systems’ innovative GaN technology promises to unlock new possibilities in power electronics, driving advancements in various sectors including renewable energy, automotive, and consumer electronics.
Wrapping up, power semiconductors are foundational to the operation of modern electronic systems across diverse industries. Their ability to efficiently control and convert electrical power makes them indispensable in applications ranging from consumer electronics to renewable energy and industrial automation. In addition, the surge in the demand for power electronics modules from various industry verticals are expected to increase the demand for these devices in the future.
