onsemi Accelerates Silicon Carbide Innovation to Power the Transition to Electrification

Rhea-AI Summary

onsemi (Nasdaq: ON) has introduced its latest generation silicon carbide technology platform, EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs, to accelerate the global transition to electrification. This new platform significantly improves energy efficiency for power-hungry applications, with the ability to reduce conduction losses by 30% and turn-off losses by up to 50% compared to previous generations.

The EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs offer the industry's lowest specific on-resistance (RSP) with short circuit capability, important for the traction inverter market. They can deliver approximately 20% more output power in the same traction inverter housing or enable designs with 20% less SiC content, reducing costs and allowing for smaller, lighter, and more reliable systems.

onsemi has also unveiled plans to introduce multiple future generations of silicon carbide at an accelerated pace through 2030, applying Moore's Law concepts to SiC development to meet rising global energy demands.

Positive

• Introduction of EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs with 30% reduction in conduction losses and up to 50% reduction in turn-off losses
• Ability to deliver 20% more output power in the same traction inverter housing
• Option to design with 20% less SiC content, reducing costs and enabling smaller, lighter systems
• Plans to accelerate silicon carbide innovation with multiple generations through 2030

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

onsemi's introduction of the latest EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs marks a notable advancement in the semiconductor industry. The reduction of turn-off losses by up to 50 and the decreased conduction losses highlight a significant improvement in power efficiency. For investors, this innovation addresses the growing demand for more energy-efficient technologies, especially important in sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs) and industrial applications.

From a financial standpoint, these advancements are likely to enhance onsemi's competitive position and potentially drive revenue growth. The commitment to release multiple generations of silicon carbide technology through 2030 indicates a long-term strategic focus on maintaining technological leadership. This sustained innovation might result in increased market share and profitability, assuming successful adoption by key segments like automotives and renewable energy industries.

Investors should also note the potential cost savings associated with the new MOSFETs. The ability to achieve higher output power with less silicon carbide content translates to lower production costs and could improve profit margins. Additionally, the planned acceleration in product development could shorten time-to-market, enhancing market responsiveness and flexibility, which is critical in fast-evolving sectors.

Tech Expert

The EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs represent a significant technical achievement. By reducing both conduction and switching losses, these devices promise enhanced efficiency and reliability for high-power applications. The technology’s suitability for higher switching frequencies and voltages positions it as a pivotal enabler for next-gen electrical systems, including EV powertrains and DC fast chargers.

One standout feature is the industry's lowest specific on-resistance (RSP) combined with short circuit capability, making it highly attractive for traction inverters—a key component in electric vehicles. The potential for a 20 increase in output power without changing the hardware dimensions highlights the leap in performance efficiency. Technical aspects like these not only reinforce onsemi's reputation as an innovator but also provide practical benefits for manufacturers aiming to build more compact and efficient systems.

Moreover, the company's approach to integrating this new MOSFET technology with a broad portfolio of intelligent power technologies is notable. This end-to-end solution can further optimize system performance and reduce overall costs, making it an appealing proposition for OEMs and system integrators.

Market Research Analyst

The announcement of onsemi’s new generation EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs comes at a strategic time as the demand for energy-efficient solutions is skyrocketing. The global push for electrification, driven by stringent environmental regulations and the ongoing shift toward sustainable energy, aligns perfectly with the capabilities of these advanced MOSFETs.

From a market perspective, silicon carbide (SiC) technology is forecasted to play a critical role in future power electronics. The enhanced performance metrics of the EliteSiC M3e, such as reduced power conversion losses and improved energy efficiency, address key pain points in the industry. As more industries, particularly automotive and renewable energy sectors, adopt these technologies, onsemi is well-positioned to capture a significant share of this growing market.

Additionally, onsemi's accelerated roadmap to introduce multiple generations of SiC technology by 2030 suggests a proactive approach to innovation. This strategy could solidify its market leadership and ensure sustained growth. For investors, this ongoing commitment to innovation and market alignment signals a positive long-term outlook.

Introduces latest generation EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs that significantly improve energy efficiency for power-hungry applications

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

• Latest generation EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs decrease turn-off losses by up to 50% for electrification applications
• Platform uniquely achieves a reduction in both conduction and switching losses on the field-proven planar architecture
• When combined with onsemi’s portfolio of intelligent power products, the EliteSiC M3e can deliver further optimized system solutions and reduce time-to-market
• onsemi unveiled plans to introduce multiple future generations of silicon carbide at an accelerated pace through 2030

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

In the face of escalating climate crises and a dramatic rise in global energy demands, governments and industries are committing to ambitious climate goals aimed at mitigating environmental impact and securing a sustainable future. Key to these efforts is the transition to electrification to reduce carbon emissions and embrace renewable energy resources. In a significant step towards accelerating this global transition, onsemi (Nasdaq: ON) introduced its latest generation silicon carbide technology platform, EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs. The company also disclosed plans to release multiple additional generations through 2030.

onsemi's EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs accelerate the pace of innovation for power semiconductors (Graphic: Business Wire)

“The future of electrification is dependent on advanced power semiconductors. Today’s infrastructure cannot keep up with the world’s demands for more intelligence and electrified mobility without significant innovations in power. This is critical to the ability to achieve global electrification and stop climate change,” said Simon Keeton, group president, Power Solutions Group, onsemi. “We are setting the pace for innovation, with plans to significantly increase power density in our silicon carbide technology roadmap through 2030 to be able to meet the growing demands for energy and enable the global transition to electrification.”

The EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs will play a fundamental role in enabling the performance and reliability of next-generation electrical systems at lower cost per kW, thus influencing the adoption and effectiveness of electrification initiatives. With the ability to operate at higher switching frequencies and voltages while minimizing power conversion losses, this platform is essential for a wide range of automotive and industrial applications such as electric vehicle powertrains, DC fast chargers, solar inverters and energy storage solutions. Additionally, the EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs will enable the transition to more efficient, higher-power data centers to meet the exponentially increasing energy demands that power a sustainable artificial intelligence engine.

Trusted Platform Delivers Generational Efficiency Leap

Through onsemi’s unique design engineering and manufacturing capabilities, the EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs achieve a significant reduction in both conduction and switching losses on the trusted and field-proven planar architecture. Compared to previous generations, the platform can reduce conduction losses by 30% and turn-off losses by up to 50%¹. By extending the life of SiC planar MOSFETs and delivering industry-leading performance with EliteSiC M3e technology, onsemi can ensure the robustness and stability of the platform, making it a preferred choice for critical electrification applications.

The EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs also offer the industry’s lowest specific on-resistance (R_SP) with short circuit capability which is critical for the traction inverter market that dominates SiC volume. Packaged in onsemi’s state-of-the-art discrete and power modules, the 1200V M3e die delivers substantially more phase current than previous EliteSiC technology, resulting in approximately 20% more output power in the same traction inverter housing. Conversely, a fixed power level can now be designed with 20% less SiC content, saving costs while enabling the design of smaller, lighter and more reliable systems.

Additionally, onsemi provides a broader portfolio of intelligent power technologies including gate drivers, DC-DC converters, e-Fuses and more to pair with the EliteSiC M3e platform. The end-end onsemi combination of optimized, co-engineered power switches, drivers and controllers enable advanced features via integration, lowering overall system cost.

Accelerating the Future of Power

Global energy demands are projected to soar over the next decade, making the need for increased power density in semiconductors paramount. onsemi is leading innovation across its silicon carbide roadmap – from die architectures to novel packaging techniques – that will continue to address the general industry demand for increased power density.

With each new generation of silicon carbide, cell structures will be optimized to efficiently push more current through a smaller area, increasing power density. When coupled with the company’s advanced packaging techniques, onsemi will be able to maximize performance and reduce package size. By applying the concepts of Moore’s Law to the development of silicon carbide, onsemi can develop multiple generations in parallel and accelerate its roadmap to bring several new EliteSiC products to market at an accelerated pace through 2030.

“We are applying our decades of experience in power semiconductors to push the boundaries of speed and innovation in our engineering and manufacturing capabilities to meet the rising global energy demands,” said Dr. Mrinal Das, senior director of technical marketing, Power Solutions Group, onsemi. “There is a huge technical interdependency between the materials, device and package in silicon carbide. Having full ownership over these key aspects allows us to have control over the design and manufacturing process and bring new generations to market much faster.”

The EliteSiC M3e MOSFET in the industry-standard TO-247-4L package is now sampling.

More Information:

• EliteSiC M3e Product Page
• EliteSiC Technology Page
• Future Proofing Your Silicon Carbide Design: A Guide for Automotive Manufacturers
• System Solution Guides
• Reliable Supply of Silicon Carbide - The onsemi difference

About onsemi

onsemi (Nasdaq: ON) is driving disruptive innovations to help build a better future. With a focus on automotive and industrial end-markets, the company is accelerating change in megatrends such as vehicle electrification and safety, sustainable energy grids, industrial automation, and 5G and cloud infrastructure. onsemi offers a highly differentiated and innovative product portfolio, delivering intelligent power and sensing technologies that solve the world’s most complex challenges and leads the way to creating a safer, cleaner and smarter world. onsemi is recognized as a Fortune 500^® company and included in the Nasdaq-100 Index^® and S&P 500^® index. Learn more about onsemi at www.onsemi.com.

¹ Based on internal testing when compared to the EliteSiC M3T MOSFETs

onsemi and the onsemi logo are trademarks of Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC. All other brand and product names appearing in this document are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240718262013/en/

Krystal Heaton

Director, Head of Public Relations

onsemi

(480) 242-6943

Krystal.Heaton@onsemi.com

Source: onsemi

FAQ

What are the key features of onsemi's new EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs?

onsemi's EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs offer a 30% reduction in conduction losses and up to 50% reduction in turn-off losses compared to previous generations. They provide the industry's lowest specific on-resistance with short circuit capability and can deliver about 20% more output power in the same traction inverter housing.

How does the EliteSiC M3e platform impact the cost and design of systems?

The EliteSiC M3e platform allows for designs with 20% less SiC content, reducing costs while enabling smaller, lighter, and more reliable systems. It also offers the option to deliver approximately 20% more output power in the same traction inverter housing.

What are onsemi's plans for future silicon carbide development?

onsemi has unveiled plans to introduce multiple future generations of silicon carbide at an accelerated pace through 2030. They are applying Moore's Law concepts to SiC development to meet rising global energy demands and push the boundaries of speed and innovation in power semiconductors.

What applications will benefit from onsemi's EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs?

The EliteSiC M3e MOSFETs are essential for a wide range of automotive and industrial applications such as electric vehicle powertrains, DC fast chargers, solar inverters, energy storage solutions, and more efficient, higher-power data centers to meet increasing energy demands for sustainable AI engines.