Wide-bandgap semiconductors, such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), are crucial for achieving efficiency targets in the automotive industry. SiC is already widely used in vehicle traction inverters, on-board chargers, and DC-DC converters, especially beneficial in the 800V DC bus domain. GaN, with its potential for higher switching frequencies, is expected to be used around the 10-kilowatt power range. This wide-bandgap revolution has strategic implications, including manufacturing and vertical integration initiatives. New semiconductor technologies must be accompanied by package innovation to support high-power densities and low parasitic inductance. The growing demand for power semiconductor devices is driving substantial investments and further innovation, with a focus on local and independent supply chains.
