Power Technologies & Applications
Power technologies
Wide Bandgap (WBG) semiconductors, such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN), are revolutionising power electronics. Compared to traditional Silicon-based MOSFETs and IGBTs, WBG devices offer significant advantages in terms of efficiency, power density, and operating temperature range. These benefits make them ideal for high-power applications like electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and industrial drives. However, WBG devices are currently more expensive and have limited availability compared to established technologies.
Silicon MOSFETs and IGBTs have been the workhorses of power electronics for decades. MOSFETs excel in low-voltage, high-frequency applications due to their fast switching speeds and low conduction losses. They are widely used in power supplies, motor drives, and consumer electronics. IGBTs, on the other hand, are better suited for high-voltage, high-power applications like industrial drives and renewable energy inverters. They offer high current handling capabilities and robust performance. While not as efficient as WBG devices, MOSFETs and IGBTs remain cost-effective and widely available solutions.
The future of power electronics likely involves a combination of WBG and traditional technologies. As WBG devices mature and become more affordable, they will gradually replace Silicon-based devices in certain applications. However, Silicon MOSFETs and IGBTs will continue to play a crucial role in many applications where cost and maturity are critical factors. The optimal choice of technology depends on the specific requirements of the application, including power level, switching frequency, efficiency, cost, and reliability.
Wide Bandgap: SiC & GaN
Learn more about our wide bandgap power solutions. Find technical articles, additional resources and browse our full WBG product catalogue.
MOSFETs
Learn more about our MOSFET power solutions. Find technical articles, additional resources and browse our full MOSFET product catalogue.
IGBTs
Learn more about our IGBT power solutions. Find technical articles, additional resources and browse our full IGBT product catalogue.
Power Discretes - See Wide Bandgap, MOSFET and IGBT Products
Head over to our full-service portal to see a range of power discrete products including wide bandgap, MOSFET and IGBT solutions from suppliers such as onsemi, NXP, Qorvo, STMicroelectronics, MPS, Microchip and Renesas.
Browse by supplier
Power Packaging and Thermal Management
It wasn’t so long ago that packaging was barely considered when choosing a power semiconductor device — the options were limited and the impact of choosing one package type over another seemed minimal. Today, however, things are very different. With applications such as EV charging and energy conversion demanding higher currents, greater efficiencies, and higher power densities, factors such as circuit board configuration and packaging type can have a significant impact on device performance. Learn more about power packaging and thermal management:
Packaging and thermal management articles
Resources
Power knowledge library
Head over to our power knowledge library to see a full list of our power resources, including articles, webinars, podcasts and more.
Artificial Intelligence
The rapid growth of AI use is expected to drive a 160% increase in data centre power demand by 2030. By some estimates, data centres already consume up to 3% of the world’s electricity, so there is enormous pressure to reduce energy consumption.
Electric Vehicles
Moving from existing 12V systems to 48V promises reductions in wiring harness size and cost, with improved efficiency. Learn more about powering the next wave of electric vehicles.
Industrial Automation
The future of industrial automation is efficiency. If we can improve the efficiency of the electronics powering smart factories, we can make big reductions in carbon emissions, as well as decreasing usage costs.
Vision (AI)
It’s not surprising that the power-related and power-intensive components contribute considerably to the complexity and total costs of an AI-based vision system.
Automotive
Power conversion and energy management underpin a wide range of automotive functionalities, from electric motor control and battery management to the provision of stable power supplies for onboard systems such as ADAS and IVN.
Energy Management
Power electronics play a vital role in energy management systems, with devices like inverters and converters enabling the conversion, control, and management of electrical power.
Solar
Worldwide electricity consumption is growing fast, expected to rise by circa 4% annually from now to 2027. Solar photo voltaic (PV) generation is forecast to provide about half of this extra electricity, driven by falling PV prices and net zero aims.
Wind
To meet global goals for emissions reductions, we need to generate more electricity from renewables – and lots of it. Solar photo voltaic (PV) systems may be the centre of attention, but wind power is also a vital contributor to our net zero push.
Consumer Applications
We all want devices that charge quickly and reliably, while also expecting the chargers themselves to be small, light, and affordable. To achieve these goals, the consumer electronics industry is turning to gallium nitride gallium nitride (GaN).
Healthcare
Characterised by an uncompromising requirement for safety, medical equipment requires power supply solutions that reliably deliver clean and stable power, reducing the risk of patient harm or equipment failure.
Space 2.0
The demand for more processing capability on the edge of space is pushing the limits of power design. Making power supplies radiation-tolerant and more efficient will help keep the satellite industry launching.
EV Charging
As a leading supplier of power solutions, backed by a network of specialist partners and an in-house team of experts, Avnet Silica are your ideal partner in this complex and dynamic market.
Heat Pumps
Discover how heat pumps can help you achieve your sustainability goals while enjoying the benefits of a comfortable and cost-effective heating solution.
Transportation
A decarbonised transport network gives us more benefits than just reducing GHG emissions. Electrification will reduce air pollution and improve health, while improving our quality of life with quieter and cleaner streets.
Tools
Power Reference Designs
See over 300 Power reference designs that can be used to fast-track the proof-of-concept stage and accelerate time to market. Modify designs for your application and export to your CAD tool of choice.
Suppliers
Power Suppliers and Solutions
See the wide selection of suppliers we work with and some of the innovative solutions they bring to the market. Together, we're delivering what's next in Power.
Resources
Knowledge Library
Filled with insights from our Power experts, you’ll find webinars, podcasts and articles on innovative power technologies and their applications.
Contact us
Have a question?
Int. Freecall - 00800 412 412 11 | Product or shop-related inquiries: OnlineSupportEU@avnet.com | Content-related questions: yourmessage@avnet.eu