Advent Of SiC Power Semiconductors To Define The Future Of Automobile Industry

Power semiconductors can handle and process large currents and high voltages. The structure of power semiconductors is different from conventional semiconductors, which enables them to handle high voltages and large currents without any damage. Power semiconductors are used mainly for power conversion such as in changing voltages and frequencies as well as in conversion from AC to DC.

The increase in the use of non-conventional energy sources such as solar, tidal, and the growth in need for more efficient and reliable power management in the automotive industry has boosted the adoption of power semiconductors. According to Allied Market Research, the global power electronics market is expected to reach $36.64 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2020 to 2027.

The use of SiC in power electronics

Silicon carbide power semiconductors provide high power density and high power efficiency along with greater resistance for temperature and faster speed for switching. Due to the high cost of the power semiconductors, their use is limited only to motorsport applications and heavy-duty EV powertrains. Energy efficiency is an essential function of an electric vehicle which is made possible by the SiC power semiconductor. SiC power semiconductors have the best switching strategy and cause fewer harmonic losses in the electric motor along with super-fast charging technology. The demand for SiC has skyrocketed over the last couple of years.

The decline in sales of power semiconductors amid a pandemic

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the industry has witnessed a sudden decline in the sales and the demand for new vehicles. Moreover, the pandemic has led to a shutdown of automotive assembly plants across the world. After some relaxations in regulations offered by the government, a few of the plants have reopened. However, they are not fully operating due to shortages of components and employees because of social distancing measures.

The use of power semiconductor devices is extremely vital for an automobile their demand from the automotive companies is a major contributor to the market growth. However, owing to the pandemic, the demand for power semiconductors has experienced a fall in the automotive industry.

Vitesco Technologies to sign partnership with ROHM

Vitesco Technologies, a German developer and manufacturer of powertrain technologies, has signed a partnership with ROHM semiconductors, a Japanese electronics company. Since the SiC power semiconductors make better use of the electric energy stored in the vehicle’s battery, Vitesco technologies have decided to use SiC components to increase the efficiency of its power electronics.

The Vitesco company stated that the SiC power devices provided by ROHM will help the company to get the maximum efficiency out of the power electronics and e-motor. Both the partnered companies have sites at Nuremberg, which would be beneficial for both the companies. The companies will work on creating a combination of ROHM’s SiC power semiconductor technology for high-volume manufacturing.

Over the recent years, the awareness of the need for power consumption reductions and energy-savings resulting in a need for power semiconductors has increased. What’s more, the introduction of SiC has to lead to a better market presence of the power semiconductors in the market. Several automotive companies are collaborating with electronics companies to use SiC power semiconductors. Furthermore, technological advancements will help the power semiconductor market to grow even more.

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